References, Testimonials and Endorsements

Dennis Dickson - Email - (425) 238-3537
Mike Dickson - Email - (425) 330-9506
(There are lots here - don't forget to scroll down)

Below are many testimonials we have received from anglers over the years. If you have a particular interest in one of our outings, let me do this for you. Click Contact Dickson or just drop me an email at DDDicksons@aol.com and I will send you names and email addresses of 10 anglers who have recently taken the very flyfishing trip you are interested in. You can correspond with them directly, no guide talk.

Always happy to help,

Dennis & Mike Dickson, Jeremy Floyd

Hey guys,

Mike, I just wanted to thank you again for the great time fishing two weeks ago on the Skagit. All the tips and tricks paid off huge in my trip to the Metolius River in Oregon this past week. I found lots of stories posted on the web about large bull trout in the Metolius during the winter. Assuming they would behave like the dollies on the Skagit, I managed to land several large bulls (one just over 22 inches!) over two days. I used the same straightforward technique you showed me: look for good seams and then work a good strip cast down the line. The few locals I encountered thought I was crazy when they saw me rigging up your big streamers on fast sink tips. Apparently the bulls are the hardest to catch and quite rare, so it was huge confidence booster for me.

I also had a great day at Swift Creek on the Skagit last Tuesday after the course before I headed down to Oregon. I landed 6 chums and 1 Dolly of various sizes and condition. My best chum was a beast that went on several crazy runs and took me right down the bank past Swift Creek. All but one fish was hooked in the mouth, so again that was a huge confidence booster as most of the others around me seemed to be snagging them.

I'll definitely get in touch with you guys again for some winter Steelhead lessons on the Stilly or Sauk.

Chris

Just a quick note as follow-up Dennis. My sons and I found this to be one of the most memorable experiences we have had as a group. You and Michael are true professionals and we learned tremendously from both of you. Eric and Matt are both hooked on fly-fishing now and they are making plans for our next trip together. I think we will probably join you on the steelhead trip next fall for sure. This was simply a great time and I can’t think of money better spent than investing in this trip.

Thanks,

Craig

Dennis,

Thanks again for designating the North Seattle Boys and Girls Club as the benefactor for the donations from all of us who participated in your One Fly Flyfishing Contest. It is really appreciated.

I have added Derek Smith, the Director of the club, to the cc.

Derek, can you provide Dennis with a summary of the donation amounts and a brief write up of appreciation from the club?

Thanks again,

Steve

Dennis,
My wife Julie and I just got back from last weekend's trip to the Grand Ronde. I must say that we had a great time and it was worth every penny of it. Both guides, Mike and Jonathan, were great. As I said during the
Sauk school, I wanted to give my wife Julie a good first trip for steelheading. And she got exactly that. Mike and Jonathan worked with her both days and she was extremely satisfied and excited about all she learned from them. The third day, in the morning, she bounced out of the tent and announced to me that she was going fishing and it was up to me to load the truck!!! And that's what happened. Now to get her on the Skagit this winter or the Stilly this summer and get her first steelhead. I'll definitely book a trip for her with one of them and
she'll get her fish for sure.

I had a great trip also, catching a hatchery fish early on the first day made it easy for me to relax, try different techniques and enjoy the scenery of that fabulous area, The group we were with were very convivial, great conversations, we got along good and the whole trip was enjoyable. And of course, Bill at Boggan's made the food and hospitality excellent. We'll look forward to next year. I'm going to book several
days with Mike on the Kalama to sight fish this September and look forward to that as well.

Btw, Mike said you really like to tie flies and see different patterns so that's why I sent that selection. Those were examples of what I used to tie for the guides and shops in the Keys that I serviced with custom ties. You'll have to excuse the ratty nature of them as those were my personal flies and I always fished my seconds, the ones that weren't cutting the grade to go out to the customers. The fish don't know the difference and they catch fish as well as the top grade ones. So enjoy if you so desire. They all were very good producers and caught fish regularly. I'm going to adapt several to apply to the steelhead swing.
We'll see how it works out.

I'm going to buy a Yancy line from Mike. I can't say enough about your son. He's a great kid and I'm sure you're very proud of him. You're letting the business pass into good hands and it will stay a success. He took care of all our needs, was very attentive to the group as a whole, always exhibiting a pleasant demeanor. His instructions, as well as Jonathon's, to my wife were very clear and she got that jump in skill and confidence to really feel that she can do this sport. So I gained a true fishing partner as well as my best friend as a result. That is priceless. She and I will benefit from this trip for years to come.
Thanks very much for that.

So here's to a good year to come, I'll see you and the boys for sure
next year.
Dallas J.

"Imagination is more important than knowledge, the important thing is to not stop questioning."
"Once you can accept the universe as matter expanding into nothing that is something - wearing stripes with plaid comes easy."...

Einstein

Dennis,
I had such a great time with Mike & Jonathan that I would like to make plans to return in 2007. I was thinking of combining two trips with you & Mike in the same week, if possible. I would like to join you for the 3 day float trip and combine that with a repeat the same type of 3 day experience that I had with Mike & Jonathan. Is this type of combined trip a possibility? 3 days was simply not enough! I also may want to come a little later in October. I was part of Mike's first trip this year.

Thanks for the great experience on the Grande Ronde in 2006! I landed
several steelhead, and one of them was the hottest wild male steelhead that I have
ever had the pleasure of catching! Mike has it all on video too.
Robert F

Hi Dennis

I had a great time Sunday on the Stilly. Caught both small and large Deer Creek fish, native rainbows and SRC. Jonathan was a great guide. We spent about 3 hours hiking over the course of the day but Jonathan took me to a pool that was jugged with fish and empty of the Labor day crowds. My wife Robin enjoyed the walk and the beautiful river views and our Italian Greyhound Eddie learned to swim as we crossed the numerous tailouts. It was hilarious watching him trying to fight the current (he weights all of 12 lbs). Will forward you some digital pictures.

What openings do you have available for the Grande Ronde? What airport would I fly to? Lewiston ? Seattle and drive?

Zail K

Hi Mike,

Just want to say a big thanks for a great trip! I really appreciated the time you spent with Jeff working him through some of the "fly fishing 101" basic's, he really learned a lot from you. A special thanks from me for putting me onto my first Sauk Steelhead, it was tough going with the beautiful warm summer like day but you still managed to put me onto the right spot to hook that big Buck. After missing a hook up in the morning (after you told me where the fish would be! ) I didn't want to blow another chance you were dead on with the location of that fish, most people would have floated right by. It always amazes me the power a Steelhead possess. Even though it was getting a bit late in the season that fish was still very strong and put up a great battle. I always tell people there is real value in hiring the right guide and once again you proved my theory correct ( not sure about the guide who was sleeping on the beach every time we passed him!) if you want to catch Steelhead on the fly do some research and hire the best fly guide you can. Mike you really know your stuff, I would highly recommend you to anyone wanting an experienced professional "on the fly" Steelhead guide. I was expecting a couple cheese sandwiches for lunch, when you pop out the stove and made a hot shore lunch I was blown away, that really hit the spot and helped carry us through the afternoon. Looking forward to coming down to the OP this fall/winter and fishing with you, I should be throwing the Spey by then.

Have a great summer and say hi to the old guide sleeping on the beach, tell him I said he's got a great kid following in his foot steps. Cheers,

Howard N.

Hi Mike & Dennis,

Just thought I would drop a line to say what wonderful fishing I had with you guys the other day, on the Skagit River. As you know, I am what you might call a pretty hard core, steelhead flyfisher. I was somewhere between, interested and skeptical about this winter surface flyfishing. I should have learned my lesson when my buddies talked me into skating dries for the humpy salmon with you guys last fall but as fun as that was, I think this maybe even better! Mike & I jumped fish right off the get go, and at my poor count rose seventeen big Dollies (excuse me, Bull trout), all on my Yakima trout rod. I never did break out my spey rod that day, but hey, that was my call. Keep that that Dolly Skater in house. I have never seen anything like it. I can see why you like it for Alaska silvers.

Tight lines,

Jimmy V.

Hello Dennis,

I would like to take the time to tell you how impressed I was with Mr. Donarski and his arsenal of skill and professionalism.

Darrel is a uniquely talented fisherman and instructor with a wonderful passion for his art on the river. I really look forward to working with him in the near future as my confidence level has increased immensely.

Sincerely,

Scott

Dennis,

Thanks again for the great trip. Although Mr. Steelhead eluded us, we
sure did have a great time with the surface rising Dollies. In fact, Craig and I both
agreed that we wouldn't trade our 30 plus Dolly rises, with 18 landed,
for one or two steelhead. So, our trip was really even better than I
had expected. Those Dollies to 25" were just super great fun. We are already
planning a return trip or two. Maybe the November gig this year, and
the GR next year.

Hey, a couple of questions if I may. I am going to be in Oregon
(Lincoln City) for spring break with the kids. The [****] river is
right there, and is supposed to have a decent Steelhead run.

Q: What do you sell for flies that I could use down there, and what would the technique be? Could I use the same skating pattern like
we did? Any advice would be really
great.

Best of fishing,

Ron S.

Hello Dennis,

I wanted to thank you for showing me one of the finest fishing lakes in the state. It is such a thrill hooking those big, beefy trout. They are so strong and such determined fighters, landing one can really test your skill. It was the next best thing to steelhead fishing.

When I went back out on the lake Saturday evening after the class I was able to pick up 4 nice fish using an olive leach pattern. After catching my first mystery lake fish, I was hooked. I fished until dark and decided to stay for Sunday as well. Thanks to all I had learned from you the day before, Sunday was an incredible day of fishing. I caught fish on a leach pattern in the early morning and on chironomids (thanks to a very kind fisherman that gave me a couple of the hot bugs) in the late morning and early afternoon. I also caught fish using a parachute Adams, a Griffith gnat and even a CDC calebatis. For the day, I landed an even dozen fish and lost at least that many more. Each and every one was a big fighting machine and a thrill to catch.

Thanks again for sharing this wonderful lake and for all your help.

John Allan

Mike,

It was two years ago now that I took my first fly fishing class with you and your dad. At that time, I was a rookie to fly fishing for steelhead. I learned more in one day than I deserved for the money. At the end of the day, I was hooked and I needed some gear. So, it was a no brainer to go ahead and buy the line, rod and reel system you guys use every day. I love my Yancee line, Rainshadow rod and Tioga reel system. But....as you know, a big old brut of a Chum broke my rod last month while in B.C.

This note is a big thank you!... for simply smiling as I told you the story and then by replacing the rod for nothing, than again for another big smile while telling me, "to get back out there and catch some winter steelhead" when my new rod arrived! The Dickson bunch not only are fish wise they know how to treat a customer and sell some awesome gear.

A customer for ever!

Don Wyman
Bremerton

Dear Mike:

Wanted to drop and line and mention how much I enjoyed our latest outing on the O.P.
I will have to confess. A good buddy talked me into booking with you guys. I have always heard the Dickson guides never fish the Spey Guys. Not even sure where that came from, it became obvious, you are as accomplished with the double as you are with single handed rod.

Mistake # 2: Dickson guides are only for the novices. I know this sounds like smoke, but after fishing with both you and your Dad, it is apparent, you boys know more about the steelhead in Washington waters than any fly guide I have found. And trust me, I have been drilled in shops and clubs on who's who for years, and at some point, probably fished every "expert" guide out there. Ever considered visiting some of the clubs? Sure, there are some knot-heads, but most all pretty good guys. They just need to get to know you. My only regret it took me so long to get out with you. Can't wait for the Grande Ronde in the fall!

As you know I pretty much fish only the Spey. Good luck putting together the lighter spey rods for smaller fish! After trying your FLHS & the Yancy, I will probably be your first customer. Looking forward to another Olympic Peninsula outing on the Chosen.

Tight Lines,
Alan R. MD

Dennis, Mike (aka "The Dickson Boys") -

Just wanted to drop a short note thanking you for such a great time fishing on the Skagit this past Friday (11/18/05). Thank you! this is one of the finest and fun outings I have had in a long time. As I warned you I am a beginning fly fisher wanting to learn to fly fish. Both of you not only taught me basics of; casting, knot tying, reading the water and selecting flies but I was also hooking into and catching salmon. What a fight - love it. Both of you are great guides and fun to be out with. I will definitely be back for more - I still have a lot to learn. Thanks again.

Take care,
Dennis R.

Dear Dennis,

Thanks for giving Noah and I such a great trip. We also found a blitz of fish at the lower camp the evening after you left us. Five big fish from one run in one afternoon was just awsome! These fish were much bigger than I expected, Noahs 6 wt was barely a match for one of these monsters. These fish looked like they should have been in the Skagit!

You and Mike did a wonderful job of guiding us. After searching out a bunch of rivers, it was clear that every run you put us in was a primo opportunity. You guys clearly know this river and give this advantage to your clients. It was a pleasure to have you share this special river with us.

You have made Noah and I lovers of the Grand Rhonde. I am sure you will see us again!

Thanks again....................DR.Richard Gubner

Mike -

Thanks for a great day on the Sauk. What a treat to see that big steelie buck! Your patient attention has helped me climb further up that learning curve as I figure out how to read water, throw weighted flies, and understand how to catch (& land) fish. I'll be tyin' up some purple and blue marabous....

Thanks again!

Lew Consiglieri

Jonathan -- I want to thank you for a wonderful day fishing the Sauk and Skagit. Even though I have fished with other guides, you went way beyond my expectations. You freely shared your knowledge of this great fishery and of the effective techniques; you worked with Rohan to get him to be proficient enough to enjoy the day and to catch a fish; and you did all of this with a gentle manner. Rohan and I will always remember this day as one of bonding with each other and with the nature of the western-side Cascades.

Tight lines,

Mike Redlin

Mike Just wanted to drop you a line and say how much I enjoyed the fishing on the river last Friday. I learned quite a bit about chums that day and hope to be able to expand on my knowledge. thanks again for your patience and teaching. I am defiantly interested in taking some of the on the water schools in the future. thanks again
Duane Sutton

Hi Dennis,

Well, i just got back to civilization and wanted to say thanks for showing me a good time over on the Grande Ronde. I had so much fun and learned a lot, from all of you guys. It was my first guided trip and I don't know anything about ettiquite, but i wanted to give you guys a tip for working your butts off to get us all into fish. I got to fish with Mike the most, I enjoyed his company and I learned a lot from him. He was always there to help out and to laugh along with me and my comedy of errors. From overspinning reels to near-dunkings, I had some good laughs with him! And thanks to Jonathan for all of the good food. I even made some new buddies in the two Jims' from TX. The three of us fished the infamous A6 Thursday morning at first light(they even gave me their top secret, steelie-slaying A6 fly to fish the pool with!). A cool moment: I fished thru first, and the Jims followed though behind. Bearded Jim hooked a nice little wild fish at the end of the run, played and released it, when Jim L. started at the head of the run. A few casts into it, he yelled down that he was hung on a rock...I looked back up at him and his reel started screaming! The fish took off thru the pool and made a couple of jumps. We helped him play the fish and I tailed it for him--a beautiful, silvery wild fish! I'm sure he'll send you the photos, it was one nice fish and he was thrilled. Just to see this dude from Texas so excited about steelhead and being out West was really cool.

And I wanted give a big thanks to you for coaching me into that steelhead on a dry. It was the most exciting thing that's ever happened at the other end of my fly line! Just to see the take and feel the fish on...I don't see how it can get better than that! Fishing that afternoon with you and getting a fish on top like that made the trip for me. It's something I'll remember for the rest of my life and I can't thank you enough for that.

Willie

Mike,

Thanks very much for the day on the Kalama we spent chasing steelhead. I had a great time fishing with you, and learning yet another method to entice these beautiful fish to hit a well presented fly. You've learned your skills as a guide very well, and I appreciate the opportunity to learn from you. Once again a new Dickson method produced fish to hand. It was truly a rewarding experience.

Thanks again and here is the fish that cooperated for the camera. (Hope these files are not too large for you).

Jack

Dennis,

I've got to say that yesterday's trip was among the best I've had. My brother in law, Mike, and I had a wonderful time with Jonathan.

Fly fishing is Mike's main hobby and he loves it. He learned a lot from Jonathan, and said that he enjoyed himself immensely.

Jonathan worked with us for over 11 hours, checking every possible run for success. He is a class act, and you shouldn't hesitate to connect him with your clients. I landed five Dolly - V's and hooked three more. I took some shots, and am enclosing some of them. Some people have trouble receiving big files, so I will send these 7 shots in a couple of e-mails.

Thanks for hooking us up with Jonathan.

Charlie

Hello Dennis,

I wanted to thank you for showing me one of the finest fishing lakes in the state. It is such a thrill hooking those big, beefy trout. They are so strong and such determined fighters, landing one can really test your skill. It was the next best thing to steelhead fishing.

When I went back out on the lake Saturday evening after the class I was able to pick up 4 nice fish using an olive leach pattern. After catching my first mystery lake fish, I was hooked. I fish until dark and decided to stay for Sunday as well. Thanks to all I had learned from you the day before, Sunday was an incredible day of fishing. I caught fish on a leach pattern in the early morning and on chironomids (thanks to a very kind fisherman that gave a couple of the hot bugs) in the late morning and early afternoon. I also caught fish using a parachute adams, a griffith nat and even a CDC calebatis. For the day, I landed an even dozen fish and lost at least that many more. Each and every one was a big fighting machine and a thrill to catch.Thanks again for sharing this wonderful lake and for all your help.

John Allan

Dennis,

I'd like to thank you for accommodating me last friday on the Skagit fishing for dollies and steelhead. I am not what you would call an emotional guy (which drives my wife nuts), but after the trip with Mike last friday, I think I broke the barrier.

In the first 5 minutes of the trip (literally on the 2nd cast), we were already onto fish. And of course since I never expected the fish to bite right away, I lost that while trying to figue out my left hand from my right. Anyway to cut the story short, we rose so many fish to the surface that day. We had a blast watching the fish blow/slash/miss and eat the flies we were presenting.

We had fish going after our flies on almost every hole that we fished in. All I can say is that it was absolutely amazing!!! These fish were by no means small and they were taking me straight to my backing. I had all the fish I can handle by 1030 am. The funny part is, we never saw anybody on the water until the last few hours of our trip. It went so well that right after lunch I called it a day.

Thanks for letting me in on a fishery that I did not know existed right in my neighborhood. No wonder, with the amount of fun I have with you guys on the water - I keep coming back for more. My wife said "Might as well open up a Dickson trust fund" :) Hmmmmn.

Please send Mike my heartfelt thanks for a Job well done.

John

Hey Dennis,

I can't believe it has been a month since my last trip out. We had a great time and I was yet again amazed at the surface fly presentation, but when told the how and why you just think, why would you do any anything else? What cracked me up was that just when I thought I was starting to get the hang of the sink tip swing that I have been working on all winter, it doesn't apply, at all. Next thing you know your standing there working your fly thinking to yourself, wow a whole new to way to catch fish, but new to who, and then, why is there only suppose to be one way to catch fish, and then you realize your face hurts because your smiling so hard having such a good time. But that was just me. Anyway, Dennis thanks for a great trip and finding the time to take us out. I look forward to the next time I can get out on the water with you.

Thanks again

Monty

Hi Mike.

I had a great time Saturday. Thanks for all the leaders and flies, the use of your rod, the use of your camera, the 2-handed casting instruction, and all the great advice and tips. Thanks most of all for putting me on my first wild steelhead in that beautiful river. I guess I'll see you this weekend at the OP schools. Cheers

Joe

Dennis,

I have to tell you that my son Tanner, who is 7, and I had the absolute best time on the Skagit with Jonathan. His ability to show us the proper casting techniques needed to cast with sink tip lines as well as show us how to read the water in order to identify fish-able runs was amazing. The knowledge that was shared on the river that day are things that we will continue to develop and will stay with us as long as we fish. Now that being said, it was just so much fun, fishing and spending the day on the river. I know that Tanner had a great time also and on the way home he said to me "Dad, that was the bestest fishing trip ever!", and it was. Thank you Jonathan for a great day on the water and by the way the fish we hooked and landed were just a bonus.

Thanks again!
Monty and Tanner

Dennis - I had a great time. I learned a lot and my confidence level is where it needs to be to pursue this brutal fishery. Jonathan is a truly talented guide. His demeanor is perfect. I really enjoyed the last part of the day fishing with him. Pleease tell him so for me.

I will recommend your service to everyone who might even be slightly interested. And I will look you up for the eastern WA action when time allows. Maybe then I'll share a few sea stories.

BTW - Forgot to mention that I, too, was a biology guy many moons ago. Majored in Environmental Bio w/ a minor in Chemistry. That's what lead to oceanography, going to sea, and ultimately a legal career. Wierd world.

Take care and I'll see you down the road.

Bob Anderson

Hello Dennis,
I would like to start off by saying thank you soooo much for the guide you my friend Muddy and I. Your knowledge is second to none and everying you instructed and said made all the sense in the Steelhead world that was once soo clouded! Thank you for clearing the clouds I had on Steelhead flyfishing, now I can practically go anywhere and have the confidence to hook Steelhead at will, thanks to you!

My friend Muddy also would like to thank you, he mentioned your Knowledge is impeccable and is so much (more) valuable than a "magic fly" that some claim to have. Muddy is now an official flyfisher and out from the darkside and into the light. He bought my Loomis GL3 7wt at the end of the day and now has an obsession to catch his first Steelhead after catching his first Dollie, my first Dollie too!
Thanks so much again Dennis for the great time!

God bless and take care!

Peter Pancho ><>

Tacoma,WA

PS: I'm looking foward to taking a Steelhead class too this summer!!!

Hi Dennis!

First off, let me just say a big “THANK YOU” to you and your guides for the awesome Skykomish Steelhead School! Both my dad and I felt that we learned so much…much more than we had thought we would (you gave so much more info than I realized was out there)! You have given me the confidence to go out and fish for winter steelhead with the knowledge that I’m finally “doing it right”! You, Jonathan, and Mike were so helpful, and all of you have a gift for teaching (and thanks to Jonathan again for letting me use his rod)! I’m excited to go out and start banging some winter fish!

Also, I’m excited for the trip, where I can learn to fish for my favorite “piscatorial pursuit” on the surface! We will hopefully find a good time in the end of August for both of our schedules (well, since I pretty much live down there in August as my summer Chemistry research at PLU is complete, I’ll be down there anyway…I’m hoping that your schedule will have a gap!) My Grande Rhonde and OP Spring Steelhead trip are already considered a done deal in my mind! I’m just going to MAKE the time, and do it! I figure that if you are recommending these two places, with the level of knowledge you have and the places you’ve fished, they must be something really special (and something I need to experience)!

Thanks Again,

Paul Clark

Dennis, Mike:

Just wanted to take a minute and say a big Thanks for the “schooling” that took place on the Chosen. What a great day it was. You guys are definitely the “go to” guys for this stuff. I had a great time and the wealth knowledge that I received from your instructions and lectures are invaluable. I really appreciate it. That took some serious time off my learning curve. I am much more confident in my abilities now. It was also nice to see that I wasn’t coming way out of left field in my approach, but your refinements will clearly set me up for success.

And that Yancey Line – all I can say there is: THAT’S THE TICKET!!!! You’ll be getting an order from me soon. I am confident that when my fishing partner gives it a shot, he will be sending an order as well.

......

Thanks again fellas! I really had a great time out there and look forward to doing it again this summer on the Stilly for some surface action with the 5wt. Best of Luck and Tight Lines.

Jason

Dennis,

Rich and I would like to thank you for the outstanding fishing experience of
our lives bar none! We are hooked on steelhead.
Your instructional talent and ability to communicate is an exceptional gift.
Rob and Curtis at Orvis said you were the best and they were right.
We are ready to book a trip with your son in the first half of March.
Please have him e-mail or phone me so that we can confirm a date.
Additionally, we are ready to order two of the monofilament line systems
that we enjoyed so much. Can you also include a dozen custom tied leaders?
Please advise what the total cost is and I will forward a check to you asap.

Again, thank you kindly for introducing us to the magic. After many years
of dreaming, we know our first steelhead is within reach.

Take care,
Scott Pauli
Rich Connelly

Dennis,

You're a master of your trade and possess a talent for teaching. That
combination, along with your patience, sense of humor, and enthusiasm, made
each of those trips enlightening and enjoyable. Specifically, before I went
on your Sauk River Steelhead School, I wanted to catch a steelhead on a fly
but didn't really know how to approach the challenge. I was never quite
sure if my technique or the water I was fishing would produce. What do you
know? I wasn't successful. I decided to take one of your classes and
learned in one day probably what would have taken me a year to pick up. As
you've said, the learning is in the doing. For winter steelhead, I now know
how to read water and pick spots conducive to swinging a fly "low and slow."
I also now know HOW TO swing a fly "low and slow." Several weeks after your
Sauk class, I went back and landed a beautiful 10lb native buck on your very
own Cop Car. My first steelhead on a fly!

Well, I now have the steelhead addiction and have been fishing the Skykomish
since the June 1st opener. With the high waters, I've been employing the
winter techniques I learned from the Sauk class and have been very
successful. 2 steelhead landed out of 6 hooked.

I can't wait to go on one of your summer steelhead schools so that I can
learn how to catch steelhead using surface techniques.

Thanks for all the great fun, and please post this message to your
References and Endorsements."

Young

Dennis,
Just a quick note to really thank you for the great day yesterday. It built my confidence a ton to know that my fly is in the right place. I was so relaxed and enjoyed the day very much. You are truly a master of your profession.

Jeff

Dennis --

I just wanted to drop a note to rave about Mike as a guide last Thursday on the Grande Ronde. I would have enjoyed the day on the river with Mike even if I had not caught a single fish, but was absolutely delighted after I was able to catch three steelhead on flies that day. It got even better, however. I had to be back in Walla Walla by early afternoon on Friday for Parents Weekend at Whitman College. I was so enthusiastic by our success on Thursday, I decided to fish a couple of hours Friday morning before heading out. As a testament to Mike's teaching skills I managed to land three more steelhead between 7:30am and 10:00am that morning. Needless to say I will be back to the Grande Ronde in the future. Its a beautiful river with obviously very good opportunities to hook and land steelhead on flies. What a trip!

Again, Mike was great and I look forward to the opportunity to fish with one or both of you again. Best wishes.

Lee

Dennis,

Thank you for a wonderful day on the Skykomish. YOu are the steelhead mentor that I've been searching for. It is great that you provide these affordable and incredibly informative schools. Now I won't wonder about whether I'm doing it right anymore. Food was delicious. I enjoyed meeting Mike and Jonathon.

Looking forward to the next one.

James Watson

Dennis,

Thanks so much for a great trip! [Grande Ronde River 3 day camp-out] The time of my flyfishing life so far, for sure. Aside from running a great trip, good food and good company, the thing that I really am appreciative of is you and Mike taking the time to not only put us over good water but working with me on my approach. Being only a few years into my flyfishing life and fairly new to steelheading, I was approaching the whole process wrong. I felt completely supported and at ease with how both of you would offer suggestions and critigue. There was no pressure or ego, which would have been natural for someone with your resume. It frankly made it easy to take suggestions, pretty much change everything and get into some really nice steelhead. Having fished with you once before I was reminded why it was so great before and I look forward to going again and again.

Thanks again,

Rob Bodkin

Dennis and Mike:

Just wanted to drop you a note to say "Thanks" again for a great trip on the Grande Ronde! I can truly see why you love that river and country. I do too now.

A year ago October I decided after many years of flyfishing for trout that I wanted to learn how to flyfish for steelhead and that the best way to do that was to learn from those who knew how. So I signed up for the summer steelhead/searun cutthroat class last October and since that time have taken a number of other classes (chums, Sky winter steelhead, and humpy surface flies) from you. Those classes were great but it all came together this past weekend with my first steelhead on a fly (7 of them and 3 of those on the surface). It was everything that I imagined and more. I'm hooked. Just wanted to let you know that Mike Brown and I stuck it out thorugh the rain Saturday night. The rest of the guys bailed out but Mike and I had some good fishing Sunday before leaving in the afternoon. Each of us caught two and needless to say that lifted Mike's spirits. I got the large one below just after dawn right behind camp. We then hiked downriver from the end of the road and found a nice little run where we caught 3 from the one run. Mike caught got 2 and I got the 1 other shown below. Also attached the picture I got from Rob of the nice fish I took on the surface Friday afternoon. Hope the rest of the trips went well for both of you and I'm looking forward to the next trip to the Grande Ronde. Thanks again. Russ.


Russ Nelson

Dennis,

I just wanted to drop you a note regarding my recent two days fishing with Mike and two of my coworkers. It was absolutely awesome. We had a wonderful time. Mike did an excellent job of guiding us on two one day guided trips on the river. Mike is a great guide and he went the many extra miles. We even hit a few steelhead. As I said, Mike did an outstanding job of providing us instruction and encouragement. You can't ask for more than that from a guide. Mike was very helpful and a lot of fun to fish with and we look forward to going out with him again. We all learned a lot about chasing steelhead with a fly and I feel confident with the skills we have learned Mike. Thanks a lot for such a good guide service and I look forwarding more time on the river with you and Mike. Have a nice day!

Terry S. Nuzzo

Dennis and Mike,

Just thought I would drop a note of thanks and appreciation.

"Skagit Fall Fishing gone Alaska" struck me as an interesting title to your email message. Not having ever fished in Alaska and just beginning my addiction to the fly, I let my imagination run a little. I created a mental image of me, a true beginner, catching so many fish that my arms became so tired that I couldn't hold the fly rod up any longer. OK, back to reality.

What really set the hook and got me to sign up for your day trip was this statement:

"When was the last time you had a 50 fish day on anything with your trout rod for fish you measured in pounds?"

Well...I have never had a 50 fish day...EVER! Quite honestly, I couldn't even dream of a day like that. If I could experience only a quarter of that, I would be in "fly fishers heaven"!

Well, for a day, I was there. I couldn't believe the action we had. I lost count of fish brought to the beach, but by days end, I am sure it was approaching that 50 mark you talked about. To be able to catch a lot of those salmon on a surface fly was totally awesome. Everybody knows that salmon don't feed on a bright sunny, warm day in fresh water. Let alone on the surface. Right?!

Looking back on the day, it seemed like we were catching fish when the other guys we saw on the river weren't. At the very least we were catching them at a much faster rate than the others.
It became obvious to me early on that you guys know the techniques that consistently catch fish. Your ability to take an absolute beginner like myself, and teach, with great patience I might add, these methods is truly a gift. The things I learned from you two would be a bargain at twice the price. Now don't go raising your rates!

Mike, I am so looking forward to spending the day with you later this month on the Grande Ronde. I am anxious to learn some effective techniques for G.R. Steelhead. While I am not so naive to expect a "catching" day like we had on the Skagit, I am sure that we will have a great time "fishing".

Until next time...
Thanks again!

Dennis,

I took my wife out for Skagit Pinks yesterday. She never fly fished (we tried, but

she always ended up reading a book or taking a nap while I fished), let alone she never caught a fish in her life. I showed her where to stand, where to cast (she can master about 30'), and how to retrieve the fly, just as you showed me how. She was into a fish after a few casts. We had our 2 years old son with us, so we could not stay as log as we wanted. But about little over an hour of fishing. she hooked six fishes and landed four. Needless to say she was a happy camper. There were many people fishing including over a half a dozen fly fishers. And I think you get a kick out of this. There she was my wife, who can barely cast a 30', splashing and snapping a fly on her back cast, one out of two of her forward cast looks more like pile of fly line than a cast. Yet she was into fish consistently. A fly angler 50 yard up steam from us was swinging double handed rod, making beautify 80 ' cast, but never hooked a fish while we were there. Almost everybody was standing where we were fishing, and casting into the fast current. I think the double handed rod guy got a little irritated by the look he gave us every time my wife hooked a fish. I don't blame him either, since every time she hooked a fish she get excited and yelled, and then our son get excited and screamed "fish, fish, fish." A couple boys down stream from us got observant, and start watching what my wife was doing and listening what I was saying to my wife, and they start catching also. I guess this is the reason I like to fish with you, I learn. How do I know I learned something? For one thing, I start catching more and consistently on my own. But the best indicator is that if I can teach someone else into fish with confidence why and how, then I consider I learn something what you taught me.

Thanks Dennis!

Toshi

Dennis,
Just wanted to thank you again for a couple of excellent days with you and Michael last week. The guys and I had a blast. You two are not only exceptional guides, but people of that caliber as well. I look forward to seeing you over a line again before long.

Have a good fall,
Kris Thomas

Dear Dennis,

I wanted to send a note thanking you for a great trip this past Wednesday. All three of us had a great time and I know I learned a lot. While I would have loved to be the one hooking the fish, I was very happy to see Steve have such a great day.

I also wanted to express my appreciation for the approach you take to guiding. I love to catch fish and each time I've been out with you that is certainly part of the fun. What I appreciate more however is the detailed instruction that you provide. I have been fishing for many years and have recently felt that my fishing success had reached a plateau. I felt that I needed to learn some new waters, more about the fish I was chasing and some new techniques. This past fall's trip with you fishing tide-water salmon and this most recent trip winter steelheading has put me back on the learning curve. Between the information you provide on your website and time spent with you on the water, the way I fish has changed drastically and as a consequence my angling success has increased significantly. I look forward to future trips and my continued education as a fly angler.

Best regards,

Scott

Dennis-
I just wanted to thank you again for a wonderful trip on tuesday. My dad and I once again accellerated our learning curve about 5 years forward in one day on the river with you. I also was incredibly impressed with your teaching ability in getting my dads casting from beginner to good in one day. Getting that native steelhead in the mid-teens to hit wasn't to shabby either! I am heading up to the Sauk/Skagit tommorow and I was wondering what general area I should target with the flows as high as they are. Thanks again.
-Thomas Buehrens

Dennis,

I learned a lot from you on our day on the Skagit, but just as importantly I
simply got very fired up about fishing bigger water for bigger fish -- the
desired effect. I really do thank you for expanding my horizons in the most
beautiful pastime in the world.

Regards,

Eric

Hi Dennis,
I had fun on SRC/Steelie school. Your unselfish willingness to share your
knowledge and expertise is to be commended. There is always room to learn.
More important, is your ability to effectively communicate to a broad
spectrum of skill and age levels without redundancy. I was especially happy
for young Nathan's success ratio (more so than mine) and see the smile on
his face after landing his first SRC. Thank you, Mike for the great hot
lunch. It sure beat my standard peanut butter and jelly.

Catch you later,

C. <")))><
Charles San Diego

Dennis, thanks so much for the awesome trip yesterday. Brennan and I had an incredible time. I was happily surprised by catching so many nice fish in one day, particularly with low and clear water with the sun breaking out. Certainly without your experience and know-how on what to do, we would not have done so well. Also, thanks for helping Brennan out so much (and me too), we both appreciated the patience and help. We will definitely do it again sometime. I've attached 3 pictures that came our pretty good.

take care,
David and Brennan Cole

Dennis,
I just wanted to let you know I had an amazing time with Mike on Saturday,
July 20--especially because I caught my first steelhead, but most of all
because Mike was such a great guide. He is very knowledgeable, patient, an
excellent teacher and good company. I had a good time and learned a lot
that day-which were my main objectives--and would have been happy even if we
had not caught that fish. I'm still very much a novice at this sport, but
know enough to realize that it is a real privilege to spend a day like that
on a river with an excellent guide and to catch a fish, too. Attached is a
link to the few photos we took, which I just had developed the other day.
I'm really thankful that you were able to hook me up on such short notice,
and please accept my apologies for waking you up Saturday morning when I
lost the directions-I'm usually not such a klutz, though as I am sure Mike
told you, I also left my car keys in his truck when we put in to the water
that morning. I'd like to come back one day for one of your classes, so I
hope I'll be forgiven, and that I won't join the ranks of some of the more
infamous clients who you've written about on your web site! I guess I was
just really excited to be fishing-I still am! But, like I said: I learned a
lot that day, so it shouldn't happen again.
Thanks & Best wishes,
Jim

Hi Dennis,

Great time at the Skykomish school on Saturday. I put what I learned to use on Sunday and caught my first west coast steelhead on the North Fork! A 27" chrome bright hatchery summer run. I also hooked and lost a larger fish that evening.( only thing that could of been better if they came on the surface) How big do the hatchery run fish get on the Stilly?. I estimated about a 10 - 12 lb fish. (Hardly any other fishermen - I promise I'll keep quiet about it - no crowds and steelhead - Heaven - man I've missed these fish living in Atlanta.)

You and Mike do a great job.

Dave Aughey

Dennis and Mike

hey just wanted to say thanks again for the great trip on the skagit last
saturday, i learned a lot and had a good time with the whole group.

to give my two cents of feedback, i really had read your site extensively
more than once and i feel like that really helped when you were going over
information ( i had read that others felt really overwehlmed ) so others
might want to do the same before taking class.

you two seem to work well as team and have a professional approach while
maintaining a very laid back and positive atmosphere. also your enthusiasm
when we started to cast the yancey well and started to get into water that
may have been holding fish made it a really fun time.

i hope to take maybe a summer run class on the NF stilly and keep up the
great work on the website. there are many of us out there that get a LOT
out of your reports and "ask dennis" feedback.

mike good luck with your site as well.

talk to you soon.

Brian

First of all I REALLY enjoyed my day with you on the Sauk River
(2/15). Hope your knee is OK again. Things I liked and/or that went well:
(a) Drifting a river as part of a class. This is much better than a
single site on shore where you have to “pretend” certain conditions exist.
(b) The session on hooking and playing a fish (assimilation?) – never
heard or saw this before. Really great and pertinent stuff.
(c) Seeing and using the Yancey system (I’m looking forward to getting
one).
(d) Being in a drift boat with an experienced guide (I was with Johnny).
It gave me a great opportunity to ask questions about fishing conditions and
reading the water. However, there are drawbacks to this – see below.
(d) A really full and long class day. In my experience, these kinds of
events tend to work out to be more like half day sessions. Your class cost a
slight bit more than others but it was a little longer in total time, it was
in “real time” (or should that be “reel time”), and you included more very
pertinent material – along with an effective “see it then do-it” approach. I
learned a great deal but I intend to take another class from you someday.
(e) Your approach – open, direct and on-point. Your introduction and
build-up to a topic almost always pays off in something specific and/or
meaningful about steel heading. Your analogies are great (kitten/string,
rotweiler).
(f) Your openness – there seem to be no (few) secrets about steel
heading. You lay out all you know about steel heading – but it does come
fast and furious; thus, the your web site articles become important.
(g) The lunch – great sausage!

Things I didn’t liked and/or that didn’t go well:
(a) Huge volume of information with some of it being highly detailed.
Difficult to retain very much of the detailed stuff. After the class I
visited your web site and read several of your articles that I thought were
pertinent to the things we did/talked about. I had read them before but now
they started to sink in. Suggest you have people taking your classes read a
couple of the most key articles beforehand – like Steelhead Flies: Fact and
Fiction.
(b) Being in a drift boat that frequently was pretty well removed from
you as we drifted and, thus, I was unable to hear whatever “gems” you were
throwing out.

Overall, I was very satisfied with the class, you, and your supporting
personnel and equipment. I’ll be back – for either guiding or more
instruction.

Paul

hi,

what a great time. thank you. got to admit i really
was not wanting to go cause i figured we would fish
the skagit(swift creek) and i did not want to. i was
not going to say anything cause i had to cancel in
sept. to let you know i was very happy when i saw the
pontoon boats then got really happy when you said we
are fishing the sauk.

sauk is a great river and not having a pontoon boat i
don't get to fish it. not only do you help clients
with your insights you also are aware of our needs. i
am glad that we got to fish together. its weird to
know its been 6 years we have fished together and each
time it is a new experience. thank you again for the
great time on fri. although after watching the
huskies get trampled maybe we should have gone
sun.(ha, ha,).

anyway have a great week. next trip i would like to
fish the sky. maybe in feb, then summer runs on the
wynooche?

thank you,
chris

Dennis,
I think it was about a year ago when I discovered your website and started this adventure....can't believe how many fish I've landed on a flyrod in the rivers this year....thanks so much for showing the way!
John M

Dennis,

Well neither Bert nor I got there for the great fishing before the river
blew, but I did manage to get my friend Steve Rohrbach and his son to do
so....they had a great time with your son...Steve was so grateful for the
time spent teaching his son to cast etc etc.....these folks will stay with
you for years, and its very refreshing to see a kid like Caldwell so cranked
up about fishing....I took them out this fall and got them into some pinks
and now they are both seriously hooked and I have told them that the best
thing they can do for their fishing is fish a bunch with you....Rick

Dennis,
Thank you for all of the fantastic memories on the Grande Ronde two day camp
out. It was the trip of a lifetime. I learned more in three days from you
and Mike than I have in two years of reading and watching videos. Loren and
the boys did a fantastic job at camp with the food, fire and entertainment.
The food was first class all weekend (I literally gained 5 lbs!). Please
pass the compliments on to them. Your knowledge of the fish, fishing, and
willingness to coach and counsel your humble pupils is amazing. Thank you
very much. It would be an honor to talk to your prospective clients
regarding this trip and your guide service.

Thanks again and good fishing.

Chris Cornelius

Dennis, just wanted to let you know how much we enjoyed last weeks Skagit river trip. I have learned so much from your website and fishing with you in salt and fresh water for a variety of species, but last week was a great experience. It started out a little different than previous trips in that my wife and mother in law were joining us. Both are new to fly fishing, so I was a little nervous. Your explanation of how the day would go put us at ease, and it wasn't long before your coaching and demonstration had them casting and presenting the fly pretty well. Soon my wife was into her first of a number of salmon, and my mother in law soon followed suit. Watching my wife cast, set up the presentation and then see her line come up tight as a salmon rose and took her fly in the surface was a great experience time and time again. We all look forward to fishing with you again. Just finished building your floating line head system, hopefully we can put my Dad into a surfacing rising steelhead on the Ronde in a few weeks. Thanks so much, see you soon,

Steve Wimer

PS. Hope you have the Dolly/Chum school again this year, as I couldn't make it last year.

Dennis, from a father to a father, I thought I'd let you know that my son
Willie, is now a fly fishing guide in Montana. He is enjoying a life pursuit
that began with you when he was 14 years old. The impressions you made and
the lessons you taught are still prominant 11 years later. Now how is that
for a great story?

Bill Evans
360-981-4026

Hi Dennis,
Well, I made some notes when I got home, tied a couple flies, and generally let the new stuff I learned on Wednesday sink in for a couple days and Sunday morning, I had more fun fishing than I have in a long, long time. It was excellent. Good Karma was all around. Hey, I even caught fish in a hole that some other guys had passed through without a strike. THAT hasn't happened in I don't know how long.

Thanks... fishing is fun again.

Hope your Thanksgiving is good, & maybe I'll see you on the water
sometime.

Mike

Dennis, We wanted to thank you for a great dry fly school and beautiful float this past weekend on the Grande Ronde! That has to be the most challenging way you could possibly catch a steelhead and to actually see the theory become reality "late in the 4th quarter" of the trip was fantastic. A beautiful wild fish that fought 9 dams, legions of nets and other fisherman not to mention over 400 miles of river. WOW! Thank you again for the class, we can all hit the rivers knowing that if there is a "player" within range we have the technique and confidence to swim that steelhead.

Keith, Dave,
Joe, Tim, Paul and Willy

Dennis , I just wanted to take the time to let you know how much we all enjoyed our trip with you, and thank you once again for the wonderful adventure. I learned alot in just the day I spent on the stream with you. I also want to thank you for making my cousins first fish a memorable one. My uncle had a great time, but has fished most of his life, if only recently with a flyrod.My cousin showed an interest last year, and kept it up for the last year. Now I think she is really hooked, thanks to you and your expertise.Dad had a great trip and still talks about the "one that got away."

I wanted to ask you about what time of year I needed to set aside, next year.
You mentioned the "Potpourri" trip, but I forgot what type of fish were available, and what type of gear. Also, I would like info on Pinks and Chums and what times you fish those too. Need to get my vacation requests in for
next year, ASAP!!! Also we have pictures developed. so would you like any of our trip we took with you? Of course, that means the only pics you get are the one's of you and my cousin, and the monster she landed. Let me know if you would like some, and I would be glad to send you some. You really made her day, and her year for that fact. Her dad is still talking about it. Once again, many thanks for the memorable trip. Email me the info when you get the chance.

Take care!!!

Terry

Dennis,
I had a great day Sunday and learned a lot. You are a great and unselfish teacher. I actually ended up with a little "fly rod ellbow" because I haven't been casting bigger rods in a long time. When I can save up a bit I'd like to have a guided day with one of my sons, hopefully this fall.
Thanks again,
Tom Hardy

I had a very enjoyable day fishing with Michael, he was fun to be with. He sure knows what to do, was a great help to me.

Frank Farkas
My home Phone is (742)223-8486.

If you are looking for a day of instructional fly fishing on a prime river, don't hesitate to book with Dennis. He is a master of instruction as his clients not only hook fish, they learn how to fish, which is the most valuable lesson. His knowledge and fishing experience compares to know one in the business. Get out and get after it with Dennis!

Yancy Salenjus
425-355-4578

Hey, Dennis,

I've been a long-time admirer of your site. Though I've never felt flush enough to spring for a guide, you helped me catch my first winter steelie on a fly (on the Sauk, after reading months and months of your reports and tips on your site).

I hope this doesn't sound overwrought or too maudlin, but I really admire the *soul* of your site. Seems to me like you fish for all the right reasons. At the same time, I really admire the scientific mind you bring to bear on your quarry...I've never read better tactical strategies for fishing Northwest steelhead. Not that I'm an expert or anything (far from it), but I really admire your no-bullsh#t strategies for fishing Sky/Sauk/Stilly steelhead, combined with your readily apparent reverence for both the resource and the tradition that attends the act. I know it sounds corny, but every time I step into a NW water to flyfish for steelhead, I think of Ralph Wahl, of Enos Bradner, of my dad, of the fantastic tradition of flyfishing for steelhead in the Northwest. It's more a sense of connection for me than anything else when I'm the first rod in the water on a winter's morning on the Sauk. It's as close to religion as I get.

Thanks again from a fellow dedicated Northwest steelhead flyfisherman,

Sid Heaton

Your "steelhead school" class was outstanding. I was very impressed with your speaking ability and your professional character. More impressive was your knowledge of fish, the science behind fish behavior, and what happens to flylines in a flowing river. You did a great job of explaining a complex subject in terms a novice, such as myself, could understand and still was able give the more experienced anglers their monies worth.

You are a credit to us anglers and to the professional guide community. Keep up the great work.

Thank you and best wishes,

Mike Luce

As a newcomer to Washington state, I needed to find a knowledgeable, personable, and patient fly fishing guide that would put me into fish, while while teaching me the sport and art of flyfishing. Dennis Dickson has put me into steelhead, salmon, and sea run cutthroat with just a few trips and now I find my friends asking me for tips and techniques on how to catch big fish on a fly. Thanks Dennis!

"Fishing with Dennis has taught me to be more self sufficient in pursuing steelhead with a fly.  I have learned things from him that I have never seen mentioned in any book or by another steelhead guide.  Alway's patient, Dennis is also just enjoyable to fish with."
Thanks Dennis,

Steve
206-784-3222

Dennis, I had a great time last Thursday. Thanks for all the information. I feel that I shaved off a few years of the learning curve in just that day (not to say that I am an expert now). I feel more confident fishing for steelhead with a fly rod in hand as opposed to my bait gear. In all honesty I had no expectation of hooking into a steelhead on my first outing. I ve always been aprehensive about using a guide for anything but you definitely made a great impression. I was also very impressed with your knowledge and different tactics you shared with John and I. You missed John's best shot at imitating a submarine on the way up to the clay bank after we parted. I think that he ended up with more water in his waders than I did. We didnt hit anything that evening. Tried the Chinook hole (clay bank) you told us about but there were already two guys there. Kept going upriver, for some reason, and ended up walking the highway for a solid mile back to the car. Could you email me with the dates that you have open for your October trips? Also, Do you have any idea if the same flies that we used would be as effective on the penninsula rivers? If not, do you have any suggestions? Thanks again for all your patience and good times.

Allen R.

Hit it.... Hit it.... Hit it...... Hit it. Huh?

Dennis, here is the beautiful fish from yesterday. Let me know if this format is right, I have had these pictures showing up way too big on the attatchments. Anyway, I feel like I learned more in one day than I could have in months on my own. Appreciate the teaching style, refreshing from a guide. Enjoy the upcoming runs, I will see you on the water one of these days.
Thanks,Keith

Dennis,
I wanted to say "Thank you" again for Sun. Steelhead class. I kid you not, I feel I learned more in one day than I would have in five years (or more) by myself. I also want to thank you for helping me hook my first steelhead on the fly. Even if I didn't land him (or her). However, now that I think about it, the one technique you left out, untill after I lost the fish, is what to do when it jumps. So, I have come to the conclusion that its all your fault :-) I'm joking. I'm going to try to make it to your dry fly class on the Stilly but I'm not holding my breath. Thank you again.

James Sena

Dennis,
Father's Day Trip...
Thanks again for a great educational trip down the Sky. I don't recall ever learning so much in one trip in my 10 years of flyfishing. It was definitely worth the time and money. We talked a little about flies. Would it be possible to have you send me a couple dozen assorted steelhead flies? One that I am interested in is the cop car. I would like to give it a try in the Yellowstone when I am there in July. If this is possible let me know how you would like to handle the transaction. Looking forward to hearing from you,
Carl (the guy with the wrinkled shirt) Miska

Dear Dennis.
I will try to write my memory and feeling as following. At first, I wonder that I could enjoy steel head fishing with many funny rough at the fishing with Dennis thought I cannot make communication with English.
Second, I wonder the very high quality skill of Dennis that he can read the Steel Head water. So he have very much knowlagement of the way that Steel Head goes from the bottom of  stream.
Third, I wonder that he can choice best much Steel Head fly pattern by his many experience, knowlagement and his method. For his guide, I could catch two very good Steel Heads and released them to the river. I have already made reservation to Dennis the guide at next May, and will go  Washington for Steel Head fishing from Japan!!

Best regards and many thanks.

Hey Dennis
Just thought I would drop you a line and let you know I got my 1st winter fish the day before last on the Hoh river. He hit just as the sun was setting and gave me a 20 minute screeeeeeming fight. He was 10-12 pounds and had a nice color to him. The techniques you showed worked great and I'm planning on getting out there next week.

Thank You
Vincent MacFarlane

Dennis, your a first class guide, and your knowledge of the rivers, flies, and the sport is incredible. I had an awesome time fishing, and I look forward to booking another trip in the future. Thanks again, see you on the water.
Jon Nobles

I fished the Sauk with Dennis this year (1999) and the trip and guide were everything I was looking for in a guided trip. As a Deschutes guide, I am somewhat critical of the quality of the guide and trip I take. Dennis clearly exceeded my expectations and desires. I explained to him what I wanted during the trip and his teaching skills were excellent. Bottom line, he was informative, a good teacher, and a great river companion. You cannot ask for more out of a day on the river. Great trip, will do it again soon.

Sincerely,

Salmo t. (aka Les Stiles)
Bend, Oregon

"As a long time fly fisherman, now totally dedicated to the pursuit of steelhead, I have had the pleasure of fishing with many guides on Washington, Oregon, and British Columbia rivers. Although many are excellent fishermen and many know their home rivers well, very few work as hard for their clients or apply as professional an approach as Dennis Dickson. Far from the passive approach of fishing the well known lies regardless of conditions, Dennis seeks the ideal rivers and locations based on day to day and seasonal conditions, using everything from pontoon boats to jet powered rafts. You will not find a better instructional guide who can work with fly fishermen or women of any level and successfully put them into fish... words could not describe the look on my girlfriend's face (a novice fly fisher) when she hooked and nearly landed a 30 lb. king salmon on a summer day with Dennis, nor can any book or article adequately detail the nuances of a given river to an experienced fisherman like Dennis can. I recommend Dennis Dickson to any fly fisherman or woman, at any level, who is interested in a true professional, who is genuinely interested in providing a quality service for his clients."

Way Yin, M.D.

Dennis is a great teacher. If you remember what he tells you, you will be able to hook steelhead by yourself on any steelhead river. I have hooked more than twenty steelhead by myself since I fished with him first time last July. In fact, I landed a 33 inch hen fresh from the sea on the Skykomish yesterday. And I still enjoy fishing with him. A lot more to learn from him.

Shinji Unno

Mike and Dennis

Immensely enjoyed the trip to the Chosen. Hope to return next year. Mike’s guiding was great and he was a patient instructor. I learned a great deal and was able to put it to use on the rest of my trip. What I learned about line control was easily applied to my spey rod as well. Next time I will take a spey rod with me.

Attached is a picture of my first winter steelhead caught on the swing. What a rush! Thanks a million Mike!

Bob Cherry

As a female flyfisher I am always somewhat apprehensive when meeting a guide for the first time. Although past experience has been positive, I cannot help but think sooner or later I will meet up with one of the "Rogues" so many have written of.

This definately was not the case with Dennis. He put us both at ease within the first few minutes, and had us laughing within ten. Not an easy feat at 7:00 in the morning with either one of us! His job was going to be tough
all day; neither of us had touched a single hand rod all winter, and had never caught anything bigger than trout on a fly rod.

I found as the day wore on I was having as much fun riding the river on the pontoon boats and listening to another of Dennis's stories as I was fishing. But, as luck would have it just when I thought I couldn't cast again I felt that famaliar "tug" on the other end of the fly line. Only this time it was followed by line stripping off the reel at an alarming rate. With Dennis standing next to me and his patient and calm voice guiding me, we landed the
fish in about 15 min. MY FIRST STEELHEAD!!! After several pictures and much admiration he was set free.

It has now been over a month since that fine day and I still find myself staring at the pictures on my desk and dreaming of the next one-

Thanks Dennis, looking forward to the class in June.

Becky Cummings

My Brother and I went out on the Stillaguamish North Fork with the expressed intention of learning what in a year and a half of weekly bumbling on our own we had been unable to learn. In one day Dennis taught US ("ALLEN and my other brother ALLEN") More than All those previous hours on the rivers and Hundreds of dollars worth of books had, HOW TO CATCH STEELHEAD, I Caught two that day, even as I added to my vast collection of casting knots. In short if you want a teacher and/or a guide to the world of the steelhead on a fly you can't do better than Dennis Dickson, and you will learn the "Cop Car" to.

Jimmie Girganoff

"When looking for a fly fishing guide to introduce me to steelhead fishing, I was initially taken by Dennis' values and leadership in speaking out for conservation of the resource. Fishing with him, I was pleased to discover that he is an exceptional teacher and knows his rivers intimately. He is a professional in the best sense of the word and I am looking forward to our next trip together."

Sherrill Myers

Hi Dennis,

Attached is a photo of the fish landed on my 5wt on the Sky last Saturday the 27th. I'd written you a note from work earlier in the week, but thought you may enjoy this. I'm sharing simply because both my fishing partner and I attribute a degree of our knowledge to the info shared on your site. We both read it regularly, enjoy the stories, and take the advice to heart. Hopefully we'll spend a day on the river with you in the near future...simply a matter of juggling funds and young families. Thanks for putting up with our unsolicited contact via e-mail.

Also, I added to a string on the VFS BB you may or may not have seen, but my feeling is you may enjoy the perspective. the subject is: "Please Don't Change the Law" posted on 8/9/00 (nickname: bunnyleech). type the
subject in the search and you'll go right to it.

as you say, Best of Fishing!

Dave

Dennis

How was the Sky? Sorry I did not see you guys, well i saw you guys down
there when i drove by, but you guys were in the water. I ended up fishing
the Wallace River both Saturday and Sunday, and had moderate sucess on
Saturday. Sunday the river had dropped a foot and cleared up to about 4-5'
vis. and it really slowed down. I fished a black bart ( Found the pattern
on Streamside flyshop... hehe) and took a 3 salt winter fish and a dark
summer on Saturday. After wasting about 30 minutes fumbling with the Yancy,
it clicked for me and I have one word... AWSOME!!! It is by far the best
line I have used and I Throughly believe it got me those fish. Good Times...

Tom

Dennis and Mike,

What a great day on the Sky! As a physician, I have to take CME courses to keep up on developments in medicine. Now I have a new requirement... CFE (Continuing Fishing Education). In spite of over 15 years of experience I am amazed at what I learn (and yes, relearn) every time I am out with you. Also, seeing the other guys in the group, some of whom had never fished for steelhead on a fly before, light up when they hooked or saw a big silver bullet for the first time was a real bonus. It was infectious and inspiring. It is these men and women that will form the ranks of sportsmen to help protect and promote this fishery into to the future.

Last but not least, I had forgotten the quiet beauty of the big rivers. This has been a particularly difficult week for me (flu season, managed care and long hours). Yet I came home a better man. As the ad says: Spey rod... $650, Pontoon Boat... $750, articulated cop car $24/doz... a day on the river with old and new friends... priceless. These things are the best medicine of all.

Thanks for sharing your head with us.

Steve Aguilu

What a day! The "Chosen River"; it's a wonder such a place still exist. Thank goodness that was an elk heard we saw, other wise if those were humans we would have had a shopping mall in the rain forest. Places like that truly do need protection.
Fishing was truly secondary this day, but I do hope George is ready to make this an annual event, cause next year there is no way we could get that much rain again... is there? Rain Forest? Anyway we didn't have much time to tell stories with George but I did enjoy his company and hope he would like to join me again.

Dennis I truly enjoy your company. On my way home I read a little bit about the subject of the moratorium in "Northwest flyfishing." Things are looking good and there appears to be some heavy hitters to support this protection of our fisheries. This is one time I hope we see the forest and the trees.

Thanks for sharing this place and challenging my casting (sorry I can't call that a skill).

Rob

Dennis,

My father and I recently fished with you on the 21st. First of all "Man was that AWESOME". Thank you so much for an enjoyable day of SRC pools. Reversed spiders a couple of inches from bedrock, twitch, Bam
love it.

I have never thrown dry flies at steelhead before, but I have to say, what an incredible feeling. The most remarkable feeling of nervous anticipation I had was locating the "player". I don't think I can put it into words. Just having a steelhead rise to a fly made my whole day. Hopefully my dad and I will see you again, this time with a tailing steely.
Thank you

Nick Chamberlin

Mr. Dickson, I have never had the pleasure of fishing with you, but have always been impressed by your ethics and talents. I am a flyfishing bum and love our sport just as you do. About 35 years or so ago a good friend of mine William Survey was hiking with his beloved son William (Willie). As a father of two myself and knowing how proud you are of your own son, this story will hit home. Willie slipped off of a cliff that day and plunged to his death in front of William Sr. To this day William has never lived that day down. A few years after this tragedy, William designed a fly with olive body, speckled pheasant hackle and a red tuft of rabbit fur and named it the Olive Willie in memory of his son. Soon after that he designed a red beaded version and it too carried the name Olive Willie. The Olive Willie has been a must have lake pattern for us in the know for 25 years or so. Seth Taylor , who now works at Creekside had the Olive Willie put into a couple of different magazines years back in tribute to William Survey. William and I used to lake fish often together with Kevin Stubbs and Seth but his back is bad and he no longer fishes much. Sir this fly is not trademarked nor is it patented, and I am sure you have been using your own version of this for 30 or so years. We all have a home pattern somewhat like the Olive Willie. The bead head damsel is a direct knock off of the Olive Willie. Is there any way credit could be given to the old man who invented it and the son it was dedicated to? That's all I ask. Keep on looking out for us steelheaders and tight lines sir.

Semper Fi,

The Duffer

For information on booking a trip see "Rates and Booking Information"

Dennis Dickson - Email - (425) 238-3537
Mike Dickson - Email - (425) 330-9506
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