MIDDLE ROGUE FISHING GUIDES
Kait Bailey’s love for the river started at a young age. Growing up on a farm in Canby, Oregon, she and her brothers would walk to the local watering hole on the Molalla River to fish and explore. Throughout her childhood, the river always called. As she grew up, the outdoors still fascinated her, so she went to Western State Colorado University to finish a degree in Outdoor Environmental Education. She has been a river guide for 10 years, rafting all over the United States and Central America. She has been fishing for many years now and views fishing as more of a spiritual connection. In order for a steelhead to connect with your fly, one must believe and have confidence. Steelhead are an elusive fish, a river ghost at times, but after her first steelhead, she started to look at the river differently.
Instead of looking for whitewater waves, she turned to the soft water on the banks, looking for structure, and the speed of the water. It was at that moment that Kait knew she was turning into less of a whitewater guide and more of an angler every day. Kait’s enthusiastic, professional, and patient style of guiding will help you gain the confidence and knowledge needed to fish long after the trip is over. Fishing for her is a lifelong love and commitment. She enjoys passing these energetic teachings along to her guests. Kait ultimately wants to spread the passion for steelhead to as many who are eager to learn.
Bob has been guiding on the Rogue River for over 40 years. It has always been important to him to share this beautiful river that we have in our backyard. He enjoys guiding families with children.
“It’s very special to see that the young guys and gals catch their first fish…. See ya on the river!”
James grew up in the foothills of Missoula, Montana, where he learned his love for the outdoors. At the age of 5, James began his life-long journey as an angler. At 8 years old, being asked by his father the question we all received, “James, what do you want to be when you get older?“, his response was, “A professional fisherman, an artist, and a musician.” Today it is safe to say that James has become all of those.
James’s rich desire to connect others to the outdoors has led him on a continual adventure exploring the natural world as a river guide. Getting his feet wet in Maupin, Oregon, James grew an unbreakable affinity to the almighty wild steelhead. For the last 10 years, James has been navigating the Pacific Northwest’s cold waters, in search of this elusive fish.
Well-versed in the art of two-handed casting techniques, and 25 plus years of chasing wild fish, you can be certain to “catch” James’ infectious energy towards the rivers he loves, and the magical creatures that call those waters home.
WILD & SCENIC FISHING GUIDES
Mike Springer was raised on the Umpqua River and has spent his whole life there. Although no one has called him Mike since the 6th grade, it’s usually just Springer. Captain Springer holds a 100 ton Master Coast Guard license and is a full-time fishing guide. His fishing ventures consist of winter steelhead and spring salmon on the Umpqua followed by big summer kings in Winchester Bay. Springer then moves on to the mighty Rogue River for fly fishing for the famous steelhead. November and December you can find Springer on the South coast fishing for salmon on the Sixes and Elk Rivers. Springer says, “I knew at a very young age that with the last name like Springer, that I was destined to become a fishing guide.”
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