Jake Hood

Pro Staff

It all started with a fly tying class taken in 1984 to quit thinking about a bad break up. I’ve never loved anything as much as I did that class. In fact I took it again the following winter. Also casting lessons in-between to put the flies in play. I was deeply and permanently hooked. By 1998 I had a part time job in a fly shop, and before that year ended I was managing the shop.

It was a natural progression for me to add guiding to my resume. In the years since I’ve guided in Idaho, Montana and Washington. I’ve also managed two other fly shops as well. There was also stint as a manufacturer’s rep in the North Rockies for several “name” companies.

Currently living in Spokane keeps me central to fantastic fishing in just about any direction. The diversity has given me extensive and varied experience that translates to a great guiding perspective. Whether it's cutthroat on the St. Joe or Coeur d’ Alene in Northern Idaho, the Clark Fork and Kootenai Rivers in Northwest Montana, or the demands of central Washington’s desert lakes. I’ve come to know them intimately. Add the class of eastside Steelhead Rivers such as the Grande Ronde, Snake and Clearwater. Whether from the bank or between the oarlocks I've spent countless hours and days plying their holy waters for this legendary fish with great success.

Most recently you can find me for hire exclusively thru Silver Bow Fly Shop in Spokane Valley. I do the majority of my guiding now on my home water the Spokane River for Redband Rainbows such as the one in my pic. I hold this fishery in the same regard as any other Oregon, Washington or Idaho Rainbow rivers of note.

I also do private instruction in fly fishing along with single and two hand fly casting as well. I've even been known to write the occasional blog piece for Silver Bow web site. I love fly fishing, guiding and most of all, rowing a boat for engaged anglers. My bride of sixteen years says I'm never more happy then when I’m going fishing. I offer that it's in equal measure when I'm taking clients fishing as well.

In my fly fishing and guiding career, there have been many very cool things that have happened to me. None will ever compare to having Kerry Burkheimer call me and personally invite me to join the Burkheimer Pro Staff. I can only hope to give back in equal measure. In sharing the news with my non-angling friends, I used the reference that it’s like having Les Paul call you and ask to play his guitars because he likes the way you play. I am both humbled and honored.

Jake can be contacted at lttriverkeeper@hotmail.com