TESTIMONIALS

I've been an avid trout guy all my life and have been spoiled by growing up in Colorado and fishing in Montana and Utah for most my life. I had kinda written off the midwest for fishing. Fortunately, I was introduced to Chris and the Caddis Shack last summer and that's all changed. Chris has introduced me to some beautiful trout waters which rival anything out west. Not only that, now he's infected me with an incurable case of winter steelheading...now I'm chipping ice out of my guides and chasing big steelies when I should be skiing.

I can't say enough good things about Chris. I've fished with dozens of guides over the years and if there's one thing that stands out with Chris it's his passion and excitement for catching fish and his generosity with all of his resources. If you're a seasoned veteran there's no one better to spend an afternoon with -- Chris has a wealth of knowledge and he'll introduce you to Mr. Large or whatever it is that floats your line.

What about beginners? Well, I had the opportunity to take my 10 year-old nephew out for his first time fly fishing. I called up Chris to help me out -- and man was he fantastic. Within no time at all, my nephew learned how to rig a rod and make casts. By lunch he had learned what type of water to find fish in and how to work the fly. Even though the fish weren't in the mood to partake that day but it was a great experience for my nephew and now he's hooked on fly fishing. You can't hope for more than that...

Jason the convert

I recently had the opportunity to take a customer and his 10 year old son on a fall fishing trip that was guided by Chris. The entire experience was fantastic! Chris made sure we were the first ones on the water in order to get the prime fishing spots for the day. Since none of us were experienced fly fishermen, he took the time to explain our tackle, presentation technique, and the lay of the water. In no time, everyone was getting hook-ups and having a blast fighting steelhead, browns, and salmon. In addition to the excellent guiding, Chris served us 2 meals during the course of the day that were outstanding and always catered to our needs. The highlight of the day was seeing our young fisherman hook and land a 15 pound salmon! Chris’ enthusiasm was contagious and his patience to be admired. Looking forward to future trips!

Sincerely, Tony Weber

Our 2010 Christmas gift to our thirteen year old son was a half day fly fishing trip on the Escanaba River with Chris. We fish an inland lake near Midland on my weekends. So, we are not strangers to fishing, but we are novice fly fishermen and that is being generous with the word novice!

We began our August afternoon by learning a few new techniques that prior to this trip we had'nt been exposed to. Chris was open and generous with his knowledge of techniques and reading the river. I was impressed that he reassured us that our low end gear was just fine. The anticipation built as we got closer to evening.

That evening we caught three species of trout! My son lost a HUGE Brown Trout and I landed a very nice Brook Trout that I probably don't appreciate as much as I should because it was the first one I have ever caught. We caught fish both in the evening light and in complete darkness.

Chris was geniuinly as excied as my son when he would hook a fish. He loves guiding and it shows in the way he interacted with my son.Chris and Will provided an evening of good food, incredible fishing andopportunities to learn more about fly fishing that we won't forget. I highly recommend Chris. My son and I know we would enjoy an evening on the river with Chris - even if the fishing was not as incredible as it was.

As an avid brook trout fisherman and a novice steelhead and salmon
fisherman, I cannot say enough about The Caddis Shack and Chris's knowledge and commitment to the sport of fly fishing. The flies are of the highest quality, they have a huge selection and more importantly they out perform any others I have used. On my first visit to the shop not only did I receive top quality flies, but also a friendly welcome and expert advice. Chris was more than happy to pass on his knowledge and passion of steelhead and salmon fly fishing to assure my success. The Caddis Shack has on numerous occasions gone above by tying flies the night before and having them ready for me in the morning. Since then my days on the river has been temedously productive and enjoyable and I am certain without the advice and equipment from The Caddis Shack this would not be the case.

Thanks again for all your help!

Sincerely

Eric J Gauthier

Extemery professional and worth every penny. I have been on many guided trips weather the hunting in Western Colorado or Fly Fishing in Montana. Chris was extremely professional and very knowledgable in the art of fly fishing and his surroundings.

From the motorhome he provided as lodging to meals for 3 days it was all top notch and I will be using his services in the future!

Tom

"Chris and I have run into each other quite often while chasing winter steelies down at the river.
After watching him and his clients catch a ton of fish over the years, I figured it was time for me to set aside the spinning gear and get some fly fishing gear.

He has helped me greatly this year make the change with gear selection, tactics, tips, free fly fishing lessons on the river, numerous e-mails, phone calls, and fly tying advice. A very generous guy who is always willing to help others."

Adam

I'll be replaying the tape of that fightin my head for quite some time. Thanks for a wonderful trip. I enjoyed your company and tips on fishing. Hope to do it again sometime.

Best,

Steve Bauman

I wanted to personally report on the prizes I was winning bidder for at the Chapter Banquet in April: 2 guided fishing trips. On Monday, Tim and I fished with the Caddis Shack, the day's guided trip that the Caddis Shack donated. While the fishing was a bit tough, Tim caught a couple of beautiful brookies, and I caught the biggest brown of my life. We also observed some very big fish feeding, but could not get them to hit any artificials.