ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Fly Fishing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Orvis

Guide/Trapper - On-Call

Sylacauga, AL · On-site

$10 - $12/hr

Orvis founded the Orvis Company in Manchester, Vermont, offering superior fly-fishing equipment, and priding himself on customer satisfaction and service. Today, Orvis is the trusted source of ...

orvis

Guide/Trapper - On-Call

Sylacauga, AL · On-site

Orvis founded the Orvis Company in Manchester, Vermont, offering superior fly-fishing equipment, and priding himself on customer satisfaction and service. Today, Orvis is the trusted source of ...

orvis

Guide/Trapper - On-Call

Sylacauga, AL · On-site

Orvis founded the Orvis Company in Manchester, Vermont, offering superior fly-fishing equipment, and priding himself on customer satisfaction and service. Today, Orvis is the trusted source of ...

Mayfly Outdoors

Be Seen First

CNC Machinist

Montrose, CO · On-site

$18 - $32/hr

LEGACY BRANDS Many people are introduced to fly fishing by family members and friends who pass down the tradition. Mayfly comprises brands that uphold these legacies by providing the tools essential ...

Far Bank

About Far Bank Enterprises Far Bank Enterprises is the parent company of four of fly fishing's most respected brands: Sage, Redington, RIO Products, and Fly Water Travel. Headquartered in Seattle ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsFly Fishing Jobs

Fly Fishing information

See salary details

$9

$20

$40

How much do fly fishing jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 2, 2026, the average hourly pay for fly fishing in the United States is $20.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.94 and $23.32 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professional fly fishing guides and how can they be addressed?

Professional fly fishing guides often face challenges such as adapting to changing weather and river conditions, managing client expectations, and ensuring safety on the water. To address these, guides must stay informed about local conditions, maintain strong communication with clients before and during trips, and continuously update their safety training. Building strong relationships with local outfitters and other guides can also help share insights and improve the overall guiding experience.

Can you make money making fly fishing lures?

Fly fishing lure making can be a profitable craft if done at a commercial level, often involving selling handcrafted or custom lures through online platforms or local shops. Success depends on skill, quality, branding, and market demand, with some artisans earning income by establishing a niche or small business. It typically requires knowledge of fishing techniques, materials, and marketing strategies.

How much money do fly fishing guides make?

Fly fishing guides typically earn between $200 and $600 per day, with annual incomes ranging from $20,000 to $50,000 depending on experience, location, and season. Tips and additional services can also contribute to their overall earnings, and guides often need strong fishing skills and certifications to succeed.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Fly Fishing Guide, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Fly Fishing Guide, you need in-depth knowledge of local fish species, aquatic ecosystems, and fly fishing techniques, often backed by relevant certifications in fishing, boating, or first aid. Familiarity with GPS devices, fishing gear, knot-tying tools, and sometimes boat operation is typical. Strong interpersonal communication, patience, and the ability to instruct and motivate clients are standout soft skills. These abilities ensure both safety and a positive client experience, which are critical for client satisfaction and professional reputation.

What Are Fly Fishing Jobs?

Fly fishing jobs include retail work, guide work, and instruction. Retail jobs at a fly shop include salesperson, manager, inventory jobs, and merchandising. Guides may work through a retail operation, for a private guide or outfitting company, or on a freelance basis. As a guide, your duties are to set up fly fishing expeditions and lead the trips. You typically handle all the logistics, such as travel, accommodations, equipment transportation, and meals. As an instructor, your responsibilities are to teach students how to fly fish and to understand the rules and regulations of the sport. These lessons include the basics of casting, using a fly rod, how to hand-tie lures, and other skills a fly angler needs to be successful.

What is the difference between Fly Fishing vs Fly Fishing Guide?

AspectFly FishingFly Fishing Guide
Required CredentialsBasic fishing licenses, knowledge of techniquesFishing licenses, guiding certifications, customer service skills
Work EnvironmentNatural outdoor settings, lakes, riversOutdoor locations, guiding clients on fishing trips
Employer & Industry UsageRecreational fishing, hobbyists, sport fishingTourism companies, outdoor recreation industry

Fly Fishing is a recreational activity focused on catching fish using specialized techniques and gear. A Fly Fishing Guide, however, is a professional who leads and assists clients during fishing trips, requiring additional certifications and customer service skills. While both roles share outdoor environments and industry overlap, guides focus on providing expertise and ensuring a safe, enjoyable experience for clients.

What is fly fishing?

Fly fishing is a specialized method of angling that uses a lightweight, artificial 'fly' to catch fish. Unlike traditional fishing, fly fishing relies on casting techniques that use the weight of the line rather than the bait to propel the fly. Anglers typically target species such as trout, salmon, and bass in freshwater streams, rivers, and lakes. The sport emphasizes technique, patience, and an understanding of aquatic ecosystems. Fly fishing can be both a recreational pastime and a competitive sport.

What fishing jobs make the most money?

In fly fishing-related jobs, professional guides and instructors often earn the highest income, especially those with extensive experience and a strong client base. Commercial fishing roles, such as fishery managers or specialized equipment operators, can also be lucrative but typically require advanced skills and certifications. Earnings vary based on location, skill level, and the type of employment.

How can I turn fishing into a career?

Turning fly fishing into a career involves gaining expertise in fishing techniques, understanding fish behavior, and developing skills in guiding or instruction. Many professionals become fly fishing guides, instructors, or work in the outdoor recreation industry, often requiring certifications, good customer service skills, and knowledge of local fishing regulations.
More about Fly Fishing jobs
What cities are hiring for Fly Fishing jobs? Cities with the most Fly Fishing job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Fly Fishing jobs? The most popular types of Fly Fishing jobs are:
What states have the most Fly Fishing jobs? States with the most job openings for Fly Fishing jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Fly Fishing jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Fly Fishing jobs are:
Fly Fishing jobs near you

Retail Sales Associate - Fishing

North40 Outfitters

Ponderay, ID • On-site

$14.25 - $16.25/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 8 days ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Company Description

To tell the story of North 40 Outfitters is to tell a success story of the people of the Northwest. We do what we love, and love what we do because we’re passionate. We’re dedicated. We give it all we’ve got and then we get up in the morning and do it all over again. We’re farmers and ranchers. We’re barrel racers and river chasers. We’re honest. We’re helpful. And our families, our friends, and our communities are everything. This is us. This is who we are. It’s what we do every day.

Our Values:

  • Embrace Authenticity
  • Encourage Transparency
  • Promote Learning
  • Build Trust
  • Earn Respect
  • Deliver Value
  • Serve Our Customers
Job Description

North 40 Outfitters in Ponderay, ID., is looking to hire a Full-Time Fishing Associate to join our team.  We believe that each team member plays a vital role in the success of our company.  We are looking for authentic and enthusiastic people who love our lifestyle and believe in service before self.  As a Fishing Associate at North 40, you play a key role in the overall customer experience by providing outstanding customer service, generating sales and suggesting products, stocking and merchandising, maintaining a clean and organized department and safeguarding company assets.

This full-time position requires the ability to work all scheduled shifts between the business hours of Mon-Sat 7 am to 7 pm, and Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. This shift can include working weekends and certain holidays and will require flexibility in scheduling based on business needs.

Qualifications
  • Willingness to share credit, work with others in a team environment, and define success collectively rather than individually
  • Ability to take initiative, embrace change, and learn new things
  • Drive to be dependable, and to perform well against the expectations of the role
  • Ability to work independently or in a group setting
  • Committed to supplying our North 40 guests with phenomenal customer service
  • Good communication skills and the ability to effectively engage with individuals on a regular basis
  • Must be able to multitask and prioritize
  • Ability to work in a fast paced environment while remaining detailed and focused
  • Familiarity and knowledge of conventional fishing equipment, lures, hooks, bait and local fishing areas in addition to fly fishing
  • Willingness to demonstrate and train in various rod & reel and fly techniques
  • Previous merchandising experience is helpful
  • Ability to educate and assist customers on the brands that North 40 sells
  • Understanding of correct lifting and loading techniques.  Physical ability to lift and carry 0-25 lbs. continuously, 25-45 lbs. frequently, and 45-65 lbs. occasionally, and team lift anything over 65 lbs.  Spending 100% of work time on your feet, including use of ladders, rolling staircases and pallet jacks.

Additional Information

BENEFITS & COMPENSATION

We offer a competitive wage, Paid Holidays, a 401(k) option, Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), medical, dental, vision, and life insurance, and a phenomenal employee discount on all products North 40 sells. 

North 40 Outfitters is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer.