Resume Tips for Fly Fishing Guides
Published on 8/7/2025
Resume Tips for Fly Fishing Guides
A well-written resume is one of the most important tools you have when applying for fly fishing guide jobs. Whether you're just starting your guiding career or looking for your next position, your resume should highlight your strengths, show that you’re prepared, and give outfitters a reason to contact you.
This guide will walk through the core elements of a strong fly fishing resume and how to make yours stand out.
Keep It Simple and Relevant
Outfitters don’t want a flashy resume—they want one that’s easy to read and relevant to the role. Stick to one page, use clear section headings, and avoid unnecessary design elements. Choose a clean font, keep the layout consistent, and save your file as a PDF for easy sharing.
Focus your content on outdoor leadership, technical fishing skills, safety training, and guest service. Avoid listing unrelated jobs unless they demonstrate transferable skills.
Lead with a Brief Summary
Start with a short paragraph that introduces who you are, your guiding experience (if any), and what you bring to the role. Tailor this summary to the specific type of guiding you’re applying for.
Example:
Enthusiastic and reliable fly fishing guide with two seasons of experience in Colorado and Wyoming. Skilled in both walk-and-wade and float trips, with a strong focus on guest education and river safety. Seeking a seasonal opportunity with an outfitter focused on beginner and family-friendly trips.
This summary should give the outfitter a quick sense of your experience, focus, and attitude.
Emphasize Outdoor Skills and Certifications
Your core qualifications as a guide go beyond catching fish. Make sure to include any relevant certifications and field skills that prove you’re ready for the demands of the job.
Certifications to include:
- CPR and First Aid (required by most outfitters)
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR)
- Swiftwater Rescue Training
- Boating or river navigation credentials
- Fishing guide license (state-dependent)
Also highlight practical outdoor skills, such as boat handling, reading water, fly selection, gear maintenance, and teaching beginners.
Highlight Experience That Transfers
If you don’t have professional guiding experience yet, focus on other roles that demonstrate leadership, responsibility, and customer service in outdoor or team environments.
Examples include:
- Working at a camp, lodge, or resort
- Serving in the military or emergency services
- Teaching or coaching
- Any hospitality or tourism-related jobs
The key is to show that you’re capable of working with people, managing time and risk, and representing an outfitter well in front of guests.
Keep Formatting Tight and Professional
Use clear section headings like Experience, Certifications, Skills, and Education. Use bullet points within sections to keep things scannable, but keep the tone formal and professional.
Avoid including personal photos, hobbies, or overly casual language. Your resume is your first impression—keep it polished.
Include a Short Cover Message
When submitting your resume, attach a short message that shows interest and professionalism. This doesn’t need to be a formal cover letter—just a few sentences introducing yourself and expressing interest in the position.
Example:
Hi [Outfitter Name],
I’m reaching out to apply for your 2025 fly fishing guide position. I’ve attached my resume and would be happy to provide references or additional information. I’m currently certified in CPR and WFR and have two seasons of float guiding experience in Montana. I’d love to connect.
Best,
[Your Name]
Final Thoughts
A good resume doesn’t need to be complicated. It just needs to clearly communicate that you’re experienced, safety-minded, and ready to represent the outfitter with professionalism on and off the water.
If you’re ready to apply, you can browse current fly fishing guide jobs here.
Tags: fly fishing guide resume, how to get hired fly fishing, outdoor industry resume tips, outfitter applications, seasonal guiding jobs