Guide Profile: Mike Villemarie

Mammoth Lakes Fly Fishing
Years Guiding: 15

CAFF: How did you decide to become a guide?

MV: I started fly fishing around the age of 12, casting oversized dry flies to tiny brook trout in small streams in Vermont. My passion for the sport only grew over the years, and after college I landed in Mammoth Lakes, drawn to the amazing fishing and the endless opportunities to get out and play in the Eastern Sierra. Working at the Trout Fitter Fly Shop I discovered I really loved teaching and sharing the experience of fly fishing. I enjoy getting out on the water year after year with my clients to work on new skills and share life stories.

CAFF: How do you balance guiding with family and personal life?

MV: We are really lucky in Mammoth Lakes. Many of the rivers I guide are within an hour drive north or south. Hot Creek, Upper Owens are 15 minutes from town. I’m busy but I’ve been able to guide and scout water, and spend a lot of time exploring and adventuring on my own, or with my family. It helps that my 8-year-old daughter loves to hike and fly fish. She’s a great caster already, and loves to catch and identify bugs before we tie a fly on.

CAFF: Are there specific conservation concerns in your area that you wish to draw attention to?

MV: Yes. NO HOT CREEK MINE. In 2021, the USFS approved exploratory drilling for gold by KORE Mining, which would have resulted in an open pit and a cyanide heap leach mine near the headwaters of Hot Creek. Fortunately, there have been some recent victories in court which have put the project on hold, but it’s something to keep a close eye on.

CAFF: How do you deal with difficult clients/landowners?

MV: A huge part of guiding is communicating well with clients and understanding their goals for a day of fishing, as well as identifying different learning styles and using the best approach for that. I’ve had jobs both in education and hospitality and I think that has helped me a ton.

CAFF: Is mojo a thing?

MV: I’d say the clients who are present, having fun, and don’t worry so much about numbers and size of fish almost always get into the numbers and the biggest fish.

CAFF: What changes, for better or worse, have you noticed since you started guiding?

MV: There is such a diversity of people who fly fish now. Young, old, a lot more ladies out there casting beautifully and outfishing the guys, and people of any financial status getting into the sport. It also means there are a lot more people fishing, so sharing the water and etiquette are a bigger consideration.

CAFF: What is your most memorable catch and why?

MV: My favorite catch is actually my daughter’s. Her first fish on a fly was a golden trout from a tiny local stream.

CAFF: Describe your ideal client.

MV: Someone who appreciates the whole experience of being on a river, however it’s fishing, whether or not bugs are hatching, enjoying the mystery and magic of slowing down and being present in such a beautiful place.

CAFF: What’s the #1 thing you wish every client knew or would do?

MV: Don’t squeeze a fish for a picture.

CAFF: What is your favorite trick or tip to teach others?

MV: The reach cast and aerial mends are really fun to dial in.

CAFF: One piece of gear/equipment you can’t live without?

MV: Coffee mug.

CAFF: Favorite gear under $100?

MV: Magnetic rod holder.