John Fochetti Fly Fishing
Years Guiding: 17
Growing up in Redwood City, John learned to fly fish alongside his father and uncle on the Trinity River, swinging traditional flies with single-handed rods. In his early twenties, he moved to El Dorado Hills and joined the Roseville Orvis store, eventually earning a promotion to Fishing Manager in Reno, where he taught clinics and led education programs for the Nevada Department of Wildlife. In 2009, John connected with Clearwater Lodge on the Pit River, joined the guiding staff, and later managed the lodge. Since going independent in 2019, he has been dedicated to creating enjoyable, educational, and successful days on the water.
CAFF: How did you decide to become a guide?
JF: I was working as the Fishing Manager at the Reno Orvis store and teaching introductory fly fishing classes for them and the Nevada Department of Wildlife. That was the first spark of me becoming a guide; the journey, however, is a much longer story that spans a few years and lots of river miles.
CAFF: How do you balance guiding with family/personal life?
JF: I have yet to fully master that one … we are a one-income household. So, trying to juggle the life/work balance is always evolving. Let’s just say it’s hard not to work when it’s prime time fishing. However, I do take all birthdays and major holidays off, as well as the entire month of August for vacation. Personally, I don’t want to be working when it’s 115 degrees out, so it’s a perfect time to head to a cooler area and relax!
CAFF: Are there specific conservation concerns in your area that you wish to draw attention to?
JF: My biggest concern is the source water in Northern California. I would like to see more protection and studies done on the aquifers of this region. There is little to no research showing the current flow rates of our springs and the volume of water in them.
CAFF: How do you deal with difficult clients or landowners?
JF: I don’t want this to come off as being arrogant, but I don’t really have difficult clients. The number one reason is I am very booked up with clients I have fished with for 15 years, and we are closer than most of my friends and family. The fact that I’m booked up allows me to just not rebook someone if they are rude or unenjoyable to be with. But I also feel like it’s the guide’s responsibility to keep things enjoyable on the river. If you’re yelling at people, they probably aren’t going to be in a great mood.
CAFF: Is mojo a thing?
JF: There is definitely a mojo thing with fishing, but I think it’s more just believing it’s gonna happen. If you truly believe you’re going to catch fish, then you do, and once again, I think that belief starts with the guide’s attitude.
CAFF: What changes, for better or worse, have you noticed since you started guiding?
JF: There are a lot more anglers and guides out there. …
CAFF: What is your most memorable catch and why?
JF: Personally, it’s a 32-inch brown I caught on the Truckee River 20 years ago. Guiding is such a tough one; there are so many memorable catches, from people’s first to people catching fish with their newborn baby in a chest carrier. However, one of my favorite clients caught a 34-inch steelhead on the Trinity River last year, a once-in-a-lifetime fish.
CAFF: Describe your ideal client.
JF: Willingness to learn and practice, and willingness to be flexible in terms of where to fish, depending on current conditions.
CAFF: What is your favorite trick or tip you like to teach people?
JF: Patience.
CAFF: What’s the number 1 thing you wish every client knew or would do?
JF: Trust me when I tell them what to do or how to do something.
CAFF: One piece of gear/equipment you can’t live without?
DG: Good sunglasses.
CAFF: Favorite gear under $100?
DG: Grundens Deck Boss Ankle Boots. I basically live in them ($114).
8 QUESTIONS WITH JOHN
Your favorite fly: That’s a $600 question.
Your go-to river snack: Jerky.
Favorite band/song for fishing: Don’t like music while fishing, enjoy just immersing myself in the moment.
Favorite meal under $15: Burrito every day.
Favorite après fishing beverage: I don’t really drink much anymore, but when I do, it’s a good tequila.
Weirdest thing you’ve seen at a boat ramp or found in the water: My backyard boat ramp is in Redding … we’ll keep this PG-rated.
Stupidest question a client has asked: I’ve had this many times, so maybe it’s not that straightforward. “Do we float back to the vehicle?” As if the river goes in a circle, like the lazy river at a water park.
If you were a fish, what kind would you be: Marlin or a sailfish.
To book a trip with David, visit Yosemite Outfitters or call 559-760-5130.
