Bobby Helms is from the Adirondack Mountains of New York, and found his passion for guiding on the Unalakleet River in Alaska. He’s fond of chasing big bruiser salmon on the fly, and seeing the joy in a client’s face when they put a big one in the net. From grayling, char, and rainbow trout to silver, sockeye and king salmon, Bobby’s guiding expertise is robust.
Where are your home waters? / Is this different from where you guide now?
My home waters are in the Adirondack Mountains of Northern NY. I used to guide in the Adirondacks but now my summers are spent guiding on the Unalakleet River in Northwest Alaska.
Where do you fish/guide?
I work for the Unalakleet River Lodge in Unalakleet, AK.
What species of fish do you guide for?
Salmon, Arctic Grayling, Dolly Varden, and Arctic Char.
When guiding clients, are you walk-in fishing, fishing shorelines, fishing from a drift boat/jet boat/prop boat? What is your specific style?
Generally, we are guiding from jet boats and wading the long runs the Unalakleet River is known for. With the jet boats it opens up the whole river. I am a run and gun type of guide… I’d rather find fresh unpressured fish rather than change flies multiple times in order to get a couple more bites.
How long have you been professionally guiding?
I’ve been guiding professionally since 2013.
Who is your biggest inspiration or mentor?
My biggest inspiration and mentor would have to be my late father.
What is your favorite part about guiding and the thing that keeps you coming back every day?
The daily interactions with my colleagues and clients keep me coming back every day. We have a great core of guides at the lodge that have worked together for multiple seasons so we’re like a family at this point.
What was your first fishing experience? / When did you begin fly fishing?
My first fishing experience was when I was about 4 or 5, just drowning worms, fishing for sunnies and perching on our old dock. I got into fly fishing when I was around 12 or 13. I graduated to little panfish poppers instead of worms around then.
Most embarrassing thing to happen while guiding a trip? (For you or a guest)
I stepped off a gravel bar into a deep hole netting a fish for a client. Took a short swim but had the fish in the hoop!
Best day on the water with clients, tell us about it.
It’s almost impossible to name just one “best day,” but I had a day with a couple guys a few years ago that was unbelievable. People will think I’m exaggerating when I say it, but both guys must have hooked around 100 cohos each. On that day a new spot was named and one of my clients named that spot “Heaven’s Hole!”
Dream fishing trip?
I’m a big walleye guy back home so I think I’d have to say Lake Winnipeg for the monster walleyes it’s known for.
Do you think that conservation plays a role in guiding? Why or why not.
Conservation plays a massive role. In regard to Alaska, I wish certain conservation entities would listen to the guys and gals on the river everyday rather than the people who are supposed to be visually paying attention to the run counts, but are too busy on their phones to be doing what they are getting paid to do. It may be a bit controversial but it’s something I see day in and day out on the river.
What is it that draws you to fly fishing?
Fish live in beautiful places and without fly fishing I would never have had the opportunity to see those beautiful places.
Best and worst places you have guided clients?
The best place is the Unalakleet River when conditions are perfect. The worst place is the Unalakleet River when it’s blown out.
What is a trick that you teach guests often?
People like to strip faster when they see a fish follow. I remind clients to just keep that fly moving the same pace and don’t deviate from the pace and they’ll eat that fly.
What is one tip you would give someone when they are trying to find a fishing guide for a trip?
Always go through a well known fly shop, or if the guide is independent, try to find some reviews online or from a reputable person.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to become a fishing guide?
Being a good fisherman doesn’t always mean you’ll be a good guide. Stay humble, use your skills to your advantage, and always keep learning.
What is your favorite fly to use on the water, not necessarily the best, but your favorite? Also, what is your go-to guide fly?
My favorite fly is a Moorish Mouse. I love fishing Grayling in my off time. Up in Alaska my favorite guide fly is anything as long as it’s pink. I usually tie on a hot pink bunny leech or a fuchsia flash fly for my clients.
Favorite piece of gear you could not live without, and why?
I couldn’t live without my Simms Guide Jacket. There’s nothing worse than being damp and those bad boys will keep you dry as a bone.
Let’s talk about tippet: Fluoro or Mono? Why?
If I’m fishing on top I’m using mono because it floats, unlike flouro. If I’m using steamers or bead rigs I like flouro because it sinks, is more abrasion resistant and it’s virtually invisible underwater.
Do you prefer a specific rod manufacturer over others? Why?
I’ve been a Sage guy for awhile but all the big manufacturers are making great rods now.
What about waders… What brand are you rocking, and why?
I’m a big Simms guy. Love my G3’s. They’re bulletproof and the warranty is great.
What are you listening to on the way to the river?
I’m a big Garth Brooks fan so anything by Garth is my go to.
How can people connect with you? (Retail store, online store, social media handles, etc)
Instagram: @Adkfishing22
Any parting thoughts you’d like us to add?
We really need to keep pushing to STOP PEBBLE MINE.
