Ironhead Guide Service - Happy Camp, California

robert ruiz

My fishing review with (Mario Gomez) Ironhead Guide Service:

Fishing with Mario Gomez is like fishing with family or your childhood friend you grew up with. He is makes you feel at home, and puts you on the fish every time. I fished with Mario on September 21, 2018 on the Klamath, and it was by far the best fishing trip I have ever had. It seems like every time I go out fishing with Mario the trip gets better and the fish get bigger. And trust me, we have been fishing with Mario for a few years, and we have caught some big fish. And just when you think you have had the best trip of your lifetime he outdoes it on the next trip. I have been fishing for over 45 year and he is by far the best guide (Person) you want to fish with to catch fish, big fish, and have fun doing it. I would recommend Mario Gomez to anyone loving to catch Salmon and Steelhead.

Robert Ruiz,
Woodland, CA

Leon Julienne

It was great, Mike was great. We caught some nice steelhead on the fly rod which was awesome. Then we switched to pluging and had a blast doing that. We never fished for steelhead that way. Thank you and Mike for a great time.

AManda Elderkin

Mario and his brother gave us an amazing family day on the Klamath. We caught and released 78 native steelhead. It was a priceless experience. They were great company. Speaking as a group of women, they made us feel safe and comfortable.

josh diz

My guide Mike and I had a killer day on the Klamath yesterday! This was my first guided fly fishing experience and I only have good things to say about Ironhead guide service! Great communication, easy to book, great customer service and they put you on the fish! Thank again guys can’t wait until our next trip.

shahin dehestani

One word: OUTSTANDIND. Seriously, if you're looking to get into non-stop steelhead action, then look no further than Ironhead Guide service.

My father and I are 20+ year fly fisherman ... and we've hired MANY guides. But none have been so accommodating ... and had such an intimate understanding of the Klamath river and its moods... as Mario and his team.

From the our initial contact over the phone to booking the trip to guiding us on the river, Mario exceeded our expectations. He's cool, patient and VERY hard working - even rowing us up and down productive runs multiple times just to make sure we seized every opportunity. (usually catching fish on each run through btw) And honestly, by the second day, I lost count of how many steelies we hooked into. Now don't get me wrong, we may have caught zero fish but I wouldn't have been disappointed. It's not about that. Sometimes conditions make it so that even the best guides and fly fishermen get skunked. But Mario made sure there wasn't even a remote chance that could happen. He also gave us some "secret" tips on techniques and fly patterns.

So if you're coming up to Happy Camp, or you're just looking to fish some more "untapped" waters, do yourself a favor and call Mario fast before he's booked out. We're already making plans to book him for winter steelhead in Oregon. Thanks Mario and talk soon!

Thomas Connolly

My guide was Mike Jackson from Ironhead Guide Service. Great day on the Klamath out of Happy Camp, CA. I am new to fly fishing so I expected a patient and relaxed guide. Mike was fabulous and we had a very productive steelhead day!

Frank Forcier

Words can't describe the attention to detail this guide had towards us. I've been on $6000/ day charters out in the beautiful blue ocean in Hawaii and some flats in Key West searching for bone fish. Those don't compare to the detail he put into this trip.
1) Let's start off with meeting: He was ready 5 minutes early. (To Me, if you're onetime, you're late. You be early always. He started this off perfectly.)
2) Gas up: Well, he wasn't gassed up but it was as fast as filling your own tank.
3) We got into the water quickly. No fussing around. Looking for that. probing this. Done!
4) We were in the water fishing quickly.
5) Equipment: Even though Mario didn't know we are experienced fisherman, he gave us high end reels and rods. None of this cheep Walmart or grandfather hand-me-downs. His equipment was well maintained and ready. Huge Plus in my book!
6) Boat: What can I say about this. This was the nicest river boat I've ever seen. The seats were plush with no rips. There was even an heater in the front to keep my toes nice and warm. Cleanest boat I've ever been on to rent.
7) No matter how many times I needed more bait on my line, he never complained. NEVER! Another major plus.
8) He always handled the fish. Cared a lot about us bringing them in.
9) If it was a good honey hole, he would go back up it several times so we could fish it again and again.
10) He really didn't look at his watch. He even pulled his own rod out and fished with us even though he couldn't keep the fish!
11) When we got to the bottom, the care was ready for us to go back.

Never complained. Never made me feel uncomfortable. Took pics with the fish for us and even told us some about the beauty surrounding the river. Mario is the top guide I've ever had. I don't know how he's going to top this one but when I come up again, he'll pull something out of his sleeve. Thanks again. Frank

Daryl Erckenbrack

These guys are by far the best Guide service I have ever used. Mario is 5 star with his communication and attention to detail. My Guide, Wally, was absolutely detail oriented and put us right in the fish. I forgot a rod and reel valued at $500.00 on the shuttle truck. I live 7 hours away from Happy Camp and all but wrote it off as a loss. Not only did Wally return my email regarding the missing gear. He refused to accept any reimbursement for shipping! These guys are top notch and if I could rate them a 10 star I wouldn’t hesitate