Journey to Becoming a Licensed NH Fishing Guide (Twice)
This past week, I successfully passed the final stage—the oral board—to become a licensed NH Fishing Guide again. My journey with the NH Fishing Guide License began in 2007 when I first passed the exam. I maintained my license until 2010, when life circumstances led me to let it lapse. At that point, I had been fly fishing for about 17 years and had just moved with my wife and young daughter to the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, eager to connect with local fly fishing enthusiasts.
Initial Certification in 2007
At the time, I was volunteering with the New Hampshire Fish and Game Department as an instructor for their "Let's Go Fishing" program. I had also completed the Federation of Fly Fishers Casting Instructor certification course at L.L. Bean, successfully passing their exam to become a certified casting instructor. My passion for teaching and supporting others in fly fishing was—and continues to be—profound.
Mark Beauchesne, who managed the "Let's Go Fishing" program, connected me with an angler in Sanbornton, NH. who in turn introduced me to others in the area, which eventually led to me starting a local fly tying club. We met regularly to fish and share our knowledge. One of our members, a licensed guide specializing in guiding on Lake Winnisquam for Landlocked Salmon, encouraged me to pursue my own guide's license. He felt my fly casting instruction skills could be valuable to his clients who needed extra support.
He generously helped me prepare for the guide’s exam, which was a comprehensive 50-question test covering:
New Hampshire Fish and Game laws regarding fish and wildlife
Current bag limits on fish and wildlife
Federal wildlife regulations
General knowledge of fish and wildlife management practices
Fish and wildlife life cycles
Laws pertaining to guides and their clients
Geography of New Hampshire
Flora and fauna of New Hampshire
Emergency first aid and CPR (certification required)
Boating rules and regulations (from NH Department of Safety, Marine Division)
It was a substantial amount of content to learn and remember. Back then, the passing grade was 70% (today the content requirements are the same but the passing grade has been raised to 75%), and I was thrilled to pass and receive my license.
Navigating the Financial Crisis
Guiding and teaching fly fishing classes quickly became a passion. Few things compared to helping a student experience their first tight fly casting loop—a rewarding moment every instructor knows well.
However, my primary employment at Fidelity in Merrimack, NH, was severely impacted by the financial crisis of 2008. Like many others, I lost my job in November of that year. It took a full year to secure stable employment again. During this challenging period, my wife and I drastically reprioritized our finances. Anything not directly generating income was considered an unnecessary expense. As a result, I let my guiding license and other certifications lapse.
Rebuilding My Fly Fishing Dream
Fast forward 16 years, my passion for fly fishing was still burning brightly. With renewed clarity about my goals, I decided it was time to rebuild my fly fishing business, centered on Adventure, Community, and Education. When I contacted New Hampshire Fish and Game about regaining my guide’s license, they informed me about significant changes to the testing process, particularly the new oral board examination. Given how long my license had been inactive, I would have to retake the entire testing process.
Preparing for the New Oral Board
The written test requirements were unchanged, but the oral board was a notable addition. Its purpose was to elevate the quality and reputation of New Hampshire guides, making them comparable to the prestigious Registered Maine Guide program.
The oral board, conducted by 2-3 NH Fish and Game conservation officers, thoroughly tested practical skills such as:
Compass and map use (magnetic north, bearings)
Land navigation (latitude & longitude, UTM coordinates, Bizer charts)
Scenario-based navigation tasks
Preparation for guided trips (gear, logistics, client safety)
Emergency medical response procedures
The officers posed challenging scenarios, requiring detailed explanations of preparations, navigation techniques, and emergency responses. After each section, they discussed the candidate's performance privately before continuing to the next phase.
Achieving My License Again
Ultimately, New Hampshire Fish and Game, particularly their law enforcement division, has significantly raised the standards for licensed guides. I was fortunate to pass all sections on my first attempt—a rewarding achievement, considering the intensity and rigor of the process.
The high standards reflect the serious responsibility guides carry when leading clients into wilderness or aquatic environments. NH Fish and Game takes this responsibility seriously—and so should anyone aspiring to become a licensed guide.
I'm excited to resume guiding, teaching, and sharing my passion for fly fishing with others. If you're considering a similar journey, please reach out. I’d love to help you navigate the waters of becoming a licensed NH Fishing Guide.
#FlyFishingNewEngland #NHFishandGame #LicensedGuide
