I have fished for Steelhead and Salmon with Jim Martin for several years. I always fish with guides and do 15-20 trips a year. I have also fished with 50+ guides for many types of fish. Jim is at the top of my list of guides as he is always pleasant, easy going, well prepared, and knowledgeable.
National Sporting Conservation Council Director, Idaho Department of Fish and Game, 1997-1999
“I’m 66 years-old and have been hunting and fishing for more than 56 of those years. I was a river/fishing and big game outfitter/guide in Idaho’s Salmon River Country in the late 1960s and early 1970s. I’ve hunted and fished with guides in Alaska, the lower 48 states, and Canada and with stalkers and ghillies in Scotland. I know what guides are supposed to do and I’ve been with some of the best—Jim Martin among them.
I was referred to Jim by an other guide (imagine that) nine years ago and then never had or wanted to go fishing with anyone else in your neck of the woods. I'm an East Coster who visits Oregon once or twice a year. When I do, I call Jim every time I come out there.
I have been a fisherman all my life, but have always been a bit intimidated by salmon and steelhead fishing (regs, where to fish, when to fish, what gear, etc...) However, when fishing with Jim all those questions go away. Jim is extremely knowledgeable and skilled at getting us into fish.
We had a wonderful day of fishing with Jim. In the brief periods between beautiful fish, Jim shared his vast knowledge of the fish and the river. Great conversation, great fishing, great weather… What else could you ask for? We will definitely do it again as soon as we can! I have been fishing for twenty years on the Umpqua, where Jim took us, and learned more eight hours with Jim than two decades on my own. I can’t thank him enough for sharing his knowledge and expertise. I can’t wait to do it again!
Don Adams, Eugene, Oregon
I first met Jim Martin in 2002 when I moved from Idaho to Eugene, Oregon. I had fished a lot of different places in the country and I wanted to try the salmon and steelhead in the Western Oregon rivers. Jim was referred to me by a friend who said I wouldn't be sorry.
I relocated from Minnesota, the land of lakes, to the Oregon, the land of rivers, and I really did not know how to fish these new waters. I have been in Oregon for four years and decided to finally go fishing and to teach my son Finan, who is seven years-old, the sport. Enter Jim Martin, a great guide. Jim not only helped my son and I through the regs and rules but he also made the day very enjoyable with his knowledge and by catching fish. We landed a 12 pound salmon and some trout that my son really enjoyed. What really struck me different about Jim was his professionalism and his courteousness on the River. He made sure we did not interfere with others who were fishing and he always asked before entering an area to fish if it was OK with the fisherman who were already there.
I can not thank you enough for your guided salmon fishing trip today. It was amazing! I was so impressed that I had to write you a thank you letter. My four year-old daughter had the time of her life on the river today with you. You really made her comfortable so she could have a ball on her first ever fishing trip. You are wonderful with children, especially the safety part. Your professionalism and experience made the trip absolutely everything we wanted and more!! Like how about a MONSTER 25 pound King Salmon I yanked out of the McKenzie!!! It was like magic how you knew where they were!! I kid you not!!
I had the pleasure to fish with Jim during this past Thanksgiving holiday and as an avid angler from Southern California who had never caught a salmon, I was hoping that he was going to put me on the fish. Well, he did not disappoint! I was able to the check the Coho off my list. Jim was always pleasant and all the gear and equipment was first class. He was knowledgeable and a continuous source of invaluable information regarding the fishery and the surrounding environment. An outstanding guide and person. I brought home unforgettable memories and can't wait to do it again! Thank you Jim, 'till next time.
