A few kind words

We appreciate our Clients.  

Thankfully, the feeling is mutual.

Please enjoy reading our client reviews from first timers, enthusiasts, and experienced sport fishermen alike. Then join us in chasing some of the most sought-after fish in the region.


My Dad and I have fished with Brad Wagner (owner) a few times now, for salmon and steelhead trout. Most recently, we fished the Methow River for steelhead on 11/10, and it couldn't have been a better day of fishing. We caught our limit of hatchery fish (2 per person) and caught a few wilds that we released after exciting fights in bringing them in.

Brad has been fishing all his life and knows what he is doing, especially where to target the fish. He makes his own jigs, and oh buddy, they are money!  Plus, Brad is just a cool dude to hang out and fish with for the day. A lot of experienced fisherman (even guides) can be condescending or just not that fun to be around, but Brad is willing to teach you to become a better fisherman and doesn't get impatient. He just loves to fish, so he gets just as excited as you do when you get a fish online! He's also willing to put in extra time to get you the fish--we didn't leave until after dark! Before that though, he gutted and filleted our fish.

Overall, Brad's a great guide to fish with. I highly recommend him and I look forward to fishing with him for many more years!

-Ryan G.


SIMPLY EXCEPTIONAL is the first thought I have when someone asks about Brad Wagner and Bobber Down fishing guide service.  I have fished with Brad 8-10 times now including Springer Salmon, winter steelhead, Columbia River salmon and even Kokanee fishing on Lake Chelan.  I can truly say that Brad is the hardest working, most pleasant guide I have ever been with.  I have never seen anyone who enjoys seeing other people catch fish more than Brad.  Most guides go by hours of the trip.  Brad goes by the number of fish in the boat.  He will go to dark if you need to catch that last fish to limit. On top of that BRAD KNOWS FISHING!  He is extremely knowledgeable and takes great care to teach you how to fish whatever you are fishing for and is always up beat.  His equipment (boats, rods, reels, etc.) are all top of the line.  He is meticulous about even making his own jigs, salmon eggs and other baits.  Brad catches fish when other guides come in empty handed. Yesterday we limited out on spring Chinook salmon with huge fish when the river report was that only a few other fish had been caught.  We also released 3 native Chinook on top of that.  The only bad thing about Bobber Down Guide Service is that he is so good and well liked, most of the time you have to book trips months in advance to get a trip.  A worthwhile trade off for a perfect day of fishing.

-Mike A.


Bobber Down Guide Service was very accommodating and influential in my first trip out with a professional fishing guide.  Thank You! For the great experience that will never be forgotten!

-Samantha J.


If your reading this and your any kind of a fisherman, intermediate, or novice you'll know it's called fishing not catching.  Been out fishing with Brad twice now, once to fill a seat on the drift boat and had quite the experience and a FN good time! Fish were caught, fish were lost but more importantly you will learn what it is to fish.  After that, took 2 of my buddy's over for sockeye on the Columbia river for another GREAT fishing adventure! My friends and I were happy for how long we'd been out on the water, but Brad fished us way longer then we intended cause we needed 2 more fish! WE had to tell him it was time to go. Now that's what I call a fishing guide! You will leave with more than just fish.. friends, memories, and photos

-Zack K.


Great guide and friend, very helpful and not afraid to share his knowledge and his passion for fishing!!!

-Russel G.

Fished Lake Wenatchee with Bobber Down last week, limits of Sockeye for all as usual.The fish are bigger this year and Brad knows how to find them. The boat is state of the art and very comfortable, lots of room. This is my third trip with BD. Summer run at Brewster, my daughter and I both limited on big Kings and Sockeye. Floated Wen. River for Steelhead and realeased a 15lb. And got my two hatchery fish. Looking forward to fall run Kings at Vernita with BD. Don't waste your money, go with the best, Bobber Down.

-Mark S.


Excellent fishing guide. Fished July 12 2016 We limited out on kings in 2hrs and had a blast limiting out on sockeyes. Nice equipment and great day fishing. We Definitely recommend.

-Cory J.


Brad with Bobber Down is exceptional!!  I have used him as a guide for 4-5 years and am never disappointed.  He lives to fish!  He is extremely knowledgable and gracious.  We hook lots of fish, and some occasionally get off because of a mistake that I make.....So we just go catch another one!  My wife (who is NOT outdoorsy) enjoys going on the trips because Brad is very patient and encouraging.  I highly recommend Brad for any trip!  By the way, I would strongly recommend the Spring King trip on the Icicle River in Leavenworth, Sockeye fishing (best tasting on the planet) at Lake Wenatchee, or Sockeye at Brewster.  If you are interested in 30 lb Kings, a Fall King trip at the Hanford Reach is good.  The Fall fish are usually turning and best for smoking, and the Spring/Summer fish taste the best.

-Gary S.


I have fished with Brad several times and I can say he knows his stuff!! Kings, steelhead, sockeye, kokanee, we have slammed them all.. Has top notch boats and gear!! 
He is soooo great with kids, my kids love him, he is very patient. 
Always ready to help make you a better fisherman, willing to share tactics as well. 
He LOVES to fish, even fishes on
his very few days day off...lol He even goes out and fishes by himself to try new stuff out after clients have limited out. :) 
Like Bobber Down Guide Service on Facebook and check out all his success.
I highly recommend booking a trip, you will very happy that you did.

-Dave B.


I first went fishing with Bobber Down Guide Service on the Icicle River Spring 2012.  I had never fished before and knew nothing about fishing, but I caught my first fish and I had such a good time that I bought another trip for my sister and her husband when they visited from LA.  I also took my best friend on a trip with Brad and she caught her first fish.  All three trips that I've been on with Brad have been memorable and tons of fun!!  I will continue to book trips!!

-Misti G.


Numbers don't lie. Brad consistently puts his clients not only on a good number of fish but also an excellent quality. Brad is on these rivers day in and day out and has a great understanding and deep respect for the fish as well as the rivers he guides.

-Pete S.