Jeff Hickman: Steelhead Guide
Deschutes, Clackamas and Oregon Coastal Rivers
Jeff Hickman was raised on Mt Hood, placing him right at the headwaters of steelhead paradise. At twelve he saved his pennies and bought his first spey rod which he used shortly after to catch his first steelhead swinging his own fly creation. He has had a two-handed rod in his hands nearly everyday since then. He is a world class instructor and one of the fishiest people you will ever meet.
A guide should be hard working, knowledgeable and above all else, be fun to fish with. A great guide makes learning fun, is patient, creative and honest, these qualities are why Jeff has created so many long lasting fishing friendships. He lives and breathes steelhead and his passion for the sport, the fish and their preservation is contagious. At the end of a day spent on the water with Jeff you will have a better understanding and appreciation for the river, it’s fish and how to catch them on the fly!
Fish The Swing, LLC
Jeff owns and operates Fish The Swing, LLC, utilizing his 20ft jet boat to get you from spot to spot on the Deschutes and Clackamas Rivers. To add to his bag of tricks, in the winter and spring he also guides float trips using his 16ft Cataraft on some of Northern Oregon’s Coastal rivers when the conditions call for it. This allows him to be on the river as many days as possible in good water conditions. Jeff is also one of very few guides who actually lives right on the river he guides. December-June you can find him on the Clackamas River everyday, his house sits steps above a nice steelhead run. When you are on the water as much as Jeff, you know where the fish are most likely to be, and that is key to successful steelheading.
Guide Name: Fish The Swing, LLC
Guide: Jeff Hickman
Guided Waters: Deschutes / Clackamas / Northern Oregon's Coastal Rivers
Season: Year Round
In a recent 2013 chat with Jeff Hickman, we asked him what gear he's using these days on the river. Here's the list.
Winston BIIX 12'6" 6/7wt
Ross Reach 7130 13' 7wt
Ross Reach 7119 11'9" 7wt
Ross F1 reels sizes 4 and 5
Ross Momentum reels sizes 5 and 6
Scientific Anglers Skagit Extreme
Scientific Anglers Skagit Extreme Intermediate
Scientific Anglers Scandi Extreme
Scientific Anglers floating monocore running line
