About the Guide

Guide photo coming soon

Tahlequah, Oklahoma

Born on the Illinois River, guiding it ever since

River Rat Kayak Fishing started the way most good guide services do — fishing this water for free long before anyone paid for it. Growing up minutes from the river in Tahlequah, the gravel bars, bluff pools, and lake structure on Tenkiller, Hudson, and Fort Gibson aren't just good fishing spots, they're home water.

What started as guiding friends and family on weekend float trips turned into a full-time multi-day expedition outfit — built around the idea that the best fishing happens when you slow down, camp on the water, and fish more than a few hours at a time.

Our Approach

Guiding built around the water, not the clock

Small Groups Only

We cap every trip at six anglers so you get real attention on the water — not a crowded flotilla.

Safety First

Wilderness first-aid trained, USCG safety practices, and a hard rule: if conditions aren't safe, we reschedule.

Teach, Don't Just Guide

Every trip includes real instruction — reading water, boat control, casting to structure — so you leave a better angler.

Credentials

Licensed, insured, and trained for the water

Licensed Guide

Oklahoma-licensed fishing guide

USCG Practices

Coast Guard-aligned safety standards

Wilderness First Aid

Certified backcountry first responder

Fully Insured

General liability coverage for every trip