Our Message – Welcome to the Washington State Guides Association (WSGA)

Thank you for taking the time to visit the Washington State Guides Association website. More importantly, I hope you’ll consider becoming a member—whether you’re a professional sport fishing guide or a charter operator.

My name is Doug Saint-Denis, and I’m proud to serve as President of WSGA. I also own and operate Ridge to River Outdoors and 365 Charters.

I began my guiding career part-time, working the rivers from the Skagit to the Columbia. Over time, I transitioned into full-time guiding, now operating on both the lakes and Puget Sound. Unfortunately, over the past 30 years, I’ve seen our fisheries decline significantly. There are fewer opportunities now than ever before—and that’s exactly why I became motivated to make a difference.

Back in 2017, guide and charter license fees suddenly increased—some by over 80%.

That moment was a turning point for me. It was clear that our industry lacked a strong voice in important discussions and we needed to share the message that our input was important. To address this, we initially formed the Washington Chapter of the NW Guides and Anglers Association, which allowed us to get moving quickly. Soon after, we began holding meetings with WDFW Fish Program Managers and even Director Kelly Susewind. Through those discussions, we realized that one of the main reasons for the fee hikes was simple: we didn’t have a seat at the table.

Recognizing this, the Executive Board made a bold decision. In January 2020, we resigned from the WA Chapter of NWGAA and officially established the Washington State Guides Association (WSGA).

Since then, we’ve been hard at work—and we’ve achieved real, tangible progress:

• First, we worked with WDFW to adjust and improve the guide license fee structure.
• Next, we advocated for the creation of the WDFW Guide Advisory Committee—which now meets quarterly—ensuring that our industry finally has consistent representation.
• Additionally, we participated in every step of the guide logbook development process. Without our involvement, the final outcome would have required far more detailed reporting and been much harder on guides.

Throughout this journey, I’ve attended numerous meetings covering a wide range of issues. And here’s what I’ve learned: we don’t gain ground by shouting “no” or pounding the table. That kind of behavior shuts down conversations and sends the wrong message. Instead, when we approach challenges respectfully, listen with intent, and work collaboratively, we build trust—and we get results.

As sport fishing guides and charter operators, we are the boots on the ground. We possess firsthand knowledge and insights that can truly help WDFW manage and protect our fisheries. Encouragingly, they want our input—they value our experience. Therefore, WSGA remains deeply committed to staying involved and informed, and to representing your voice in these critical conversations.

I urge you to seriously consider becoming a member.

Even if all you do is pay your annual dues, you’re helping. Every member adds strength to our collective voice. WSGA is highly organized and committed to transparency. For instance, we frequently communicate with members, conduct polls, and gather input to guide the Executive Board’s direction. Why? Because we believe in working for our membership. It’s that simple.

Finally, I want to note that our Executive Board is made up of 11 members from across the state. We hold monthly meetings via virtual conference. If you’re interested in taking a more active role, we would absolutely welcome your participation.

Join us today. Together, we can protect and grow the opportunities that matter to us all.

Doug Saint-Denis
President, Washington State Guides Association