WESTLEY ALLEN
OWNER / GUIDE
GET TO KNOW WESTLEY
Westley grew up in Northern Michigan, along the banks of the Betsie and Platte River, wielding a fly rod by the age of 14. He got his feet wet in the industry as a first mate on the charter boats out of Frankfort, fishing for Lake Trout, Steelhead, and Salmon in the spring and summer. In his free time, he honed his abilities with a fly rod pursuing pike, steelhead, trout, salmon and smallmouth in all of Michigan’s great watersheds. After studying Natural Resource Management and Writing at Grand Valley State University, Westley left the concrete jungle of Grand Rapids, the Grand River, and the Rogue river behind. He drifted into the PMRL fly shop one day with a laundry list of questions, a head full of confidence, and a heart full of passion. After helping maintain the fly shop and lodge operations for a few years, Westley smoothly transitioned into being one of the guides there. Now with close to a decade of guiding experience, Westley has made a name for himself in the area as well as the fly fishing industry. Whether you are new to the sport, or a seasoned veteran, Westley’s mix of humor, patience, thorough instruction, knowledge and passion is sure to rub off on you.
In his free time you will find Westley out on the water with friends, buzzing away at the vice, or enjoying time with the catch of his life and their three dogs.
ALEAU PRESENTS | MOUSE TRAP
The fisheries are worlds apart. Back home in Michigan, we don’t have river closures, we have tons of wild and stocked fish. A few regulations here and there, but nothing like out West. The numbers of fish alone are non comparable. The rivers are definitely busier in the Midwest, and the fishing is a bit more niche. We have larger rivers where swinging is a solid option anytime you want to chase steelhead. Some of the smaller rivers though create a challenge. Our spring creeks have a lot of wood in them, both above and below the water, so knowing the drifts VERY intimately can play a huge role. I personally guide and fish the PM, which is not always the most swing friendly river. That’s where a bobber comes in. From fly rods to centerpins, we have a lot of fish and nice runs of fish that flood upriver in the fall.
What drew you to steelhead fishing on the swing, and why is it such a beloved style?
It is an insanely fun way to fish. From the cast, to the grab, there is nothing like it. It looks super cool, it’s an efficient way to fish, and I think a basic understanding of spey casting would help every fly angler out there. From pitching streamers floating down the bank, or picking up a dry fly in tight quarters, spey casting is applicable. Everyone has their own journey with picking up a spey rod. Learning all of the different casts, and perpetually trying to perfect those casts can either be very rewarding or defeating for an angler. That feeling when you bomb a good cast out there, the line lays out nice, you get a good mend, take a step or two down, and feel your fly come across in that sweet spot and get grabbed… it’s pure zen. I think the creativity in the flies, the aesthetic nature of the casting, and the slowed down pace of life it puts you in when fishing a spey rod is what keeps people coming back. And did I say getting a grab?
Out here in Washington, it really is searching for a unicorn. Not that they don’t exist. But I’ve gained a much higher respect for steelhead, and more-so, for the search in itself. There is room to cast, and plenty of it out in Washington. Hell I can’t even hit the other side of the river at times. Back home, the casting is more technical, with snags hoping to force another retie. Don’t get me wrong, you need to be fairly good at casting in Washington to cover enough water and not waste time, but it’s nice to have a lot less things to worry about. Just swing, step, cast, and repeat. And mend.
What’s one of the most memorable moments you’ve had with a client on the water?
I had a day this fall where the water was low, and the clients were skeptical on showing up. Being their first time fishing for steelhead, I wanted to make sure they hooked at least one. The weather was calling for high winds and rain, perfect steelhead weather. It was the beginning of the season so we weren’t really seeing numbers yet but I was sure we would get a good push of fish. My first spot was a “B” option spot with other anglers in a few of my favorite runs. Within 30 minutes we hooked 8 steelhead. Abnormal for sure. We dropped to my second spot and proceeded to hook more steelhead than we knew what to do with. We had multiple doubles, with lots of laughs and swearing. I even caught a few steelhead. I believe we hooked 30 steelhead. I don’t recall how many we landed. More than enough though. The clients left with big smiles and thanked me for convincing them to come out.
What’s next for you and @westsideflyguide?
For now, I will be spending the season in Forks Washington with my girlfriend and three dogs, fishing and guiding as much as possible. Heading back to Michigan in mid Spring to resume picking on trout back home, and see all of our friends and family. For now, my only goal is to catch a 20+ lb steelhead on the swing. And to make it back in Michigan in one piece. Hopefully I will get time to stop and “swing” in to a Fly Fishing Film Tour showing as me and my buddies back home did have our film “The Mouse Trap” accepted into the tour this year. So maybe when things settle down this summer, we’ll find ourselves coming up with a new film idea.
