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Gilligan's Guide Service

Truckee Speed Rod Hat

Truckee Speed Rod Hat

$35.00 USD
$35.00 USD
Sale Sold out
Shipping calculated at checkout.

Snapback trucker hat. One size fits all. 

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Notoriously difficult, but

We make it easy.

The Truckee River is famous for it's giant fish, and insanely challenging and technical fishing. We consistently put clients on the fish of their lifetime, and pass other anglers breaking their rods in frustration. Save your rods, and book a trip.

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See if you can hit the

The Truckee Slam

Gilligan is famous for putting clients on behemoth brown trout, but it's not uncommon to hit the Truckee Slam: Brown, Rainbow, Cutthroat and Whitefish. All of which can easily top 20" and send you into your backing faster than the most brazen bonefish.

35 Years of Truckee Mastery

Your Guide

Matt "Gilligan" Koles is the living legend of the Truckee, a master guide with over 3 decades of Truckee expertise under his belt. Gilligan is not just a guide; he's a nationally recognized fly tier, and a pioneer of tight-line nymphing, reshaping the very landscape of fly fishing on these storied waters. As the most sought-after guide in the area, Gill's passion for the river is matched only by his unwavering dedication to ensuring every angler who wades alongside him or steps aboard his boat leaves with memories that will last a lifetime. Rest assured, with Gill at the helm, your fishing dreams are not just within reach -- they're practically guaranteed.

Fish with Gill

Experience the Majesty

Big river, bigger fish

Flowing 106 miles from Lake Tahoe to Pyramid Lake, the Truckee is truly the playground of giants. It's meandering path flows through the rugged beauty of the Sierra's, the casino chaos of downtown Reno, and the sage-filled high desert on it's way to Pyramid Lake.

There's a lot of river to cover, and it's not easy to know where to go. We'll shorten your learning curve, and make sure you end your trip with great memories, and a notebook of wisdom.

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We put the grin in "grip and grin"

  • Biggest browns of my life!

    I have been out Matt 3 times, and have enjoyed myself immensely each time. He is professional, knowledgeable, and has a passion for the sport that is refreshing. I highly recommend him if you are headed to the area. I have included some photos of the caliber of trout that I have landed with his guidance. These are the biggest browns of my life!

    Joan Z 

  • My best ever!

    I have been out with Matt three times now: twice on guided trips and one time for his Euro nymphing clinic. The things I have learned from him have opened up whole new possibilities for me in terms of being able to go out and have success on my own. Most recently, he helped me hook and land this amazing brown trout - my best ever.

    Eric A 

  • Great day on the river!

    We did a Truckee float with Matt. We had a great day on the river. We pitched streamers for most of the morning, and Matt took the time to introduce us to Euro nymphing later in the day. I got into some nice fish, but more than the fishing, Matt is just an enjoyable dude to spend time with on the river. An excellent day on the river!

    Bob L. 
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Frequently Asked Questions

What's Included?

Flies are provided on all guide trips, as well as additional gear if required (waders, boots, etc.) at no cost.

Waters are provided, but guests should bring any snacks and lunches.

We fish aggressively and continuously, and don't stop for long lunches, which is why the full day options are around 6 hrs. Believe me, you'll be exhausted from roping fish at the end of the day!

What's the Cancellation Policy

Deposits for canceled guide trips will be refunded in full with a 30 day or more notice. Cancellations within 30 days will forfeit all deposit monies. If we are able to re-book the guide, we will refund the deposit or apply it to a trip at a later date. If a trip is cancelled with less than 72 hours notice, the full price of the guide trip will be charged. Our guide trips go out in all safe weather and water conditions, therefore inclement weather, water levels or undesirable fishing conditions are NOT acceptable reasons to cancel or receive a refund. Trips cancelled by the guide or mutual guide/client decision due to unsafe weather or water conditions, state or federal closures, or other uncontrollable circumstances will have the entire deposit refunded.

Where will we fish?

Depending on whether you book a walk&wade or a float (drift boat) trip, we will seek out whatever stretch of river that is fishing well.

We are on the river almost daily, so we're intimately attuned to the conditions, flows, and hatches and will put you in the best possible position.

We will communicate with guests at least 24 hours before a trip on where we will meet to maximize our success.

What skill level do I need?

While we specialize in putting experienced clients onto trophy fish, we do also love teaching aspiring anglers.

If you are booking a walk & wade trip however, it is important that you are sure on your feet and can maneuver through the rocky and unstable terrain, and have confidence wading in moderately fast-moving water.

If you are unsure of your ability to walk & wade, consider booking a float (drift boat) trip, or please don't hesitate to drop us a line.

What type of fishing will we do?

It will depend on what the fish are biting! In the fall and spring we tend to have more success throwing streamers, and in the warmer summer months we focus on tight-line (euro) nymphing.

Gilligan was one of the first to employ tight-line techniques in the West, and is largely attributed to it's now common use on the Truckee and beyond. If you're interested in learning this radically efficient technique, he'd be happy to teach you!