WILLOW CREEK — All five Willow Creek candidates who sat for the Maine Fishing Guide licensing exam in February passed the three-day assessment, doubling the number of licensed guides operating out of the community and providing relief for outfitters struggling to meet demand.
The exam, administered by the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife, tests candidates on fish identification, water safety, navigation, and state regulations. Candidates also complete a practical skills component on a local waterway.
Julia Chen of Northwoods Outfitters, who organized a study group for the candidates, said her business alone had turned away at least 40 guided-trip inquiries in 2021 due to guide shortages.
“This changes everything,” Chen said. “We can now offer split trips, half-day options, and multi-day expeditions that we simply didn’t have the staffing for before.”
One of the new guides, Sam Kowalski, 28, said he left a warehouse job in Bangor to pursue guiding full-time. “I grew up fishing this river,” Kowalski said. “Getting paid to share it with people feels like winning the lottery.”
The successful candidates will complete a mentored season before receiving their full independent credentials. The town plans to recognize the new guides at the April select board meeting.