Jake Nelsen | Silver Creek Outfitters Fly Fishing Guide | Sun Valley, Idaho

Certified Casting Instructor

Sure to show you some reel fishing

“I think that as you guide you are always teaching, even if you are just trying to get straight to catching. You share your thoughts, techniques and knowledge with your guest, even while you are laughing, exploring, and hopefully, landing some fish.”

My hunting and fishing partner is my yellow lab named Carl.

Jake Nelsen comes from good Norwegian stock, from a large family of farmers and fisherman. Born and raised in Edison, on Puget Sound in Washington State, his first fishing memory is of the sea-run Cutties that would creep into his local river each August.

“I would walk and wade that as a kid, all day, every day!” Skiing brought him to Sun Valley, but after one summer fishing here, he knew he was home. The seemingly endless variety of water appeals to Jake. “You can fish the whole week, month or summer and not back track much.”

Guiding Style

Teacher

Fun Facts about Jake

  • He is a Christmas tree expert and runs a related business.
  • To him, après fishing is just as important as après skiing.
  • He is a big fan of summer hoppers.
  • Chasing ducks, pheasant and elk makes him happy.
  • Absolutely loves fish, water, creeks, rivers and fishing.
  • Been exploring Alaska since the late 90’s and have spent four summers up there working for the Forest Service, fighting wild land fire, building cabins and maintaining trails.
What folks say about fishing with Jake

Overall, an excellent experience

Alan Senior

Repeat client of Jake’s. He is outstanding!

Clint Glover

We discussed our past experiences and the fact that we had never been to the area before. no expectations. Jake took us on a cool trip over the pass to the Big Lost. it was a beautiful drive and we hooked into some really nice fish! He was willing to stay on the water as long as we wanted. Very accommodating and worked well with my 15 yr old son. It was excellent!

Matt Benson

Just wanted you to know that Jake guided us and could not have done a better job… very knowledgeable and great fun.

Steve Arelt

Jake worked very hard getting us into the fish. We enjoyed our trip and learned as we went. We would highly recommend Jake.

Anonymous

Jake made our day very enjoyable!!

Everyone is so nice at the store and all the guides. I was very impressed with how helpful the guides are to the customers, but I was so amazed at how helpful they are with each other - always keeping the customer in mind. On our trip, one of the guides had car trouble. Jake and Pat stopped to help. The guides worked out switching boats and helping change a flat tire to make sure the clients weren't held up any longer than necessary. The also reconnected when everything was fine to make sure everyone was on their way. It was great to see how well they supported each other!

Diane Johnson

We were two anglers of varying skill alongside Jake, and he worked equally well with both of us. We lost count of our netted fish early on. Simply put, I couldn't be happier with my experience, and I'll most definitely be booking again.

Mac Jackson

Jake is a trout Jedi. He understands the watersheds in the area extremely well, so he knew exactly where to go. When we spoke the night before, he said he had a feeling that one particular spot may be really hot; he was spot on. Trout were piled in with kokanee (as he suspected they might), and I almost felt like we were part of an inside joke on our little stretch of water.

Mac Jackson

Jake was amazing!

Anonymous

We love Jake and Pat [Lee], they have become more than just guides.

Randy Noyes

Jake and Brian were extremely knowledgeable and helpful the three days we had them.

Peter B Daly

Friendly, knowledgeable, tremendous river savvy.

Kevin Wittman

Pat, Brett, Jake, Terry | Our guys were great - please thank them again for us. They helped make the day really special and were able to get everyone in our large group into fish, including the rookies. Everyone loved the day and the SCO guides were a big part of the success. Thanks again Terry!

Both fishing trips were incredible. I’ll definitely go again.

Susumu Iwanaga

Sully and Jake were AWESOME! Both great guys and really did a good job making us all comfortable.

Bryan Bui

Can’t say enough about how great Jake was and the day was terrific thanks to his knowledge and friendship We will return

Anonymous

My daughter’s first time fishing and she caught a 21in trout. Are you kidding me? Outstanding.

Joe Ash

Ewald, Jake and Brian all of whom we enjoyed thoroughly. They made us feel like every little gain was a big success. They are not only great guides and terrific people, they are phenomenal instructors and entertainers. We could not have been happier with them!!

Tony and Su Brush

Jake was an excellent teacher and very patient with us. It was impressive that we caught so many fish, considering this was our first time fly fishing ever!

Brett B.

I wanted to say how great a trip we had with Jake on July 25 and Julie on August 1. Wonderful people, terrific guides and fun to be with. Lots of fish were caught and memories made. As always they were a real credit to Silver Creek. We hope to return many more times.

Pat and Joan Morton

The fishing was Epic and Jake was very attentive. I've been fishing with Silver Creek Outfitters for years so I knew what to expect. It is a first rate experience.

Duncan Dayton

Jake is a great guide. We had an amazing time. Thank you!

Ann Samiee

Jake is the best. And I'm not related to him.

Peter Daly

Jake is a great guide and teacher. We had such an amazing time and can't wait to come back next year!!

Christine Hammond

Jake was amazing and answered all my questions and constantly gave me feedback on my casting technique (which I asked him to do).

Thomas Kelly

Had a very nice time with Jake. I’ve had a few guides and given the pandemic, it was a great day in some rain. Caught some beautiful Cuts. He showed me some gorgeous country I haven’t seen. Gave me a little inside scoop on the local scene. I’m thinking of relocating and he was a great ambassador. Jake’s style suits me well if you like quiet confidence and the ability to untie knots while watching the water. I won’t forget anytime soon.

Tom Welsh

Fishing was pretty tough going, but the guides were great.

Robert Schmidt

Jake is a very patient instructor and guide.

Anonymous