California Outdoors Hall of Fame
Inducted 2024
About JD
Meet Captain
JD Richey
Hall of Fame guide, writer and teacher, running one of the most respected sportfishing charters in the West since 1998.
Captain · writer · Hall of Famer
A life on the water
Since 1998, JD has operated one of the most respected sportfishing charters in the West, guiding full time from California to Alaska. In 2024, he was inducted into the California Outdoors Hall of Fame for his contributions to the outdoor community.
With a degree in journalism, he’s written thousands of fishing articles for Field & Stream, Western Outdoors, Western Outdoor News, Salmon Trout Steelheader, Fish Alaska and more, along with six books that help anglers master the craft. He’s a sought-after seminar speaker and a regular radio and TV guest.
He’s also an ardent conservationist. State agencies have sought his expertise on river restoration and tagging studies, and he was a charter officer of the Nor-Cal Guides & Sportsmen’s Association.
- USCG licensed captain
- California Outdoors Hall of Fame, 2024
- Guiding full time since 1998
- Author of 6 fishing books
- Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe approved guide
Watch
A Fishing Life: 27 Years Guiding on the Water
JD’s own look back at nearly three decades as a full-time guide.
Inducted 2024
California Outdoors Hall of Fame
The Hall of Fame honors people who have made exceptional contributions to California’s outdoors. JD’s biography describes him as an innovative angler, an ardent conservationist, a guide, author and photojournalist.
The books
Written by JD
The Ultimate Guide to Steelhead Bank Fishing
The Ultimate Guide to Bank Fishing for Salmon
Side-Drifting for Steelhead
How to Catch Sockeye Salmon (Without Flossing)
Light Tackle Surf Perch
How to Catch Bass Year Round
What anglers say
Two decades of happy anglers
★★★★★
“My first trip with JD was in 1999 and I’ve been going several times a year from California to Alaska ever since! All I can say is he is top notch. Literally the best of the best!”
Ron Milam · Bend, OR
★★★★★
“JD is the best guide I’ve ever fished with over 2 decades. He’s got an uncanny sense that pulls fish out of the most surprising places. He’s incredibly knowledgeable, great with my kids, is dedicated to the resource, and unwavering with integrity.”
Vince Thompson · Loomis, CA
★★★★★
“JD is the real deal, period. One of the most cerebral anglers I know. Do a day on the water with him and you’ll have an opportunity to see how the game is done at the highest levels. Highly recommended.”
Tom Amberson · Elk Grove, CA
Fish with JD.
Pick your lake and your date and book it online in a minute. JD reaches out before your trip with the plan, the meeting time and what the fish are doing.