About Rotten Chum Guide Service

John Thomas has spent more than two decades fishing the Snohomish River system, and under the name Rotten Chum Guide Service, he lets others in on his expertise and tricks. Using a 20-foot Alumaweld fishing boat, Thomas gives guided fishing trips on the Snohomish River and Lake Stevens that range from 4 to 10 hours, which is just the right amount of time to compose an epic sea ballad. Each leisurely outing is designed to put guests in touch with nature as they ply the waters for kokanee—landlocked sockeye salmon—as well as steelhead and chinook, depending on the season. Rods and reels by Lamiglas or Okuma, Gamakatsu hooks, and Power Pro lines provide professional-grade assistance for hauling in the catches.