February 3-7, 2027

Washington State Fair Events Center

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2026 SEMINAR SPEAKERS

Learn more about the outdoor experts who will be appearing at the 2026 Washington Sportsmen's Show.

Want to know more about a speaker? Click on their name to find their biography.

The speakers are listed below alphabetically by last name. All non-ticketed seminars are FREE with your admission to the Washington Sportsmen's Show. No refunds for speaker cancellation.

Heather Aldrich Co-Owner, Bravo! Mfg. Inc, Predator Hunting

Wednesday, 1/28, 4:00 PM |Green Hunting Theater| Fall Bear Hunting Tactics

Friday, 1/30, Noon |Green Hunting Theater| Fall Bear Hunting Tactics

The co-owner of Bravo! Mfg. Inc., Heather Aldrich is a longtime popular speaker at the Sportsmen’s Shows focusing on predator hunting with an emphasis on bear. She’s an expert and when she’s not hunting she’s working with her husband, John, producing premium canvas tents A resident of SW Washington, this year Heather breaks down fall bear hunting. Whether you’re just getting started or have logged several seasons hunting bear you’ll find Heather’s seminars enormously useful.

Batson Enterprises

Wednesday, 1/28, Noon |Blue Fishing Theater| Surf Fishing The Olympic Peninsula

Thursday, 1/29, 4:00 PM |Blue Fishing Theater| The Custom Rod Difference - Tailored Actions For Success

Friday, 1/30, Noon |Blue Fishing Theater| Spiral Wrapping Guides For PNW Fisheries - Expert Advice For Custom Rod Building

Saturday, 1/31, 4:00 PM |Blue Fishing Theater| Fixing Broken Fishing Rods - Advice From The World Experts In Custom Rods

Sunday, 2/1, Noon |Blue Fishing Theater| The Story of Batson Enterprises - Global Leaders In Custom Rod Building

The leading name in rod building components, Batson Enterprises is based out of Sekiu, Washington and caters to custom rod builders and manufacturers worldwide. Be sure to check out their Batson Fish Fighting experience at this year’s show in the Showplex as well as daily seminars in the Blue Theater on a variety of rod building and local fishing subjects. They are the experts and we’re thrilled they’re a part of this year’s show.

James Beasley Creator, Owner Wicked Lures

Cameron Black Addicted Fishing

Randall Bonner Author, 'The Bead Fishing Bible'

Saturday, 1/31, 4:00 PM |Steelhead River| Bead Fishing For Steelhead

This is the most complete hour on bead fishing you’ll find anywhere! Randall is the guy and literally wrote the book (The Bead Fishing Bible) on the subject. We’re thrilled to have him back to share his deep knowledge of bead fishing. He goes through it all, rods, line, hooks, riggings, water and techniques. Whether you’re brand-new to bead fishing and wanting to get started or you’ve been doing it for years, you’ll come away with useful information you can take to the water immediately and put to good use. We only have one session with Randall in the Steelhead River and his session last year was standing room only...get there early!

Brianna Bruce Professional Fishing Guide

Wednesday, 1/28, 4:00 PM |Blue Fishing Theater| Sockeye 101

Friday, 1/30, 2:00 PM | Steelhead River| Hidden Steelhead Techniques

Saturday, 1/31, 1:00 PM | Mack's Lure Walleye Tank | Active Trout Fishing

Sunday, 2/1, 1:30 PM | Mack's Lure Walleye Tank | Active Trout Fishing

The Washington Sportsmen’s Show is thrilled to have professional fishing guide, Brianna Bruce return to our 2026 show. She was a huge hit in previous years and packed the room! Brianna is going to be sharing her professional knowledge of sockeye fishing in Washington as well as “Hidden Steelhead Techniques” and even a session on trout. She pursues all of them across the State and she’ll be revealing where, when and how to catch them. Most everyone knows her as “Bree” and her smile says it all --- she loves what she does --- that is, taking people fishing for a living. The name of her guide service pretty well sums up her passion, “Livin’ Life Adventures”. This is a rare opportunity to hear from one of the brightest stars in Washington sport fishing and we know you’ll be happy you checked into her seminars.

Marc Bush Owner/Operator Twisted Waters Guide Service

Jared Cady Owner of Get'm Dry Fishing Company

Wednesday, 1/28, 2:00 PM | Steelhead River | Float Fishing For Steelhead

Saturday, 1/31, 2:00 PM | Steelhead River | Bobber And Jig Fishing For Steelhead

Owner of Get’m Dry Fishing Company, Jared Cady, is not only an exceptional Olympic Peninsula guide but he also produces a variety of salmon and steelhead jigs. He’s the perfect choice for seminars on float fishing and jig fishing for steelhead. You’ll find him in the Steelhead River delivering sage advice on what water to fish and how to fish it. Expect exceptional insight into the subject from one of Washington’s gifted guides.

Jim Davis Washington Kayak Fishing

Thursday, 1/29, 12:30 PM | Mack's Lure Walleye Tank | Vertical Jigging Tackle and Tactics

Friday, 1/30, 4:00 PM | Blue Fishing Theater | Jigging For Walleye

Saturday, 1/31, 11:00 AM | Mack's Lure Walleye Tank | Vertical Jigging Tackle And Tactics

Kayak fishing exploded onto the NW fishing scene 15 years ago and hasn’t slowed down. A central figure in Washington kayak fishing is Jim Davis. Jim’s established himself as a top pro having fishing local, regional and now, international kayak fishing tournaments. We’re thrilled Jim’s back and sharing his deep knowledge of vertical jigging for walleye in the Mack’s Walleye Tank.

Pete Fisher Gig Harbor Fishin Club

Friday, 1/30, 11:00 AM | Blue Fishing Theater |Targeting Western Washington Trout & Beyond

A lifelong angler and the fisherman and content creator behind the popular Gig Harbor Fishin Club on YouTube Pete Fisher shares practical fishing techniques, local knowledge, and a passion for the outdoors with a growing community of Northwest anglers. Pete is an expert kayak fishing enthusiast and will be discussing “Targeting Western Washington Trout & Beyond”. He’ll share where, when and how he likes to catch trout. It’s only one of two trout seminars we have on the schedule this year so take advantage of Pete’s expertise and knowledge on where and when to go trout fishing.

Richy Harrod Outdoor Media Producer, PhD in Ecosystem Sciences

Thursday, 1/29, 1:30 PM | Mack's Lure Walleye Tank | Destination Kokanee Fisheries

Thursday, 1/29, 4:00 PM | Green Hunting Theater | Mule Deer Hunting On Public Land

Friday, 1/30, 1:30 PM | Mack's Lure Walleye Tank | Tips For Catching Kokanee At All Times Of The Year

Saturday, 1/31, 1:00 PM | Green Hunting Theater | Using Tech In The Field

Sunday, 2/1, Noon | Green Hunting Theater | Do-It-Yourself Backcountry Hunting

Dr. Richy Harrod has dedicated his life to the outdoors. He holds a PhD in Ecosystem Sciences from the University of Washington. The Northwest Outdoor Writers Association (NOWA) presented him with the Outdoor Writing Legacy Award in 2018. He’s produced 66 hunting and fishing TV shows, written numerous articles on fishing and hunting and received 16 Excellence In Craft awards from the NOWA. Please extend a warm welcome to Richy Harrod and attend his detailed seminar on kokanee.

Bill Herzog Fishing Influencer

Friday, 1/30, 3:00 PM | Blue Fishing Theater | Twitching Jigs For Big Trout

Sunday, 2/1, 1:00 PM | Steelhead River | Twitching For Trout

Effusive praise is easy when talking about Bill Herzog. This man’s caught more steelhead over 20 pounds than any known human. He’s the guy. Heck, he’s caught steelhead over 30 pounds! And as good a steelhead fisherman as Bill is, really one of the best ever, his love of trout fishing is on the same plane. Bill’s been working on a very special project with Yakima Bait and he’ll be discussing it and showing how to do it and use it in both the Blue Theater and Steelhead River. Bill’s perfected a lot of different techniques over the years and here’s one more to add to it…twitching jigs for trout.

Jarod Higginbotham Yakima Bait Company

Friday, 1/30, Noon | Steelhead River | Bank Tactics For Steelhead 201

Saturday, 1/31, 3:00 PM | Blue Fishing Theater | Stuffer Baits Tips & Tricks

It’s a rare and wonderful treat to have Jarod Higginbotham of Yakima Bait Company deliver one of his exceptional seminars. Jarod’s known throughout the regional and national sportfishing industry as one of the top industry pro’s. He makes his living fishing and helping to design the equipment the rest of us use. This year he talks stuffer baits and with the success of the Yakima Bait Cut Plug you can expect LOTS of useful information you can use for trout, salmon and kokanee.

Duane Inglin Host, Fish Hunt Northwest

Thursday, 1/29, 1:00 PM | Blue Fishing Theater| Drift Fishing Vs Bobber Doggin' Know The Difference

Saturday, 1/31, Noon | Steelhead River | Drift Fishing Vs Bobber Doggin' Know The Difference

The host of the popular TV show “Fish Hunt Northwest”, Duane is the “real deal”. He’s a passionate hunter, fisherman and educator. Duane’s been a guide, spent years on TV and radio, and has, for some time, been one of the northwest’s key figures in hunting and fishing. This year Duane takes on Bobber Doggin’…an uber-popular and effective technique for catching steelhead

Scott Kaul Owner, Brad's Killer Fishing Gear

John Kruse Author, Host & Producer Northwestern Outdoors Radio

Sunday, 2/1, 11:00 AM | Blue Fishing Theater | Cast and Blast Destinations Around The Northwest

When it comes to fishing in the Northwest there are few as informed or more qualified as John Kruse. John’s the author of “Great Places To Fish In Washington”, he’s also the host and producer of Northwest Outdoors Radio heard weekly on 70 stations around the Northwest and also hosts and produces American Outdoors Radio, a nationally syndicated weekly radio show. This year John takes on Blast and Cast Destinations Around The Northwest…and we can think of no one better to share his expertise.

Robert Kratzer Fishing Guide, Angler's Guide Service

Wednesday, 1/28, 3:00 PM |Blue Fishing Theater| Plug Fishing 101

Thursday, 1/29, 2:00 PM | Steelhead River | Steelhead And Rubber Worms

There are guides and then there are GUIDES…Robert Kratzer has distinguished himself as one of the best in the business --- anywhere. He’s truly at the the top of the game and has earned a reputation of not only being a phenomenal fisherman, teacher and great guy to fish with but also…an innovator. And no better place for a guide of his caliber than the storied waters of the Olympic Peninsula. And who better to talk about plug fishing and plastic worms for steelhead. Each of these two seminars is only being offered once and we fully expect these seminars to be standing room only, so get there early so you get a seat. If you don’t find a seat, trust us, it’s well-worth standing for an hour to learn from Robert and start catching fish using these techniques the next day.

Eric Magnuson Fishing Influencer

Wednesday, 1/28, 3:00 PM | Mack's Lure Walleye Tank | Washington Ice Fishing: Lakes, How To Locate Fish On Hard Water

Friday, 1/30, 3:30 PM | Mack's Lure Walleye Tank | Ice Fishing: Introduction To Hard Water Fishing

Saturday 1/31, 3:30 PM | Mack's Lure Walleye Tank | Fishing Out Of A Bucket

When it comes to “hard water fishing” Eric’s the leading figure in Washington State. An expert ice fisherman, Eric is an established tournament pro. This year Eric takes on three different ice fishing sessions focusing on destinations, how-to and some timely “bucket fishing” tips --- Eric’s seminars are always exceptionally information-filled. If you’re interested in getting started or just want to know more on the subject don’t miss these seminar sessions.

Russell McDonald Treasurer, Washington State NWTF Board

Jason Noorlander Charter Captain, Outlander Charters

Thursday, 1/29, 2:00 PM | Blue Fishing Theater | Puget Sound Squid Fishing

Sunday, 2/1, 1:00 PM | Blue Fishing Theater | Nearshore And Offshore Bottom Fish

We’ve tapped Charter Captain Jason Noorlander the owner of Outlander Charters for two presentations this year at the Washington Sportsmen’s Show. Jason runs his charter out of three ports, Westport, Sekiu and Gig Harbor. Jason runs a first class operation and has a deep knowledge of an impressive range of Washington-area saltwater fishing opportunities. This year he’s taking on Puget Sound squid fishing and a second seminar, “Nearshore and Offshore Bottom Fish”.

Oros

Wednesday, 1/28, Noon | Steelhead River | Rethinking The Bead --- Modern Steelhead Tactics With Lightning Eggs

Sunday, 2/1, 11:00 AM | Steelhead River | A New Approach To Bead Fishing

It’s not often we say “game changer” but Oros has established themselves as a genuine innovator in the field of bead fishing, one of the most popular techniques for steelhead, trout and salmon. Oros Fly Fishing is well known in fly fishing circles for their strike indicators, but they’ve taken it a step further with their new pegless bead. The folks from Oros will be in the Steelhead River sharing this innovation and how to fish it. The Washington Sportsmen’s Show is their debut of this remarkable new development…be sure to check it out.

Jacob Perry Owner, Operator, Pathfinder Guide Service

Red's Fly Shop

Wednesday, 1/28, 1:00 PM | Green Hunting Theater | Cast and Blast in Washington State

Thursday, 1/29, 1:00 PM | Green Hunting Theater | Upland Hunting Essentials

Friday, 1/30, 4:00 PM | Green Hunting Theater | The Anatomy Of The Successful Upland Hunt: Wind, Dogs, Pressure & Strategy

Saturday, 1/31, 3:00 PM | Green Hunting Theater | Upland 101 // A Beginner-Friendly Guide To Getting Started

Sunday, 2/1, 11:00 AM | Green Hunting Theater | Fall in the Yakima Canyon // The Season Of The Cast & Blast

There’s a number of speakers coming from Red’s Fly Shop in the Ellensburg area in Central Washington to this year’s Washington Sportsmen’s Show. They’re speaking daily on a range of fishing and hunting subjects including Yakima River fly fishing, upland game bird hunting and blast and cast trips. These are the top pros in the area who will be sharing their deep knowledge on these opportunities that are in their backyard. If you’re interested in fishing the Yakima canyon or upland game bird hunting in Central and Eastern Washington --- don’t miss these Red’s Fly Shop seminars.

David Riley The Blacktail Coach

Wednesday, 1/28, 2:00 PM | Green Hunting Theater | Five Factors For More Deer Encounters

Friday, 1/30, 3:00 PM | Green Hunting Theater | Five Factors For More Deer Encounters

Saturday, 1/31, Noon | Green Hunting Theater | Five Factors For More Deer Encounters

Known as the “Blacktail Coach”, Dave Riley has logged over 30 years hunting blacktail deer. His experience in hunting this elusive deer has helped Dave develop a system and approach that he’ll share at the show. “Five Factors For More Deer Encounters” is a good place for any blacktail hunter to find success and a perfect seminar for any skill or experience level. Check the seminar schedule for times and dates.

Jaime Rodriguez Fishing Guide

Shelby Ross Owner, Operator, Ross Outdoor Adventures

Wednesday, 1/28, 1:30 PM | Mack's Lure Walleye Tank | Walleye Fishing Basics

Thursday, 1/29, 2:30 PM | Mack's Lure Walleye Tank | Spring Walleye Techniques

Sunday, 2/1, 12:30 PM | Mack's Lure Walleye Tank | Tips For Catching More Walleye

Owner and operator of Ross Outdoor Adventures, Shelby Ross has become synonymous with Washington walleye fishing. He guides a number of lakes including Potholes, Moses and Banks. Shelby has three different sessions all focused on catching more walleye. Spring walleye, learning the basics and inside tips and tricks for catching more walleye are on Shelby’s hit list for this show.

Doug St. Denis Owner, Ridge To River Outdoors

Wednesday, 1/28, 1:00 PM | Blue Fishing Theater | Puget Sound Salmon - Summer Chinook; Resident And Ocean Silvers; Blackmouth & Flounder

Saturday, 1/31, Noon| Blue Fishing Theater | Western Washington Bass Fishing + Doug's Top 10 Western Washington Bass Lakes

When it comes to Seattle-area fishing there’s no better guide to tap than Doug Saint-Denis. Doug is the consummate fishing pro and owner of Ridge To River Outdoors. He’ll be tackling two topics this year, one on Puget Sound fishing and the second he’ll share his favorite places in Western Washington to catch bass. Doug’s seminars always fill-up so be sure you get there early for a seat. Doug is truly one of many “guide’s guide” speaking at this year’s show and we couldn’t be more pleased that he’s back with us for another year.

Brett Stoffel Survival Expert

Wednesday, 1/28, 3:00 PM | Green Hunting Theater | Surviving A Wilderness Emergency

Thursday, 1/29, 2:00 PM | Green Hunting Theater | Myths And Misconceptions In Survival

Friday, 1/30, 2:00 PM | Green Hunting Theater | Basic Survival For Hunters

Saturday, 1/31, 2:00 PM | Green Hunting Theater | Surviving A Wilderness Emergency

Sunday, 2/1, 1:00 PM | Green Hunting Theater | What To Do When You Are Lost

A man of many talents, Brett Stoffel, has been sharing his expertise with Sportsmen’s Show audiences for several years. Brett’s background includes Aircraft Commander of a B52 and B2 Mission Commander. He’s been a USAF instructor and managed Combat Search and Rescue and SERE programs. Brett’s Sportsmen’s Show seminars have saved lives, his seminars are the best hour you’ll spend in assuring your safety in the backcountry. Learn how to make fire in a driving rain using a cotton ball, Vaseline and a spark. He’ll share insights on how to build a shelter, survival priorities and how to assure your rescue. Brett’s an expert and his knowledge and instruction can save your life. Brett is speaking daily on a variety of survival subjects in the Green Theater. Do yourself a favor and attend Brett’s highly informational sessions…his information could save your life.

Eric Winther Washington Department Of Fish And Wildlife

Saturday, 1/31, 1:00 PM | Blue Fishing Theater | How, When And Where: Catching Northern Pikeminnow For Big Bucks

There’s a bounty of fishing opportunity in the Columbia and Snake Rivers.

Literally. In 2025, the top 20 anglers participating in the northern pikeminnow bounty program earned between $16,110 to over $159,000! These fish hit like a freight train and have been targeted by this program to help the recovery of Columbia River Basin and Snake River salmon and steelhead stocks.

Eric Winther with the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) is

truly an expert when it comes to this particular fish. His seminar will discuss the

bounty program and how to make money catching these fish, the biology of these

fish and how and where to catch them. Like Eric says, “Since finding them is the

hardest part of catching them, how do I find them, why are they in certain areas

at certain times etc. They were here yesterday, but not today. What happened to

them?” He’ll provide the detail you need to catch these fish consistently.

We’re grateful to WDFW and Eric for lending their expertise in this seminar.

There’s a lot to know and Eric will provide the information you need to be

successful like why you don’t want to fish in water that’s running too fast (and

what “too fast” is) and baits that are most effective. And that’s just for starters.

Whether you’re looking for a side-hustle, some mad money or just want to have

fun participating in this program, this is another Washington Sportsmen’s seminar

you don’t want to miss.

Toby Wyatt Fishing Guide

Thursday, 1/29, Noon | Blue Fishing Theater | How And When To Safely Fish Baja Mexico

Friday, 1/30, 2:00 PM | Blue Fishing Theater | Dworshak Smallmouth

Well traveled and highly-skilled Toby Wyatt is another one of the region’s top guides. He truly does it all. Salmon, steelhead, sturgeon, bass and too many species to list in the warm waters in the Sea of Cortez and Pacific off the Baja Peninsula. This year Toby breaks down smallmouth fishing on Dworshak Reservoir. Dworshak may very well produce the next world record smallmouth with several fish over 9 pounds already landed. Toby guides this sprawling Idaho reservoir and is one of a few that regularly finds and lands tackle-busting bass. He's also going to share his expertise of how and when to safely fish in Mexico. He runs his guide service off the Baja Peninsula at peak fishing periods and he’ll let you in on how to do it right.