Guided Fly Fishing Trips & Instruction on Maine Rivers
Drift Boat Maine is dedicated to guided fly fishing trips and professional instruction on Maine’s rivers, led by second-generation Master Maine Guide Michael Jones.
Based in Naples, Maine, Michael has spent more than 35 years guiding and teaching on Maine waterways, helping anglers of all skill levels build confidence, refine technique, and develop a deeper understanding of fly fishing on moving water.
“In practice, fly casting is one of the most mesmerizing and intriguing extensions of human movement; simply beautiful to watch”!
MICHAEL JONES
Meet Michael Jones, Master Maine Guide
Michael Jones grew up in Mount Vernon, Maine, following in the footsteps of his father, Deane Jones, a highly respected Master Maine Guide who believed that great guiding begins with excellent communication.
That foundation shaped Michael’s approach from the very beginning:
- Patient, instruction-focused trips
- Emphasis on reading water and understanding fish behavior
- A calm, encouraging style that meets anglers where they are
Today, Michael is widely regarded as one of Maine’s most respected fly fishing guides, not because of marketing, but because of decades spent earning trust from guests on the water.
A Highly Regarded Voice in Maine Fly Fishing
Michael’s reputation in the Maine fishing community is built on experience, skill, and service.
- Certified Fly Casting Instructor, a Master Instructor specializing in improving both distance and accuracy for his students
- The New England Regional Fly Casting Champion
- Master Maine Fly Fishing Guide with more than 35 years of professional guiding experience
- Consistent top-tier client testimonials, reflecting meaningful and heartfelt experiences from clients of days spent on the water with Michael
- Deep knowledge of Maine’s river history, environmental restoration, and the ecological evolution that has shaped today’s world-class fisheries
- Pro staff experience with fly rod, fly line, and fly reel manufacturers, as well as two major drift boat manufacturers that utilize Michael’s vast knowledge and feedback to improve their product technology
Michael is also the host of the Fly Line Podcast, one of Maine’s most widely listened-to outdoor podcasts, and the leading fly fishing podcast in the Northeast, further reflecting the respect he holds within the regional fishing community.
He is a frequent speaker at local fly shops and regional fly fishing clubs, where he shares practical knowledge of Maine and destination fly fishing with anglers eager to learn more.
Guided Fly Fishing Trips on Maine Rivers
Michael specializes in drift boat and jet boat fly fishing trips on some of Maine’s most iconic and productive rivers, including:
- The Androscoggin River
- The Kennebec River
Trips are tailored to the angler, not the clock. Whether you’re new to fly fishing or refining advanced skills, each outing blends local river knowledge, safe boat handling, and on-the-water instruction designed to help anglers grow.
Fly Fishing Instruction & Casting Expertise
In addition to guided trips, Michael is an accomplished fly fishing and fly casting instructor.
Specialty instruction includes:
- Private fly casting lessons, utilizing a video-based teaching method that allows students to clearly see casting mechanics, identify areas for improvement, and achieve faster, more meaningful results
- Drift boat instruction, offering hands-on, on-the-water rowing guidance that helps rowers build confidence, improve boat control, and better understand positioning in moving water
Instruction is practical, approachable, and focused on real improvement; skills anglers carry forward long after a lesson or trip ends.
Education & Outdoor Background
Michael holds degrees in Ecology and Photography from the University of Maine at Farmington and Hampshire College, bringing environmental awareness and observation skills into every guided experience.
His broader outdoor background includes:
- Expert whitewater kayaking
- Telemark skiing
- Former certified instructor in both disciplines
This depth of experience strengthens his understanding of river systems, weather, and safety—critical elements of effective, responsible guiding.
Commitment to Volunteering & Conservation Service
Service and stewardship have always been central to Michael’s role as a Maine guide.
Michael previously served as the New England Coordinator for Project Healing Waters, a nonprofit that utilizes fly fishing as a therapeutic tool to support military veterans through rehabilitation, connection, and time on the water. In that role, he helped expand regional program access, coordinate regional programming, and mentor volunteers—using fly fishing as a means of improving healing and the veteran community.
He is currently a volunteer member of the steering committee for Friends of Fly Rod Crosby, an organization dedicated to preserving the legacy, history, and conservation ethic of Maine’s fly fishing heritage. His involvement reflects a long-standing commitment to protecting not just fisheries, but the stories, traditions, and values that define Maine’s fly fishing culture.
Michael has also served on the State of Maine Guide Licensing Board, contributing to the certification and licensing of Maine Guides. In this role, he helped uphold professional standards, safety expectations, and ethical practices that improve guiding practices and the waters they fish.
Together, this work reflects a core belief that fly fishing is more than recreation. It is a powerful way to teach patience, resilience, and respect for the outdoors, strengthening both people and places through restorative time spent on the water.
Why Drift Boat Maine
Drift Boat Maine offers anglers direct access to thoughtful, experience-driven guided fishing trips and instruction, led by a highly respected Master Maine Fly Fishing Guide—without fluff, shortcuts, or salesmanship.
If you’re looking for:
- One of Maine’s most respected and widely recognized fly fishing guides, known for deep knowledge, patience, and integrity
- Private drift boat trips on some of Maine’s most iconic rivers
- One-on-one instruction that genuinely improves your skills and understanding
You’re in the right place.