– Mike Milligan @ Red's Fly Shop
CALL NOW (509)933-2300
CALL NOW (509)933-2300
Meet Mike "M&M" Milligan
Mike Milligan, better known as “M&M” around the shop, is a seasoned fly fishing guide with a passion for creating unforgettable experiences on the water. Growing up in Puyallup, WA, just steps from the river, Mike cut his teeth wading and bank fishing for steelhead. It was Al, a WDFW agent, who first taught him the bow-and-arrow cast on the banks of Manastash Creek, igniting a lifelong love for fly fishing.
Now based in Ellensburg, WA, where he enjoyed a career as an elementary school teacher, Mike has spent the last 15 years guiding with Red’s Fly Shop, following two decades of guiding pro bono. His favorite moments include hosting trips to Ascension Bay, especially the time he brought his two sons along to fish the flats and connect with the welcoming people of Punta Allen.
"Guiding isn't just about catching fish; it's about teaching folks to appreciate the river, laugh at the tangles, and leave with stories they'll be telling long after the day is done."
HIS LOVE OF THE CRAFT
Mike’s guiding style is deeply rooted in his love for the craft and the memories it creates. His ideal clients are those for whom the trip is a once-in-a-lifetime event, cherishing the stories and experiences as much as the fish they catch. With a preference for dry fly fishing, which he calls the most difficult yet rewarding technique, Mike aims to share his knowledge while ensuring every outing is filled with laughter—often at his own expense!
When Mike isn’t guiding, you’ll find him golfing, a pastime he likens to fly fishing for its focus on personal growth and challenge. He also treasures time with his wife, Kathie, their three children, and four talented grandchildren.
MIKE'S MISSION
Asked about his “guide superpower,” Mike jokingly credits his knack for laughing—whether at himself or the unpredictable nature of fishing. His advice to beginners? “Fishing is fun. Enjoy the experience, the memories, and the stories. It’s not about how big or how many.”
With a deep appreciation for the outdoors and an unwavering commitment to helping clients create meaningful moments, Mike Milligan embodies the heart and soul of fly fishing. Just don’t ask him about his favorite trout fly—it’s the “Nunyabizness fly,” and he’s keeping it a secret!