Ray Gildow was born 200 feet from the Pine River in Pine River, Minnesota. He has spent most of his life on or near water as a fisherman ever since. Ray retired as a vice president of Central Lakes College with campuses in Brainerd and Staples Minnesota.  Ray now works as a full time fishing guide, writer and television producer and host. Ray is a member of the Nisswa Guide’s League, the oldest known guide’s league in the state of Minnesota. The Nisswa Guide’s League was formed in 1968 by Ron Lindner and his younger brother Al. Other guides who were members of the league over the years include Gary Roach, Marv Koep, Jeff Zernov, the inventor of the underwater camera and Royal Karels, a local guide who has guided for over 40 years. The Nisswa Guide’s League has provided over 50,000 customer trips since 1968. Ray has been fishing with the Nisswa Guides since 1989 and prior to that had his own guide business. Ray was selected to be Governor Mark Dayton's official fishing guide for the 2014 Minnesota Fishing Opener on Gull Lake. 

Ray is a member of the Lund Boats Pro Staff through Staples Sports, Quantum tackle company in promoting fishing tackle and Mercury Marine Outboard Motor Co.

Ray also produces and hosts television shows in the Brained area and the northern part of the state. Ray is currently hosting a new television show on Lakeland Public Television called Lakeland Currents which will focus on topics of public affairs.  This show airs every other Thursday night beginning January 29th live at 8pm on Lakeland Public Television.  This show will be available in the Brainerd Bemidji areas and through Direct TV and the Dish Networks. 

Ray’s guiding ventures have been featured in area magazines and newspapers and he has a reputation as a top notch guide. He fishes the big lakes like Leech Lake and Mille Lacs and he fishes many smaller lakes in the Brainerd/Nisswa area like Hubert, North Long and Round. He fishes all species from pan fish to musky and has earned a reputation as an excellent multi-species angler. Ray’s fishing clients have included families, corporate executives, professional athletes, radio and television personalities and other celebrities.

Ray completed his first book featured on this web page entitled “LEGENDS AND LEGACIES- THE HISTORY OF THE NISSWA GUIDES’ LEAGUE.” The book features the history of the Nisswa Guides’ League and stories about the people who worked in the league over the nearly 40 year history of the organization. This book can be purchased on this web page and a local book stores.

Ray was recently awarded the 2017 Outdoor News Person of the Year and was was recognized and presented with the award at the 2017 Outdoor News Deer and Turkey Classic at the Minnesota State Fairgrounds in St. Paul.  The award recognizes individuals who have volunteered and have given service to promoting and protecting our strong outdoor heritage here in Minnesota.

Ray can be booked as a fishing guide at Nisswa Guides League Website or at
S & W Bait located on Hwy 371 North in Brainerd, Minnesota. ph 218-963-2547.

Nisswa Guide's League