Eric Swanson, Fishing Guide and Owner of Eric Swanson Outdoors Dead via Suicide

Eric Swanson, a St Helens, Oregon professional fishing guide and owner of Eric Swanson Outdoors, has died.

Swanson’s death was reported by several completely stunned friends and former clients in numerous social media posts on Monday, November 25, 2024. His cause of death was reportedly via su*c*de.

Friends were stunned at his decision to take his life with many wishing he had reached out for help.

“Eric Swanson, there were so many people you could have talked to that had your back but I know that isn’t easy when you’re in a dark place. You will be missed by more colleagues, friends and family than you realized you had,” said Barry Howard in a Facebook post. “There will be a definite void on the River and in our hearts. May you rest in peace my friend! 🙏”

Another post read: “damnit bud! I wish you would have reached out and let someone know what’s going on! You helped me a ton in fishing and always would answer the phone and let me know what I’m doing wrong or where to move, My boys and I learned a lot from you and it’s hard to imagine that this is true! You will be missed! RIP Eric Swanson,”

Eric Swanson started his professional fishing guide service, Eric Swanson Outdoors LLC, in June 2016. Over the past 8 and a half years he guided numerous people on their fishing tours in the Northwest, targeting the great fighting and eating salmon, steelhead, and sturgeon on the Columbia river. He also guided waterfowl hunts on the Sauvie Island Wildlife Area.

Swanson’s business was well known and he was talented at his job, making fast friends of many clients who sang his praises. Its unclear what led to his eventual demise however, reporting from earlier this year reveal he was arrested for failing to renew his guide license.

According to reports, Swanson was arrested after authorities were tipped off. He was found to have failed to renew his guide license 2022 and into 2023. He pleaded guilty in April and was sentenced to 24 months of probation and to pay $50,000 in fines.