Frequently Asked Questions

No prior guided trip experience is necessary, but we do ask that you come with some basic casting ability — enough to get a fly on the water. If you're brand new to fly fishing or want to sharpen your cast before hitting the river, we recommend booking a session with our FFI Certified Casting Instructor first. A lesson or two beforehand makes a huge difference in how much you'll get out of your day on the water.

Here's what we recommend packing: Valid Colorado fishing license (required for ages 16 and older — purchase at cpwshop.com), polarized sunglasses, layered clothing (no cotton if possible), one extra set of clothes in case you take an unexpected swim, rain jacket, warm socks, hat with a brim, sunscreen, lunch and any drinks you want (alcohol welcome, no glass please), camera. Gratuity for your guide is always appreciated.

Yes. We provide quality fly rods, reels, lines, flies, leaders, and tippet. If you have your own gear you prefer to use, you're welcome to bring it.

Yes. We have access to private stretches of Colorado water that aren't open to the public. This means fewer anglers, less pressure on the fish, and a better overall experience for you.

Yes, we are strictly catch-and-release. We handle fish carefully and quickly to ensure they return healthy to the water. We'll show you proper fish handling techniques so you can practice this yourself going forward.

Full-day trips are approximately 6–8 hours on the water, including a lunch break. Exact timing depends on conditions, drive time to the water, and what we encounter on the river.

A guided trip is focused on the fishing experience — we put you on fish and guide you through the day. On-water instruction places more emphasis on skill development: casting, reading water, fly selection, and presentation. In practice, both include instruction and fishing — it's more about where the emphasis lies.

Primarily trout — brown trout and rainbow trout are the most common in our area. Depending on the time of year and the water we fish, you may also encounter brook trout or cutthroat trout.

Colorado offers good fly fishing year-round, but spring and fall are generally the best seasons. Spring (April–June) brings hatches and active fish after winter. Fall (September–November) sees large fish moving and feeding aggressively. Summer can be excellent in the early morning before heat sets in. Winter fishing is possible and often productive for the right angler.

Both. We offer wade fishing trips on private and public water, as well as full-day float trips from a drift boat. Wade fishing is great for a more intimate, hands-on instruction experience, while float trips let you cover water that wade fishermen simply can't reach — think private ranches, remote canyon runs, and the kind of water that holds the biggest fish. Not sure which is right for you? Reach out and we'll help you decide based on your goals and experience level.

Yes! We love introducing young people to fly fishing. We typically recommend ages 8+ for guided trips, though every child is different. Contact Ed to discuss your specific situation and we'll figure out the best approach.

Every trip is different, so we like to start with a conversation. Reach out by phone, text, or email and we'll talk through what you're looking for — the right experience, the right water, and the right day. From there we'll confirm your date and get everything set up.

Cancellation 30 days or more: full refund. Cancellation 8–29 days: payment goes toward a future trip booked within the same calendar year. Cancellation 7 days or less: forfeiture of fees paid. We fish in all conditions — rain, snow, or shine. If conditions are deemed unsafe, a full refund will be issued.

Colorado weather can be unpredictable. Light rain doesn't stop us — fish still bite and fly fishing in a drizzle can be magical. Thunderstorms, dangerous lightning, or extreme conditions are a different story. If conditions are unsafe, we'll reschedule at no penalty to you.

We keep groups small to maximize your experience and instruction quality. Standard trips accommodate up to 2 anglers. For groups larger than 2, contact Ed to discuss options — we may be able to arrange a custom solution.

Fly Fishers International (FFI) is the world's largest fly fishing organization and the recognized authority on casting instruction. FFI Certified Casting Instructors have passed rigorous written and practical exams covering casting mechanics, technique analysis, and teaching methodology. It's the gold standard in fly fishing education.

Yes. Anyone fishing in Colorado must have a valid Colorado fishing license. You can purchase one online at cpw.state.co.us or through the CPW mobile app. Licenses are sold by the day, 5-day, or annual. Ed can help you navigate the process before your trip.

Fly fishing doesn't require peak physical fitness, but wading in a river on uneven cobbled bottom does require some balance and leg strength. We fish water that's accessible for most adults in reasonable health. If you have any physical limitations or concerns, please mention them when booking so we can plan accordingly.

Gratuity is not required but is always appreciated. If you had a great experience, tips are a meaningful way to show it. The industry standard is generally 15–20% of the trip cost, though any amount is gratefully received.

All guided trips include gear, flies, on-river instruction, and private water access. Full-day trips include a riverside lunch. Fishing licenses are not included — you're responsible for your own. Contact us for details.

We provide everything you need to fish — fly rods and reels, all flies, leaders, tippet, weights, and strike indicators. Water and non-alcoholic beverages are included on all trips. A streamside lunch is included on full-day trips. If you have your own gear you're welcome to bring it, but you won't need to.