Year-Round, Tailwaters
Walk and wade the Uncompahgre River and its tributaries in Ridgway State Park, (just 10 minutes from the shop!) Southern Colorado's newest tail water fishery below Ridgway Reservoir, offers anglers a chance to discover an unparalleled fishing experience year-round. Extensive rehabilitation has resulted in prime habitat for Rainbow, Brown and Cutthroat trout with catch and release waters revealing deep runs and large pools. Whether you are a veteran or novice, our certified professional guides will provide you with a quality angling experience. This stretch of river lies within Ridgway State Park. A park pass is required on all vehicles. Prices are per person.
PUBLIC LAND USE FEES APPLY
Exclusive Private Water - Uncompahgre River
This property has been in the same family since 1879. A one and a quarter mile stretch of ideal cold-water habitat holds large trout in an un-pressured and natural setting. Come explore the runs, riffles, pockets and pools that maintain a healthy population of resident Rainbow, Brown and Cut-throat trout. Escape the crowds and experience a fishery all your own at Centennial Ranch.
Guide favorite, minutes from the RIGS Fly Shop, this private water fishes well through-out the winter and well into spring. In the warmer months, the river supports healthy hatches of caddis, stonefly, blue-wing olives, and the occasional green drake. Prices are per person.
A $75 Private Water Rod Fee applies to this 1/2 Day Private Water Location
Exclusive Private Waters
The crown jewel of still water fishing!
Spring Valley Ranch is the crown jewel of the Uncompahgre Valley. This historical sixty-one acre ranch is pocketed with numerous spring fed ponds and a private spring creek which meanders through this beautiful setting. With two National Conservation Awards for habitat restoration and enhancement, Spring Valley is a haven for gigantic trout. With our exclusive access, we are able to guarantee you an unsurpassed fishing experience. Prices are per person.
A $50 per-person Private Water fee applies to all 1/2 Day Private Water Trips
Winding through the majestic San Juan Mountains in the shadows of 14,000 foot Mount Wilson, the San Miguel River is one of Colorado's most spectacular and least known fly fishing destinations. Gin clear water, coupled with prolific insect hatches, provide even beginner anglers a rare opportunity to experience classic Colorado dry fly fishing to eager rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. As the San Miguel meanders its way through red-rock walls, scenic sandstone canyons and forested banks, expect to be amazed at rivers serene riparian ecology. The San Miguel River, with its near endless public access, beckons anglers to experience one of Colorado's last freestone (undammed) trout streams. Stoneflies, Caddis, Pale Morning Dun, Blue Winged Olives, Midges and Terrestrials are just some of the incredible insect hatches anglers can experience throughout the year. The San Miguels most productive sections are located 30 minutes from Ridgway, 45 minutes from Ouray and just 30 minutes from Telluride. Prices are per person.
BLM PUBLIC LAND USE FEE APPLIES
Tenkara Guide Network
Fly fishing simplified. Tenkara fly fishing is the hottest trend in fly fishing and RIGS offers has the only Certified Tenkara Network Guides in Colorado! With its simplified approach (no reel, just rod and line) long rods and ultra-accurate presentation, even first timers can catch fish on the fly. An incredibly intuitive approach that puts you in direct contact with fly and stream. Join one of our certified Tenkara Guides for hands on instruction in the latest trend in fly fishing.
*Some of the main advantages are its simplicity, the very delicate presentations with the light line, the ability to hold the line off the water and a fly in place over difficult currents, precise casting, and great control of the fly. Only rod, line and fly are used. The line is attached directly to the tip of the rod, tippet is attached to the end of the Tenkara line. Like in western fly-fishing the line propels the weightless fly to the desired target and there is a fly-casting technique involved - just a bit slower, and with a shorter casting stroke. Landing a fish is very intuitive and similar to any type of fishing with a rod: one simply raises the rod high, and reaches for the fish. Tenkara is an ancient angling method, new in the US. While its own style of fly fishing, it is a great tool for the techniques of close-up nymphing, soft-hackle wet fly-fishing and virtually drag-free dry fly fishing. It's also a great way to get kids engaged in the tradition of fly-fishing, to catch your own food while backpacking, or to simply enjoy the fishing experience. Prices are per person.
High Alpine Trout Fishing
High alpine fishing at its best! With their headwaters protected in the Big Blue Wilderness, the three different forks of the Cimarron River offer endless fishing for rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Solitude, native fish and remote access bring classic fly fishing to life in one of the prettiest settings in all of Colorado. With over 10 miles of access on three separate small creeks, and a wonderful three mile section of remote tail-waters below Silver jack Reservoir, the Cimarron River area is a top pick - Guides Favorite Prices are per person.
"You'll be amazed by the diversity of landscape, from alpine tundra to majestic spires, pinnacles and castles blocking the sun to dark, green forests carpeting steep mountains. And water, water everywhere."
- Mark D. Williams (Author) Fly Fishing Southwest Colorado
Winding through the majestic San Juan Mountains in the shadows of 14,000 foot Mount Wilson, the San Miguel River is one of Colorado's most spectacular and least known fly fishing destinations. Gin clear water, coupled with prolific insect hatches, provide even beginner anglers a rare opportunity to experience classic Colorado dry fly fishing to eager rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout. As the San Miguel meanders its way through red-rock walls, scenic sandstone canyons and forested banks, expect to be amazed at rivers serene riparian ecology. The San Miguel River, with its near endless public access, beckons anglers to experience one of Colorado's last freestone (undammed) trout streams. Stoneflies, Caddis, Pale Morning Dun, Blue Winged Olives, Midges and Terrestrials are just some of the incredible insect hatches anglers can experience throughout the year. The San Miguels most productive sections are located 30 minutes from Ridgway, 45 minutes from Ouray and just 30 minutes from Telluride. Riverside deli lunch included. Prices per person.
Walk and wade the Uncompahgre River and its Tributaries in Ridgway State Park. Southern Colorado's newest tail water fishery below Ridgway Reservoir, offers anglers a chance to discover an unparalleled fishing experience year-round. Extensive rehabilitation has resulted in prime habitat for Rainbow, Brown, and Cut-throat trout with catch and release waters revealing deep runs and large pools. Whether you are a veteran or novice, our certified professional guides will provide you with a quality angling experience. Prices per person.
This stretch of river lies within Ridgway State Park. A park pass is required on all vehicles.
*Some of the main advantages are its simplicity, the very delicate presentations with the light line, the ability to hold the line off the water and a fly in place over difficult currents, precise casting, and great control of the fly. Only rod, line and fly are used. The line is attached directly to the tip of the rod, tippet is attached to the end of the Tenkara line. Like in western fly-fishing the line propels the weightless fly to the desired target and there is a fly-casting technique involved - just a bit slower, and with a shorter casting stroke. Landing a fish is very intuitive and similar to any type of fishing with a rod: one simply raises the rod high, and reaches for the fish. Tenkara is an ancient angling method, new in the US. While its own style of fly fishing, it is a great tool for the techniques of close-up nymphing, soft-hackle wet fly-fishing and virtually drag-free dry fly fishing. It's also a great way to get kids engaged in the tradition of fly-fishing, to catch your own food while backpacking, or to simply enjoy the fishing experience. Prices per person.
Back-Country Anglers Dream
*Ideal for Tenkara fly fishing
A combination trip of two of our most popular resources equals "the best of the best" in high alpine fishing access and remote camping opportunities. Spend three full days fishing a diversity of waters in the heart of the Uncompahgre Wilderness. This trip includes a loop tour of both the Cimarron River and its tributaries as well the choice sections of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River. We provide all the camping gear, food and entertainment for this trip back in time, when fly fishing was a true back county experience! Prices per person.
The lower section of the Lake Fork of the Gunnison River offers low pressure and a spectacular setting. Early Season Stonefly nymph fishing is exceptional, with a myriad of potential for additional late afternoon hatches. This section, from Red Bridge down river, turns into a classic granite canyon similar to the lower Gunnison River. Aggressive Brown and Rainbow Trout dominate over 5 miles of easily accessible water and opportunities for solitude are great.
With their headwaters protected in the Big Blue Wilderness, the three different forks of the Cimarron River offer endless fishing for rainbow, cutthroat and brook trout in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. "You'll be amazed by the diversity of landscape, from alpine tundra to majestic spires, pinnacles and castles blocking the sun to dark, green forests carpeting steep mountains. And water, water everywhere."
Author, Fly Fishing Southwest Colorado - Mark D. Williams
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