RIGS Fly Shop and Guide Service

Explore quality guided Colorado fly fishing and whitewater rafting adventures with RIGS Fly Shop and Guide Services. We offer you over 40 years combined guiding and outfitting experience.

Guided Fly Fishing

Walk Wade - Public & Private, River & Still Water, Drive to Destinations for All Ability Levels. Professionally Guided Half-Day, Full-Day & Multi-Day Instruction on High County Streams, Tailwaters & Freestone Rivers Fly Fishing for Rainbow, Brown, Cutthroat & Brook Trout. Uncompahgre River, Gunnison River, Cimarron River Wilderness, Lake Fork-Gunnison River & Exclusive Private Water Access.

Walk Wade

Public & Private, River & Still Water, Drive to Destinations for All Ability Levels. Professionally Guided Half-Day, Full-Day & Multi-Day Instruction on High County Streams, Tailwaters & Freestone Rivers Fly Fishing for Rainbow, Brown, Cutthroat & Brook Trout. Uncompahgre River, Gunnison River, Cimarron River Wilderness, Lake Fork-Gunnison River & Exclusive Private Water Access.

Float Fishing (GUNNISON RIVER) - McKenzie Drift Boat & Inflatable Float Fishing Trips (Full-Day to Multi-Day) on Gold Medal Waters: Gunnison Gorge, Black Canyon & Lower Gunnison River Fly Fishing for Rainbow, Brown & Cutthroat Trout. Beginner to Experienced Anglers welcome, Mini-Cat & Float Tube Trips too!

Float Fishing (GUNNISON RIVER)

McKenzie Drift Boat & Inflatable Float Fishing Trips (Full-Day to Multi-Day) on Gold Medal Waters: Gunnison Gorge, Black Canyon & Lower Gunnison River Fly Fishing for Rainbow, Brown & Cutthroat Trout. Beginner to Experienced Anglers welcome, Mini-Cat & Float Tube Trips too!

Instructional Clinics - On a budget?  Want to pick up some skills?  RIGS Fly Fishing Clinics are designed to teach fundamentals: casting technique, fly selection, equipment, entomology, reading water and river etiquette.  Become a successful angler through hands on instruction!  2 Hour Walk-In, Advanced Tactics & Women’s Clinics.

Instructional Clinics

On a budget? Want to pick up some skills? RIGS Fly Fishing Clinics are designed to teach fundamentals: casting technique, fly selection, equipment, entomology, reading water and river etiquette. Become a successful angler through hands on instruction! 2 Hour Walk-In, Advanced Tactics & Women’s Clinics.

Whitewater Trips

Family Rafting - RIGS Family Whitewater Rafting Trips are for everyone!  As a family owned business, we believe in conducting each trip in a safe, fun and educational manner. Choose from: 2 Hour, Half-Day, Full-Day & Multi-Day River Trips with experienced, passionate, Certified Professional River Guides. Ride the Rapids!

Family Rafting

RIGS Family Whitewater Rafting Trips are for everyone! As a family owned business, we believe in conducting each trip in a safe, fun and educational manner. Choose from: 2 Hour, Half-Day, Full-Day & Multi-Day River Trips with experienced, passionate, Certified Professional River Guides. Ride the Rapids!

Inflatable Kayaks - Inflatable Kayaks “Duckies” are the ideal way to experience a personalized river adventure. They’re stable and maneuverable, so no kayaking experience is needed to comfortably control the kayak. Paddling instruction & safety instruction on every trip and your guide nearby to give you pointers on the rapids!

Inflatable Kayaks

Inflatable Kayaks “Duckies” are the ideal way to experience a personalized river adventure. They’re stable and maneuverable, so no kayaking experience is needed to comfortably control the kayak. Paddling instruction & safety instruction on every trip and your guide nearby to give you pointers on the rapids!

Overnights - Overnight river trips are a great addition to family vacations in the San Juan Mountain region. Spend a night together camped along the banks of the river where you can enjoy hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing or simply spending time alone in the canyon. Great food, entertaining guides, and a beautiful riverside setting… who could ask for more?

Overnights

Overnight river trips are a great addition to family vacations in the San Juan Mountain region. Spend a night together camped along the banks of the river where you can enjoy hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing or simply spending time alone in the canyon. Great food, entertaining guides, and a beautiful riverside setting… who could ask for more?

Specialized and Seasonal Trips

Custom Group Adventures - Wedding? Corporate Retreat? Family Reunion?  Find out how Team RIGS can customize Private Party Itineraries designed for your group. *Our Secure Online Reservation System allows individuals to confirm payment 24/7 and automatically emails complete confirmation details.  Leave the organization to us!

Custom Group Adventures

Wedding? Corporate Retreat? Family Reunion? Find out how Team RIGS can customize Private Party Itineraries designed for your group. *Our Secure Online Reservation System allows individuals to confirm payment 24/7 and automatically emails complete confirmation details. Leave the organization to us!

Winter Activities - Year-Round Fly Fishing, Waterfowl Hunt Trips, Regional Scenic Tours & Adventure Destination Trips are all great ways to enjoy the season.  Don’t let the snow scare you… it’s truly a remarkable time of year!

Winter Activities

Year-Round Fly Fishing, Waterfowl Hunt Trips, Regional Scenic Tours & Adventure Destination Trips are all great ways to enjoy the season. Don’t let the snow scare you… it’s truly a remarkable time of year!

Private Parties - Find your Customized Private Group Itinerary and confirm your space online today!  OR, explore our “pre-formatted” Fish-n-Soak or Raft-n-Soak itineraries designed for Larger Groups. Build your adventure today!

Private Parties

Find your Customized Private Group Itinerary and confirm your space online today! OR, explore our “pre-formatted” Fish-n-Soak or Raft-n-Soak itineraries designed for Larger Groups. Build your adventure today!

We invite you to see for yourself, view our VIDEO FOOTAGE RIGS Videos

Ridgway Independent Guide Service (RIGS) and Fly Shop is conveniently located in the incredible Uncompahgre River Valley nestled below the majestic San Juan Mountains in Ridgway, Colorado and plays host to some of the most productive waters in the Southwest. RIGS offers quality Colorado fly fishing trips, walk and wade fishing, whitewater rafting, family rafting,instructional clinics, group trips, custom river adventures & now waterfowl.

Come fly fish some of the finest private stillwaters, spring creeks and rivers in southwestern Colorado. Check out details on the Uncompaghre River, Cimarron River, Lake Fork of the Gunnison and the Gunnison River. All private and public waters are within an hour of Ridgway, Ouray and Telluride, Colorado.

Shuttle & Limo Service is available through TELLURIDES. Visit them online at www.Tellurides.com

RIGS Fly Shop and Guide Service offers:

Trip Information

Whitewater Rafting & Kayaking:

2 & 3 Day Gunnison Gorge Rafting

2 & 3 Day Gunnison Gorge Rafting

Join us for the ideal way to see the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Gorge - from the inside! A true wilderness experience, this 14 mile river section combines wildlife and scenery with class III-IV whitewater through one of the most spectacular canyons in Colorado.  This unique desert environment also plays host to a diverse array of wildlife including Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Elk although seldom seen many predators inhabit the Canyon as well as a wide variety of birds of prey including Golden Eagles and Osprey. If you can take your eye of the fly for a moment, you’ll also get witnessing breathtaking geology as some of the oldest rock in North America is exposed making for stunning scenery. Don‘t forget your camera as you come join us for a unforgettable experience.

2 & 3 Day Gunnison River - Dominguez Canyon Adventure

2 & 3 Day Gunnison River - Dominguez Canyon Adventure

Enjoy a guided 2 day overnight kayaking/raft trip through the impressive sandstone walls of Dominguez Canyon. Soak up the surroundings from your raft and/or command your own kayak, while support rafts carry all the amenities for a night on the river. Single person and tandem kayaks are available for this adventure, ideal for novice kayakers. Named for the Spanish Jesuits that first explored the area in 1777, Dominguez and Escalante Canyons are rich in history, wildlife, and scenery. The class II Gunnison River gently carves its way through Dominguez canyon creating a wilderness feeling. Cottonwood stands along the river provide nesting habitat for herons and songbirds, while deer, desert bighorn sheep, and large game can be seen along the banks. Native American rock-art, and spectacular desert flora and fauna can be found on numerous side-hikes making for a rich experience on the edge of canyon country.

1 Day Gunnison Gorge Rafting

1 Day Gunnison Gorge Rafting

The ideal way to see the Gunnison Gorge and Black Canyon - from the inside! A true wilderness experience, this 14 mile river section combines incredible wildlife and scenery with class III-IV whitewater through one of the most spectacular canyons in Colorado.  Join us on a hike to the put-in from the canyon rim, 600 feet above the Gunnison River. From there, enjoy the pool-drop rapids below the Black Canyon National Park as we float the river through the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness.  The Gunnison Gorge is famous for its world-class fishing, geology, and wildlife but sees moderate use because of its remote location, and challenging access.  *Advanced reservations are required due to the restrictions placed on the number of people allowed on the river at any given time.

Full Day - Inflatable Kayak Trip

Full Day - Inflatable Kayak Trip

Take control of your own inflatable kayak on Colorado’s Uncompahgre River! Enjoy this instructional based, guided paddle on both the Upper and Lower sections of the Uncompahgre River. (Single person or tandem kayaks are available for this adventure.) Our guides will teach you how to control and maneuver your kayak on flat water, and then take you down two separate class II-III sections of the Uncompahgre River beginning just down from the RIGS shop. There are opportunities to practice kayaking skills on the river, and fantastic scenery for photography. (Note: physical condition and ability level will be assessed prior to your reservation to determine if this product is right for you. Ages: 15 and above only.) The majestic San Juan Mountains and mesas fill the back drop for the entire run as we float through Wildlife areas popular with deer, eagles, and water ouzels. Take control of your own adventure!

1 Day Gunnison River - Dominguez Canyon Adventure

1 Day Gunnison River - Dominguez Canyon Adventure

Enjoy a guided 1 day kayaking/raft trip through the impressive sandstone walls of Dominguez Canyon. Soak up the surroundings from your raft and/or command your own kayak, while support rafts carry all the amenities for a day on the river. Single person and tandem kayaks are available for this adventure, ideal for novice kayakers.  Named for the Spanish Jesuits that first explored the area in 1777, Dominguez and Escalante Canyons are rich in history, wildlife, and scenery. The class II Gunnison River gently carves its way through Dominguez canyon creating a wilderness feeling. Cottonwood stands along the river provide nesting habitat for herons and songbirds, while deer, desert bighorn sheep, and large game can be seen along the banks.  Native American rock-art, and spectacular desert flora and fauna can be found on numerous side-hikes making for a rich experience on the edge of canyon country.

½ Day Uncompahgre River Kayaking

½ Day Uncompahgre River Kayaking

Take control of your own inflatable kayak on the Uncompahgre River, and enjoy a guided 4.5 mile paddle from the Town of Ridgway to Ridgway Reservoir. (Single person and tandem kayaks are available for this adventure.)  Our guides will teach you how to control and maneuver your kayak on flat water, and then take you down the class II-III Uncompahgre River from our private put-in just down from the RIGS shop. There are opportunities to practice kayaking skills on the river, and fantastic scenery for photography.  The majestic San Juan Mountains and mesas fill the back drop for the entire run as we float through Wildlife areas popular with deer, eagles, and water ouzels.

“Short n’ Sweet” 2 HOUR Uncompahgre River Rafting

“Short n’ Sweet” 2 HOUR Uncompahgre River Rafting

Raft the Uncompahgre River from the town of Ridgway to the Ridgway Reservoir on this 2 hour guided rafting trip! (Class II to III rapids.)  Family Orientated - This stretch of river is mild enough for the younger crowd, yet offers enough excitement to keep the more seasoned rafters engaged!  Easy Access - Our private put-in location is less than a mile from RIGS Fly Shop, while the take out is less than 5 miles away! This keeps transportation time to a minimum and maximizes fun on the water.  Great Scenery - The majestic San Juan Mountains fill the back drop for the entire run! Float through prime wildlife habitat for an up-close look at songbirds, deer, and birds of prey!

½ Day Uncompahgre River Rafting

½ Day Uncompahgre River Rafting:

Experience this untamed section of continuous rapids (II-III) on the Uncompahgre River! This 9 mile stretch is the perfect choice for those looking for a fun paddle boat run.  Private access to the narrows section of the Uncompahgre River provides a unique and remote experience for paddlers. We are the only outfitter on this un-crowded river, providing paddlers with this rare opportunity to get off the beaten path. Our put-in is 2 miles below Ridgway State Park, and minutes from the RIGS shop. The majestic San Juan Mountains and mesas fill the back drop for the entire run as we float through State Wildlife Areas, historic ranchlands, and the unique Uncompahgre river canyon.

Walk Wade - Fly Fishing:

½ Day Guided Fly Fishing – Uncompahgre River

½ Day Guided Fly Fishing – Uncompahgre River

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.

2 & 3 Day Guided Flyfishing - Cimarron River Wilderness

2 & 3 Day Guided Flyfishing - Cimarron River Wilderness

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. “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.” DAY ONE: Meet and greet at Fly Shop 15 minutes prior to departure - Travel through the incredible scenery over Owl Creek Pass to the Big Blue Wilderness and the three Forks of the Cimarron & Big Cimarron River - Arrive at base camp, gear up and fish the exciting waters right near camp - Enjoy a delicious riverside lunch - Immerse yourself in the outstanding scenery and secluded angling opportunities for the remainder of the day - Relax at camp over Sunset, eat a great meal and tell the days best fish stories! DAY TWO: Wake to the sounds of the river - Rustic hot breakfast - Gear up and head out for a adventurous  morning of fly fishing -  Riverside Lunch - Fish the afternoon exploring miles of river access with deep runs and hidden pools - Wrap up your day and head back to civilization

2 & 3 Day Guided Fly Fishing – Lake Fork of Gunnison River

2 & 3 Day Guided Fly Fishing – Lake Fork of Gunnison River

RIGS newest section of permitted water and a traditional Guides favorite, the lower sections 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. We provide all the camping gear, food and entertainment for this trip back in time, when fly fishing was a true back country experience!

Full Day Guided Fly Fishing – Spring Valley Ranch Private Water

Full Day Guided Fly Fishing – Spring Valley Ranch Private Water

Spring Valley Ranch is the crown jewel of Colorado’s Uncompahgre Valley. This historical and private 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.

Full Day Guided Fly Fishing – Lake Fork of the Gunnison River / Curecanti

Full Day Guided Fly Fishing – Lake Fork of the Gunnison River / Curecanti NRA

RIGS newest section of permitted water and a traditional Guides favorite, the lower sections 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.

Full Day Guided Fly Fishing – Uncompahgre River

Full Day Guided Fly Fishing – Uncompahgre River

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.

Full Day Guided Fly Fishing – Cimarron River

Full Day Guided Fly Fishing – Cimarron River

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. “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.”

½ Day Guided Fly Fishing – Weaver Trust Private Water

½ Day Guided Fly Fishing – Weaver Trust Private Water

A unique arrow in the RIGS quiver of private waters on the Uncompahgre River. This section is located between the Town of Ridgway and Ridgway Reservoir and is often overlooked, but offers exception angling opportunities. Typically, this offering produces great results in the fall and early winter as large brown trout move into this section to spawn. Before the fall run, these large browns spend the year in Ridgway reservoir where they grow as large as 20 lbs.

½ Day Guided Fly Fishing –Spring Valley Ranch Private Water

½ Day Guided Fly Fishing –Spring Valley Ranch Private Water

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.

½ Day Guided Fly Fishing – Uncompahgre River

½ Day Guided Fly Fishing – Uncompahgre River

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.

Float Fishing - Gunnison River:

3- Day Gunnison Gorge Float ‘n Fish

3- Day Gunnison Gorge Float ‘n Fish

Join us for the ideal way to see the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Gorge - from the inside! A true wilderness experience, this 14 mile river section combines wildlife and scenery with class III-IV whitewater through one of the most spectacular canyons in Colorado.  The RIGS Standard Trip is very popular with our customers, we might just as well call it the deluxe because it truly rivals anything else out there (Look @ ”The 2009 Deluxe trip” for upgrades and format differences).  On the Standard trip we combine two clients and a guide per boat and divide the gear up accordingly as there is no dedicated gear boat.  The client group size is limited to 8 persons per launch (6 on the deluxe format).  The “Gold Medal Waters” of the Gunnison Gorge are famous for its world-class Rainbow and Brown trout fishing.  This fishery commands serious respect as there are 8700 catchable fish per mile and over 200 fish per mile over 18 inches, add 425 lbs per sample acre and you have something special.  World Renowned for the “Stone Fly Hatch”, the Gorge also plays host to many “other” fine insect hatches making for a true bug factory.  While the Gunnison River sees moderate use, the Gorge, because of its remote location and challenging access receives the least angling pressure of all

2- Day Gunnison Gorge Deluxe Float ‘n Fish

2- Day Gunnison Gorge Deluxe Float ‘n Fish

A step- up from our standard 2 day trip, the 2 day DELUXE provides a more intimate experience with the Gunnison River fishery. Smaller group size, additional amenities and services, and lighter rafts allow you to spend more time exploring the pools and runs of the Gunnison River Gorge. You won’t be rushed to set up camp after chasing big fish all day. Our guides will set-up camp and prepare meals for you! Sit back, tell stories, and rest-up for another day in this spectacular setting. A true wilderness experience, this 14 mile river section combines incredible wildlife and scenery with class III-IV whitewater through one of the most spectacular canyons in Colorado. Join us on a hike to the put-in from the canyon rim, 600 feet above the Gunnison River. From there, enjoy the pool-drop rapids below the Black Canyon National Park as we float the river through the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness.

2-Day Gunnison Gorge Float ‘n Fish

2-Day Gunnison Gorge Float ‘n Fish

Join us for the ideal way to see the Black Canyon of the Gunnison Gorge - from the inside! A true wilderness experience, this 14 mile river section combines wildlife and scenery with class III-IV whitewater through one of the most spectacular canyons in Colorado.  The RIGS Standard Trip is very popular with our customers, we might just as well call it the deluxe because it truly rivals anything else out there (Look @ ”The 2009 Deluxe trip” for upgrades and format differences).  On the Standard trip we combine two clients and a guide per boat and divide the gear up accordingly as there is no dedicated gear boat.  The client group size is limited to 8 persons per launch (6 on the deluxe format).  The “Gold Medal Waters” of the Gunnison Gorge are famous for its world-class Rainbow and Brown trout fishing.  This fishery commands serious respect as there are 8700 catchable fish per mile and over 200 fish per mile over 18 inches, add 425 lbs per sample acre and you have something special.  World Renowned for the “Stone Fly Hatch”, the Gorge also plays host to many “other” fine insect hatches making for a true bug factory.  While the Gunnison River sees moderate use, the Gorge, because of its remote location and challenging access receives the least angling pressure of all the floatable sections.  This unique desert environment also plays host to a diverse array of wildlife including Bighorn Sheep, Mule Deer, Elk although seldom seen many predators inhabit the Canyon as well as a wide variety of birds of prey including Golden Eagles and Osprey. If you can take your eye of the fly for a moment, you’ll also get witnessing breathtaking geology as some of the oldest rock in North America is exposed making for stunning scenery. Don‘t forget your camera as you

1 Day Gunnison Gorge Float n’ Fish

1 Day Gunnison Gorge Float n’ Fish

The ideal way to see the Gunnison Gorge and Black Canyon - from the inside! A true wilderness experience, this 14 mile river section combines incredible wildlife and scenery, with class III-IV whitewater through one of the most spectacular canyons in Colorado. Join us on a hike to the put-in from the canyon rim, 800 feet above the Gunnison River. From there, enjoy the pool-drop rapids below the Black Canyon National Park as we float the river through the Gunnison Gorge Wilderness. The “Gold Medal Waters” of the Gunnison Gorge are famous for its world-class Rainbow and Brown trout fishing; insect hatches, geology, and wildlife, but sees moderate use because of its remote location, and challenging access.


Drift Boat Fly Fishing - Lower Gunnison River

Drift Boat Fly Fishing - Lower Gunnison River

RIGS now brings its unique blend of quality custom adventures to Guided Drift Boat fishing for the discerning angler. This Full-Day trip is available through a surprisingly secluded section of river each season when “run-off” subsides on the North Fork of the Gunnison River (typically July - November) as well as the regions only winter float fishing option. You can also choose to add this section to our 3-Day Gunnison Gorge trip, making it a contiguous section of world class fishing for up to 5 days! Cast from the secure platform of a Drift Boat with excellent creature comforts including: Secure Casting Platforms, Padded High Back Seating, Dry Storage Boxes, Deployable Anchor System *Easy Access Multiple Rod Storage Enjoy professional service, riverside cuisine and quality equipment as we take you on a journey through miles of spectacular trout fishing with excellent hatches and seldom visited waters.

About Us

RIGS is located in the picturesque Uncompahgre River Valley nestled below the majestic San Juan Mountains, conveniently located between Telluride, Ouray and Montrose, Colorado. This scenic wilderness region plays host to amazing gold medal waters, public waters, private waters and some of the best whitewater in Southwest Colorado. RIGS offers quality whitewater rafting and year-round fly fishing for both the expert and the first timer: including some of the best family rafting and walk wade fly-fishing trips in the state. We specialize in Inflatable Kayak Trips, Float Fishing, Guided Fly Fishing, Group Trips, Corporate Retreats, Custom River Adventures, Fishing Reports for the Avid Angler, Guide Classes & Certifications and Instructional Fly Fishing Clinics for every level of experience!

Unique whitewater rafting trips are available throughout the summer on our local rivers located only a short distance from Ouray, Telluride, Montrose & Silverton. Spring run-off from high in the Colorado Rockies brings our rivers alive with excitement throughout each summer providing rafters a chance to discover picturesque canyons, lush riparian banks, abundant wildlife and fun/challenging class II - IV rapids. Chose from ½ Day Family Trips to Multi-Day River Adventures on exhilarating whitewater ranging from wild to mild - serious wet and wild fun for the whole family! Both paddle or oar raft options are available to our guests on the several sections of the Gunnison River and Uncompahgre River. Most ages and ability levels welcome; including a great adaptive program for persons of disabilities.

Let us customize a distinctive river trip or fly fishing trip for you. Explore the best of the Western Slope; experience the beauty of the San Juan Skyway, Cimmaron River, Ouray County’s High Creeks & Lakes, Black Canyon & Gunnison Gorge Wilderness and the surrounding southwest region with RIGS. Whether angling for trout in the Gunnison Gorge during “The Hatch” or discovering river rafting through the eyes of your six year old, we offer the experience and love of the outdoors to make your trip a picture perfect memory. Reservations available, book online 24/7 through our secure online reservation system.

Check out our Fly/Raft Shop when you are in Ridgway, Colorado. We offer a wide range of fishing supplies and river gear necessities. Look for our unique regional t-shirts, SPF river shirts, exceptional flies, quality waders, boots, fly rods, reels, maps, spin gear, rafting and kayaking boats, rentals equipment, and our amazing sunglasses collection when you come in.

We look forward to seeing you on the water soon,

RIGS team

Colorado Outfitter #2169

Ridgway Independent Guide Service, RIGS is an “equal opportunity service provider” and RIGS is a permittee of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre and Gunnison National Forest’. All or part of this operation is conducted on Public Lands under special permit from the U.S. Bureau of Land Management, Colorado State Parks & U.S. Forest Service. RIGS certified professional guides provide quality outdoor experiences. We believe in conducting each trip in an educational, safe, fun manner. Join us this summer!