LAKE FORK OF THE GUNNISON RIVER
CAMPING AND FLY FISHING
With their headwaters protected in the Uncompahgre Wilderness, the three different forks of the Cimarron River and the tailwater of Silverjack Reservoir offer endless fishing for rainbow, cutthroat, and brook trout in the heart of the San Juan Mountains.
As one of the most beautiful settings in Colorado, the Cimarron and Uncompahgre High Country offers rare opportunities for solitude, native fish and remote access. If you’re looking for a real Colorado backcountry experience, it doesn’t get better than this. Creeks and streams are everywhere; with more than 10 miles of access to multiple creeks, streams and a three-mile section of tail-water below Silver Jack Reservoir, this trip is a guide favorite.
“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
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Think About Your Goals
What do you want to get out of your trip? When booking your trip, communicate with our reservation staff and let them know any physical limitations and what you’d like to focus on during your trip. (i.e. Want to have fun and relax with family and friends. Work on casting techniques, reading water, and expanding your nymphing techniques. Looking to catch a fish for that perfect photo with the amazing setting.)
We know the High Country Rivers and Steams
As the longest permitted outfitter in the Cimarron’s and Uncompahgre High Country with a long-standing record as both teachers and advocates for leave-no-trace, we pride ourselves on our dedication to this beautiful resource that we are lucky to call our back yard with a view. Our understanding of the Cimarron Forks and High Country Waters is unparalleled.
Timing
Our Two Day Overnight High Country waters are only 50 minutes from our fly shop; these are some of our home waters that will expand your understanding of the region and what fishing in the mountains is all about. The High Country is most productive from July through September but the weather can allow for start times as early as June and run as late as the end of October. To find out current conditions and the best time to fish the High Country rivers talk to our reservations staff.
Accessibility
On the overnight Cimarron high country trips, hiking is necessary to truly enjoy this amazing resource. Let our staff know what type of hiking you are interested in. We can limited it to lite hiking or adjust to get deeper into areas that require rock scrambling and a hiking adventure. Our guides focus on catering your trip to your goals and skill level but some locations require more physical activity than others. Because are are going up in elevation, please remember to acclimate to elevation if you come from lower elevations. If you’re unsure, discuss it with one of our reservations specialists. Whether you are a veteran angler or a novice, our certified professional guides will provide you with a quality angling experience.
WHAT WE PROVIDE
Low Guide-to-Client Ratio
We limit our trip to just two clients per guide so everyone receives hands-on attention and personalized instruction.
Expert Fly Fishing knowledge and instruction
Rely on experts to help you read the waters and understand local fish behavior. Whether you want to perfect your cast, learn more about the equipment or work on trying to catch the biggest fish of the day, RIGS Guides are more than just guides — they are Fly Fishing Professionals and patient teachers.
Flies, Tackle & Gear
Our trips are all inclusive. Whether you have gear, are traveling lite or are new to the sport we take care of fishing equipment needs. We provide rod/reel and waders/boots or wading socks/boots depending on the weather. Our guides also provide access to their personal arsenal of hand-selected tools of the trade including site-specific flies, leader/tippet, nipper/forceps, floatant, indicators, and more. However, if you would like to bring any of your own gear, please do! The guide is happy to help you get to know your gear better.
* The only things not included are your Colorado Fishing license and Guide Gratuity.
Take the Worry Out of Planning
We take care of transportation to and from the Fly Shop to the River. Amenities for Comfort with Big Agnes Tents, Sleeping Pads, Pillow, Cots to keep you comfortable while you sleep. All meals from Lunch the first day of the trip, Dinner, Breakfast and Lunch the second day. Plus snacks and Drinks. The only thing not included is Alcohol. Have additional needs? Arrange all the details with our reservations staff in advance.
*PLEASE NOTE:
In order to legally fish in the State of Colorado, anyone 16 years or older must possess a valid Colorado State Fishing License. The cost of the fishing license is not included in trip prices. Licenses can be purchased for periods of one day or more. We encourage you to purchase Fishing & Hunting Licenses Online prior to your trip.