SAN MIGUEL
½ DAY GUIDED FLY FISHING - SAN MIGUEL RIVER
The San Miguel River, with its extensive public fishing access, picturesque beauty and excellent proximity to Telluride and Ridgway, beckons anglers to experience one of Colorado’s last freestone (undammed) natural trout streams.
Clear fishable water and consistent insect hatches provide anglers a rare opportunity to experience classic Colorado dry fly fishing for eager Rainbow, Brown and Cutthroat Trout. As the San Miguel River meanders its way through red-rock walls, scenic sandstone canyons, and forested banks, expect to be amazed at the river’s serene riparian ecology, gin clear waters and productive angling opportunities.
THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
Think About Your Goals
What do you want to get out of your half day trip? When booking, communicate with our reservation team and let them know any physical limitations and what you’d like to focus on during your trip. Want to have fun and relax with family and friends? Work on improving self-reliance? Perfect your cast or fly presentation? As we say, “it’s your trip”, so be sure to convey your goals and objectives in advance to maximize the experience.
Accessibility
The San Miguel River is centrally located between Ridgway and Telluride, an easy 30-minute drive to access the San Miguel Rivers vast angling access, covering over 20+ miles of river. Some hiking and walk wading in the river are necessary, so let our staff know if lite hiking is your limit. Our guides focus on catering trips for your wellbeing and skill level. Please be sure to acclimate to our higher elevations to ensure comfort and safety.
Timing
As a freestone river, there are certain times throughout the year when fishing is extremely difficult for a short time during peak runoff in late spring and during heavy rains. The San Miguel is most productive from July through September, but snowpack and weather can allow start times as early as April and run as late as November. Speak to our reservations staff to find out current conditions and the best time to fish the San Miguel River.
Backyard Knowledge
As one of the closest fly fishing guide services for regional travelers to access a prime fly-fishing location, the San Miguel River offers our guests quality close by fly fishing in a stunning setting – a great place to return to with family and friends year after year. Ask us how to “connect the dots” to include a San Miguel River trip as part of a regional day trip when considering other nearby activities or destinations like Ouray, Telluride and Mountain Village.

WHAT WE PROVIDE
All Inclusive
Whether you have gear, are traveling lite or are new to the sport, we take care of your fishing equipment needs. We provide rod/reel and waders/boots, or wade socks/boots (conditions dependent). Our guides provide access to their personal arsenal of hand-selected tools of the trade including site-specific flies, nets, leader/tippet, nipper/forceps, floatant, indicators, and more. However, if you prefer to bring any of your own gear, please do! Your guide is happy to help you get to know it better.
Low Client-to-Guide Ratio
For your benefit, we exclusively offer a low client to guide ratio of two clients per professional guide, so everyone receives hands-on attention and personalized service to help read the waters, form good habits, and understand local fishery behaviors. All guests receive private instruction with a professional fly fishing guide, with no mixed parties.
Transportation
Trips routinely meet and depart from our Fly Shop in Ridgway, with a thorough check-in process to ensure you are prepared. From there, your guide provides round-trip transportation to your fishing location as part of the experience, or you are welcome to follow the guide to the resource in your vehicle if you prefer.
Custom Meeting & Pick-Up Locations
Let RIGS bring the experience to you! Coming from Telluride or staying closer to the San Miguel River? Save drive time and get on the water faster with RIGS optional meeting or pick-up locations.

*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.