Colorado Fishing – What to know
Is the guide or guide service licensed, bonded, and insured in Colorado?
All of RIGS guides are professionally certified with all of the necessary license and permit requirements. Be aware of guides conducting “rogue trips” or persons holding themselves out as guides. Without the proper Colorado fishing license and permits, they are not covered under the outfitter’s insurance and license. This practice is illegal in Colorado.
What are some of the additional costs of a trip?
At RIGS, flies, waders, boots, rods, reels, and private water fees are included in the Fly Fishing trip price. Only your required Colorado fishing licenses and guide gratuity are not included. Please ask our reservations staff if you have any questions regarding this.
What is the appropriate tip for a fly fishing guide?
Although tipping is a personal decision, the industry standard is 20% and up based on the total trip price.
Know What to Bring and Wear
Listed below are some basic essentials for your guided fishing trip. Please note: you can purchase any of these items at our fly shop upon arrival. Sun is the enemy, so dress appropriately with long sleeve synthetics (UPF shirts, pants and gloves recommended) + sunscreen (however, sunscreen degrades fly line – please wash hands after applying. Keep clothing light and comfortable. While the guide will have drinks available and lunch on full-day trips, we recommend bringing a bottle for water that can be refilled by the guide and snacks you know you will enjoy. Fly Fishing Essentials: Rod & Reel – 3 to 6 weight rod/reel/line. (Rod preferences are subject to current water levels, hatches and locations. Please inquire.) Waders and Boots- (if you would like to bring your own please do, check with reservation staff on what gear is appropriate for the river you are fishing. Leaders- (3x to 6x) Tippet- (guides will provide this, but it is nice to have backups- (3x to 6x).
What We Provide
Flies are included on all Guided Fly Fishing Trips.
Terminal Tackle (including tippet, indicators, floatant, etc.)
Riverside Charcuterie Lunch included on all Full-Day Trips – please staff know if you have any dietary restrictions.
Fly Rod & Reel and Wader & Boot are included in all our trips. Want to bring your own gear, that’s ok too. Check with staff on the right weight rod for your destination.
Remember That You’re in Colorado
If you’re coming from a different part of the country or the world, you may not be used to Colorado’s elevation, dry weather, and abundant sunshine….and the occasional rain or snowstorm. Come with the appropriate gear for the time of year. Make sure to keep yourself hydrated during your entire stay in Colorado, limit your alcohol intake, ease your way into strenuous activities, and be sure to pack sunscreen, a hat, and lip balm.
What Is Your Reservation/ Cancellation Policy?
Reservation Policy: A 50% deposit is due at the time of reservation, with the remaining balance due 7, 14 or 90 days prior to trip departure depending on the trip you reserved. At this point, your trip is considered non-refundable. PLEASE SEE YOUR RESERVATION CONFIRMATION FOR THE SPECIFIC CANCELLATION POLICY ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR TRIP(S).
If we are unable to obtain an authorization on your credit card and cannot reach you, your reservation will be considered void. A confirmation email will be sent to you at the time of payment confirmation. It is the client’s responsibility to reconfirm receipt of all details contained in the reservation confirmation email including trip location, meeting/departure times, appropriate attire, and expectations.
Cancellation Policy: Cancellations made prior to final payment will forfeit a 10% cancellation fee. Cancellations that occur within 7, 14, 90 hours of trip departure, will be considered non-refundable. PLEASE SEE YOUR RESERVATION CONFIRMATION FOR THE SPECIFIC CANCELLATION POLICY ASSOCIATED WITH YOUR TRIP(S). Cancellations must be received via email ([email protected]) with a written response confirming the cancellation. This policy applies to all fly fishing trips, regardless of reasons for cancellations – no exceptions. We are not responsible for cancellations due to weather conditions, road hazards, vehicle breakdowns, medical emergencies, or other unforeseen conditions which may hinder our ability to safely conduct a trip. We recommend travel insurance for your trip that offers trip reimbursement costs.
We reserve the right to modify or reschedule any trip if last-minute water levels, weather conditions, or other circumstances arise which are beyond our control. If these circumstances arise, we will provide an alternative location, if a suitable alternative is not available we will provide a full refund.
Any additional items:
Anything you may need can be purchased prior to your trip at our Full-Service Fly Shop. All rivers located within one hour of Telluride, Ouray and Montrose Colorado. Directions to Fly Shop. All major airlines service Montrose Regional Airport, located 30 minutes from our Fly Shop. Shuttle Services are also offered for personal vehicle transport on Lower Gunnison River (Gunnison Gorge / Black Canyon) trips. To help you plan your trip, we offer some great links to our Preferred Lodging Partners and Regional Information for Ouray, Telluride & Montrose Colorado.
Hunting and Fishing Licenses are available at RIGS Full Service Fly Shop. However, we encourage you to purchase Fishing & Hunting Licenses Online prior to your trip to save time and hassle. When purchasing a Division of Wildlife License, the State requires your driver’s license or id, social security number, height, weight, and phone number.
*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. Fishing licenses can be purchased at our Full-Service Fly Shop, or you can conveniently purchase them online through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. The cost of the fishing license is not included in trip prices. Licenses can be purchased for periods of one day or more.
