We've always wanted to do a guided fly-fishing trip in this part of Colorado, since we come every…read moreyear to visit our son. My husband's birthday was the perfect opportunity, especially when we discovered RIGS was located right in Ridgway, where we were staying. They serve the whole region and are very convenient to Ouray as well.
We chose the High Country full-day trip for two. RIGS was very accommodating--David answered all our questions in person, and Nick helped us book over the phone. Both were patient and professional.
Our son, who works locally as a Climbing Instructor and Guide for Basecamp Ouray, might've joined us, but we didn't know his schedule until the last minute. Despite it being peak season, RIGS managed to get another guide so all three of us could go together. We really appreciated that flexibility.
Check-in was smooth since we'd completed the online waivers. They walked us through the day with a laminated checklist of everything we'd need and tips for success. We bought our one-day fishing licenses (separate from the trip cost), then got fitted in their gear room. Our guides, Ethan and Jason, ensured everything fit comfortably.
Being from Florida, my husband and I opted for full-body waders to stay warm. They recommended knee-highs, but we were glad we went with full-body. I wore leggings, he wore light hiking pants--we stayed comfortable all day. Our son, a local, wore knee waders and was fine. It was a mix of sun, clouds, and light rain, but we had rain jackets as advised. I also brought insect repellent, which was useful during sunnier stretches. There were definitely mosquitoes in the brush. We stayed warm, dry, and bug-free. My husband's toes still got cold, so he was grateful for the gear.
The drive to the high country was gorgeous. When we arrived, Ethan and Jason set up chairs for us to put on our gear comfortably--felt like red carpet treatment! My husband and son went with Jason since they had some experience, and I went with Ethan, who was so patient and clear. He showed me each step, explained fly placement, and helped me spot bites to set the hook. I'm used to saltwater fishing, so freshwater fly-fishing was a totally new, relaxing experience.
At our first stop--a confluence between two rivers--I caught 16 rainbow trout (6-10 inches). Even more fun was practicing the motion and avoiding snags. I worked hard not to make Ethan's job harder and only got snagged once. He quickly re-rigged the line without ever making me feel bad. We fished from shore and landed plenty at all the spots they chose.
For lunch, they rolled out the red carpet again with chairs so we could relax. My husband and I are Plant-Based (Vegan/Vegetarian), and they were thoughtful in providing a lemon-dill hummus, carrots, grape leaves, corn crackers, cookies, and nuts--super satisfying and energizing. Our son, who's not PB, got a charcuterie tray with cheese, crackers, and cold cuts. We'd brought snacks just in case, but we didn't need them. If you're someone who eats a lot--like our son--you may want extras, but we were perfectly satisfied.
After lunch, we headed to a second spot on the Cimarron, just 10 minutes away. It was great to fish two very different rivers. The first was smaller--ideal for beginners like me and for my husband and son to get reacquainted with the gear. The second was much wider, more secluded, and more of an adventure. Ethan and Jason asked if we were up for it, and we happily agreed.
Along the way, we saw moose droppings and trees downed by beavers. Wildflowers were in full July bloom--perfect for me since I love photographing them. We hiked through brush and forest to get there, which was also part of the fun. Bring bug spray for this part!
At the second river, it was harder to land fish, but they were biting. I caught two bigger rainbow trout (around 10 inches). The technique Ethan taught me earlier really helped here, with longer casts and river wading. I loved every second. My husband enjoyed the openness and challenge and really appreciated the techniques both guides shared. I even took breaks so Ethan could help my husband and son too.
Ethan and Jason were endlessly patient. Each of us needed help--my husband and son had a few snags, which Jason handled, and Ethan stayed beside me to make sure I didn't slip, even standing knee-deep in cold water all day. They went above and beyond to make the trip special.
The only problem now is... I'm completely hooked on fly-fishing. So our future Colorado trips will definitely include another RIGS adventure!
