Beautiful country and amazing temperatures for July. Alluring trout fishing in all of the…read moresurrounding lakes.

Where to start ? Rick was very good at handling and…read moreconfirming my reservation from last summer Our lesson with Stella- what a sweet girl- very thorough in explaining the fly rod and different knots well worth the 2 hours of our time Then Jeff was our guide 2 half 1/2 day float trips down the rio grande He couldn't control the amount of water flowing down this thing But he could control the boats A great patient man who has obviously dealt with rookies on the water They even supplied lunch which was a wonderful sandwich each day All in all a great learning experience I guess you could say I am hooked !! !

Highly recommended !! We (my son and I) arrived in town on Saturday and walked into the shop…read moregreeted by Bradley and ask if there was any opportunity to book a fly fishing 1/2 day! Bradley was able to make it happen and we had the BEST time on a float fly fishing 1/2 day. Caught a ton of fish and learned lots of new tips / tricks along the way. Bradley was so knowledgeable and full of energy. What a great human! So glad we stopped in. We will defiantly be back! Thank you again!

My wife and I booked Sam Gigliotti through CB Angler for a couple of half day floats on the…read moreGunnison River. Sam was great! He clearly knows the river. Sam also knows how to play along with fish stories. At the end of a Tuesday float, I caught a 20" rainbow. By Wednesday, my wife was saying it was 22". We asked Sam on Thursday what size he thought it was. He said, "It could have been 20, it could have been 22.... heck! It could have been 27!" I may be going back next year and will certainly try to arrange a float with Sam again.

First class all the way on our 3 day float trip. From the check in the day before to the pick up…read morethe morning of our first day to the quality of the rigs, quality of the gear, quality of the food, quality of the camp site set ups to the guides first class. What a great experiences three dads with their sons/son in laws we had a blast. Spencer lead a great group of experienced guides who made the trip fun and eventful. I will do that again.

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!

I had a one-on-one trip on 8/4/22 with Matt on the upper Gunnison River. He did an outstanding job…read more Matt worked hard during our entire trip. He understands the entomology of aquatic insects and what the fish were keying on. He was quick with knots for bug changes. Matt's ability to handle the boat was excellent. I will book another trip with Matt.

Took a full day float trip. The guide was nice, but a bit dry. When we received the call from the…read moreguide the night before we asked if we would need waders, he simply said no, so I assumed from past experience we would be in a drift boat. When we arrived we discovered that we would be fishing from a raft and the guide informed us that we would definitely get wet and we did. I don't have a problem with getting wet, but had this been mentioned I would have worn my wet wading attire. No fault of the guide but the river was running fast. You maybe got one cast into some good, but tight, spots (maybe two if you were lucky) as you passed it quickly. I consider myself pretty adept at fly casting, but it was a real challenge to hit the moving targets as fast as we were going. In addition the river passes through a significant amount of private property, so if you hang up and break off (many of the target spots are tight along the bank) you may have to travel a significant distance without fishing before there is a spot to stop and re-rig. Later that day I spoke to another angler who had fished with a different guide that day and he explained it best, "It was like fishing from a freight train". The time on the river ended up being a little over six hours, and not the advertised eight, but the river was running pretty quick. Not sure about a return trip, but would definitely check the flows closer before doing so.

We had an incredible experience with Collin as our fishing guide on Blue Mesa Reservoir! He was…read moreextremely knowledgeable--not just about fishing techniques, but also the history of the area and the various fish species in the lake. His expertise with graphs and fishing technology was especially impressive, and it played a huge role in our success on the water. Collin exceeded all expectations when it came to catching Kokanee salmon--we were reeling them in left and right! As an avid bass angler, I didn't expect to be so hooked on Colorado fishing, but Collin convinced me to come back to Gunnison to try ice fishing for lake trout or even go after a trophy pike. If you're looking for a professional, tech-savvy, and passionate guide who knows how to deliver an unforgettable experience, Collin is the one to book! ~ Bryan and Kim

We had a good guide through Blue Mesa Fishing and an overall good experience. I took my three sons…read morewith me (ages elementary to high school). Our guide was friendly and helpful.

First time ever doing something like this! Went with my four of my family members and had a blast!…read moreBetween all of us caught 31 fishes! Jared was our guide and will ask for him next time! Definitely recommend this trip!

From the owner: We specialize in Trophy Lake Trout fishing and Kokanee salmon fishing on Colorado's largest body of…read morewater, Blue Mesa Reservoir.

What a day! We just got off the water from a rafting trip with Three Rivers Outfitters and it was…read moreabsolutely splendid! The Lower Taylor was flowing perfectly, the weather was pure magic, and we couldn't have asked for a better guide. Mya was an absolute blast! She handled a little on-river drama like a total pro and had us laughing the entire way down. And a huge shout-out to Michelle at Three Rivers Resort for being so incredibly helpful. We are completely in love with our cabin, the delicious restaurant, the stunning views, and especially the people here. Everyone has been so welcoming and friendly. We are already planning our return trip!

BEWARE: VERY UN-DOG FRIENDLY PLACE!! (Most good reviews are very old!!) I stopped by here to…read morehopefully find my adorable little Brittany an Orvis dog coat and leash. I hadn't been in the store for 5 minutes when I was told "dogs are not allowed in here - you will need to tie up your dog outside!" Seriously? In super hot weather!?!And this store is an "outdoor store!" You people need to stay out of the "outdoor biz" if you're so UN-dog friendly!

This was an awesome experience from the booking of the trip all the way to the end. Greg was our…read moreguide. He was prepared with our equipment that was quality and fit well. Greg was an amazing instructor - patient, well spoken and encouraging. I think he was excited as I was when I landed my fish. My experience was so good I'm bringing my wife back with me in a month. I jave already recommended Telluride Fly Fishers to a friend.

From the owner: Your Telluride bucket-list, must-do excursion! Telluride Fly Fishers is an Orvis-endorsed guide…read moreservice. We offer walk-and-wade trips on the San Miguel and Dolores Rivers, as well as high-country lakes in the San Juan Mountains near Telluride, Colorado. Bring your family, your friends, or take a solo trip with us today!

My nephew Stephen and I just had a day on the water with Ben…read more Ben did more work in our day than I've ever seen a guide put in, from rowing to donating flies to the guy in the back of the boat, to helping my nephew get on fish as while he's a good wade angler he'd never fished from a boat. And both of them had to put up with my East Coast sarcasm and dad jokes, and my catching most of Stephen's fish. Did I mention how much work Ben put in to keep Stephen on fish? And also at least twice to let me rescue favorite flies from some sneaky bushes that jumped up out of nowhere, it wasn't now my fault, was it Ben? And we both even caught good fish, even if Stephen can hang onto his long enough to get a good photo and I can't. Thanks again, Ben! And I was going to ask you about that one fly the kept me in fish -- it turns out that I "accidentally" kept it (not going to post a picture of it, they'll have to go out with you!)

Super time with my wife and guide Billy. I rarely float, but this was well beyond my expectation…read more We hit lots of deep holes and Billy put me on some big beauties. Thanks Billy and Fin! Johnny PS see you next summer.

Handies peak is a beautiful and easy class 1 in the San Juan's. My group and I did this one the day…read moreafter Redcloud & Sunshine, so it was nice to have a shorter day. It's less than 3K elevation and I clocked 6 miles round trip, granted the elevation builds quickly during those 3 miles to the summit. It was so beautiful that my two friends declared it was one of their top three favorite 14ers that they've done! The view at the top is stunning, with gorgeous scenery and breathtaking vistas along the way. You can make a very short detour and even visit a lovely alpine lake. The hardest part of the hike is accessing it. We were already parked along cimaron pass at our campsite, but it took an additional 40 minutes or so to drive from Redcloud trailhead to Handies. I made it in my Crosstrek but there were a couple of truly sketchy spots and a very very bumpy ride. No bathrooms at the trailhead and not much coverage to duck into the woods so keep that in mind. A must do for every 14er fanatic or ambitious hiker!

Handies peak! I have dreamed about hiking this one for several years in the summer when…read morewildflowers are blooming but distance kept me away. Planned a 5 day stay up in the lake city/san juan area so we could knock it out. I finally did it and it did not disappoint. We took the Handies via grizzly gulch which is the non standard route and it is longer than the american basin route. The road getting to grizzly gulch from lake city was rough. lots of pot holes and jutting rocks. Also narrow stretches with drop offs on the side. ATVs and jeeps like to zip down the road at the speed of light and there are not a lot of pull offs along the way. I made it with my honda pilot but it was SLOW going. plan extra time for this road. (cimmaron pass) We were initially going to go to american basin but after the long drive to get to grizzly gulch i just didn't have it in me to do another 4-5 miles on even rougher road. There is a bathroom at the Trailhead. There are no trash cans or dog poop bags however so be sure to pack out whatever you pack in (including your dog poop)! This trail is a class 1. Though that does not mean it is "easy" by any means. However we did enjoy the first half or little more of the trail that had dirt trails and step ups. The trail was very well maintained. Currently in july there are fields of lovely wildflowers that are so abundant and in a variety of colors. Also there is a stream for a chunk of it that you will walk near. As you ascend further up, it begins to get rocky and there is scree near the top. As you merge on to the peak, you will meet up with all the hikers from american basin standard approach which is substantially more. So the peak may seem a little crowded. On our trek, we only saw maybe 6 other people. The flowers along the way and then the view at the top was all breathtaking! So thankful to have finally gotten to complete this peak!