Your first-time on a guided fly-fishing trip will feel a lot like just fishing with your bud that knows a lot about fly-fishing and has plenty of extra gear to bring you along. The main difference between fishing with your experienced friend, and fishing with a guide, is that guides are almost synonymous with instructors. Even the most experienced fly fisherman who books a guide understands that every fisherman has a different understanding of how to catch fish, and your guide will still have valuable insight to offer. To be a fly-fishing guide you need to have a passion for fishing, so much so that you have decided to make this your full-time gig. This means that you, as a guest, can expect your guide to have done their research ahead of time so that you can enjoy the best trip they can offer.
Once you’ve arrived at the outpost, you’ll check in at the front desk then your guide will approach you and introduce themselves. This is when you’ll be asked what experience you have fly-fishing, and what your expectations are. For instance, if you are a beginner, do you want to learn how to read the water, or do you just want to understood the basics and have your guide point you at the right fishing hole? Guided fishing trips have small groups, about 1-2 guests per guide. This means you get to customize your experience as much as you’d like. So if you aren’t interested in adding to your fishing skill set, that’s not a problem, and if you want this trip to feel more like a hands-on course, just let them know.
In the spring and fall, you’ll likely be outfitted with waders and boots, otherwise, you’ll just hop in a van with your guide and all the fly fishing gear you’ll need already aboard. While you commute to the fishing spot your guide has surveyed beforehand, you’ll get to learn tons of fun facts about the fish and rivers you’ll be fishing. This is also a great opportunity for you to ask questions and fill your guide in on any key items you want to cover during your trip.
Once you’ve arrived at your fishing section, you’ll likely have a short hike to the river, then your guide can give you a crash course on casting and catching fishing. After which you’ll get your flies wet and hope for tight lines. Your guide will be there to give you direction in terms of where to fish and how to cast, but they will also help you understand the logic behind these techniques on locating trout. Even if you don’t catch a fish, you will leave with a better understanding of how to fly fish that can help you overcome the enormous learning curve associated with fly fishing.
If your goal is to simply have an enjoyable time with your son, daughter, mother, father, siblings, or life partner, don’t worry. Let your guide know you just want to go out there and enjoy fly fishing scenic Colorado away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and your guide will help you do just that.
Remember your guides love what they do, and their goal is to help you get the most out of your trip so they can continue to do what they love every day. Once your trip is over and you’re back at the outpost, let your guide know if they did a good job and recommend them to a friend.