RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service, CO

What is Provided:

Flies/terminal tackle, Fly Rod & Reel and Wader & Boot are all included on all Guided Fly Fishing Trips (including: tippet, indicators, floatant, etc.). Riverside deli lunch and non-alcoholic beverages are included on all full-day trips.

Gear Recommendations:

Fly-fishing essentials:
Rod and reel: 3 to 6 wt rod. Rod preferences are subject to current water levels, hatches and locations. Please inquire what is right for the location you are looking to fish. Rentals can be provided if you prefer to travel without gear or are just starting out and do not have gear. Please inquire. Waders, wading socks, and boots: We recommend waders and boots for tailwater sections and during colder months. Wading socks with boots are perfect for most fishing locations during late May to early October. if you would like to rent these, please contact us several days prior to the trip so we can reserve you rentals.

Leaders: 3x to 6x.

Tippet: 3x to 6x. Guides will provide this, but it is nice to have.

Clothing: Sun gloves, sunglasses with eyeglass retainers, sun gaiter, and light weight, quick dry clothing are a must. Rain gear and layers are good depending on the time of year.

What to Bring:

Sun protection and recommended clothing: Sun is intense, so dress appropriately with long-sleeve synthetics (SPF shirts, hat, pants and gloves recommended) and sunscreen. Keep clothing light and comfortable. Be prepared for afternoon showers in the high country. Wide temperature swings and rapidly changing weather are common from lower to higher elevations. Adequate clothing is a must. The mountains get much colder in the evenings that you may be used to. Remember your sunscreen (you're closer to the sun in thinner air that's easier for UV rays to penetrate).

Camera: Ridgway is one of the most rugged and beautiful parts of Colorado. Every direction is a possibly picture.

Good shoes: With hundreds of miles of hiking terrain remember to prepare your feet. Good shoes that are broken in can make your exploration of the area that much better.

Hydration: A refillable water bottle can be a life-saver at our elevation. Do not underestimate the importance to caring for your body while visiting higher elevations. Avoid excessive alcohol, salty foods, and most importantly, drink plenty of water!

Season:

We fish year-round. Although the traditional summer months (June, July, and August) are a wonderful time to plan your visit, it's the fringe seasons of March, April, May, and September, October, November, where unique conditions create some of the best fly-fishing times of year. If you're focused on the traditional summer months, when everyone else wants to be here too, then you might be missing out on some of what this remarkable region has to offer.

Species:

Trout: Wild rainbow, brown, brook, native cutthroat and Snake River cutthroat.

Region/Terrain:

From wilderness desert canyons to high alpine streams, remote freestone rivers to year-round trophy tailwaters, RIGS is your basecamp in fly-fishing heaven. Explore the Gold Metal Waters of the Gunnison Gorge/Black Canyon, the Blue Ribbon Waters of the Uncompahgre River at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk, one of the last freestone rivers in Colorado-the San Miguel River, and the amazing high country brookie and cutthroat-filled streams of the Cimarron Region. Centrally located within one hour of 6 major trout streams and rivers, RIGS sits nestled in the heart of the scenic San Juan Mountain region centrally located near Ouray, Telluride and Montrose, Colorado.

Typical Weather:

Southwest Colorado has a fairly dry climate. At 6985 feet in elevation, Ridgway is known for spectacular scenic beauty and four seasons of outdoor sports to discover all the reasons people love this region.

Though we are a year-round fishing destination, summer is the warmest and most popular time to be here. We have an amazing shoulder season in spring and fall with exceptional fishing opportunities. While winter gives way to the most productive trophy trout fishing in southwest Colorado.

With our higher elevation comes wide temperature swings and rapidly changing weather are common throughout the year. Always come prepare for the unexpected. Colorado is also know for the saying "wait five minutes and the weather will change". Rain can come throughout the spring, summer and early fall but rarely lasts long and clears to beautiful, blue skies within the day.

Rates start from:
Starting from $275.
You can find all pricing information at: fishrigs.com.

Other:

The RIGS Difference: Founded in 2001. RIGS is a family business, built from the ground up, with extensive industry knowledge and years of hard guide work throughout the industry. Over 15 years of refinement, customer feedback and our desire to provide the most comprehensive experience available, have all gone into the refinement of the RIGS experience. Owner, Tim Patterson, has led fly fishing, rafting, and eco-tours throughout Central America, Mexico, and the Southwestern U.S. since 1991. Patterson's degree in Recreation Management from Prescott College set the stage for a career in adventure guiding and a passion for keeping tight lines on home waters. 'It's not just about the fishing, it's about the people,' Patterson says. 'Our activities are a metaphor for life. They can teach patience, strategy, versatility, and adaptability to conditions.'

Access: RIGS recognizes that access to quality waters is one of the most important resources for the business. (RIGS successfully received the first permit for guided fly fishing and rafting on the Uncompahgre River in 2002 and has led the charge in acquiring Western Colorado's top Public & Private guide access.) Our Public Land Partners include U.S. Forest Service, U.S. National Park Service, U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM), and Colorado State Parks, giving our guests a wide range of quality waters to pick from, with year-round access to diverse rivers, streams, creeks, and still-waters.

Limited mobility: RIGS has two wonderful locations for people with mobility issues to enjoy a day of fishing.

Airline service: All major airlines service Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) located just 30 minutes from our Fly Shop in historic downtown Ridgway Colorado. See more information regarding MTJ Flight Schedules. There are also several car/van services that can get you to and from the airport.

Driving: Ridgway is surrounded by world-class destinations within a short drive, making driving a great option, especially in the summer months! So, bring your vehicle and experience all the region has to offer.

Lodging: Ridgway, Ouray, Telluride, and Montrose can transform your trip from a vacation into an adventure. Choosing the right home base for discovering the region, gives you the opportunity to experience the vast diversity of landscape. Explore the regions fascinating geological beauty; from San Juan Mountain Range majestic peaks to the beautiful open valleys.

Fun things to do in the region and ideas for family activities: Whether your Southwest Colorado trip brings you to Ridgway, Ouray, Telluride, Silverton, Montrose or Grand Junction, there are plenty of fun things to do in Colorado. Let RIGS help you plan your Colorado vacation. Looking for guided fly fishing and whitewater rafting adventures? RIGS is dedicated to helping you find the best trips to enjoy getting on the water in Southwest Colorado. RIGS fly shop is conveniently located in Ridgway, Colorado

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. 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.

Altitude sickness: If possible, stay down in the valley, around town, on your first day. Avoid strenuous exercise the first day of your vacation.Work your way up to higher altitudes. Pursue your sightseeing and adventure plans by gradually going up to a little higher altitude each day.

Pets: Though pets are not allowed on any of our guided activities, we have several options for highly trained veterinary professionals for pet sitting and care.

Additional Activities:

RIGS also offers great ways to get your whole family out on the water this season with rewarding experiences that are fun and easy to learn. Rafting is one of top ways to get the whole family out on the water and RIGS specializes in family fun and safe rafting trips plus other great ways to get everyone outside and on the water.

Try our 1/2 Day Uncompahgre River family raft trip for some bumps and splashes, twists and turns and lots of fun for families with kids over 5 years old and 50lbs or seniors looking to still have some fun but nothing too extreme.

Experience challenging whitewater on the San Miguel River raft trip one of Colorado's most spectacular and least known river runs. Continuous Class II and III+ provides great whitewater action as the river makes its way through red-rock walls, scenic sandstone canyons and forested banks.

Late Summer, our 3/4 Day Raft, Kayak or Stand Up Paddle Board trip offers a true river adventure with an educational twist. Visit an active archeological site and learn about the unique culture gem right off the river that is still in the process of being dated. Currently, Eagle Rock Shelter excavations have dated back as far as 12,800 years with findings like the second oldest basket and hearth found in North America.

Stand-Up Paddle Lessons and Rentals (SUP Boarding) is one of the hottest water sports to take over Colorado lakes. SUP's can be a relaxing or a strenuous and you want; great for the whole family! Head to Ridgway State Park Reservoir for the best SUP lake.

Paddle Sport Rentals ' (SUP) Paddle Boarding Rentals & Kayaks are just some of the many ways to experience Southwest Colorado.