Why choose Colorado River Outfitters over other fly fishing guides in Colorado?

Colorado River Outfitters is proudly guide-owned and guide-operated, not a large corporate booking company. Our business is built by professional guides who are passionate about fly fishing, river conservation, and creating unforgettable experiences for every guest.  Our team is the most experienced guide staff in the region, averaging 18.5 years of professional guiding experience. Whether you're a first-time angler or a seasoned fly fisher, you'll spend the day with a knowledgeable guide who knows these rivers inside and out.

 

We're honored to have been voted the Best Fly Fishing Outfitter in the Vail Valley ion 2025 and are the preferred fly fishing partner for several of the area's premier luxury resorts, including The Ritz-Carlton. Those partnerships are built on the same commitment to exceptional service, professionalism, and unforgettable days on the water that every Colorado River Outfitters guest can expect.

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Where do you offer guided fly fishing trips?

We guide on many of Colorado's premier trout fisheries, including the Colorado River, Eagle River, Roaring Fork River, Fryingpan River, and numerous private and public waters throughout the Vail Valley, Glenwood Springs, Aspen, and surrounding mountain communities.  We also operate on the Arkansas River south of Denver, the Guadalupe River in New Braunfels Texas as well as the Big Horn River in Thermopolis Wyoming.

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Do you offer guided fly fishing trips for guests staying in Denver or Colorado Springs?

Yes. While CRO is based in the Vail Valley, we regularly work with anglers traveling from Denver and Colorado Springs. Depending on the season, current conditions and the type of fishing you're looking for, we can recommend opportunities on the Colorado, Eagle, Roaring Fork or Arkansas Rivers. Contact us before booking and we'll help determine the best option based on where you're staying.

 

Do I need fly fishing experience?

Not at all. Many of our guests have never picked up a fly rod before. Our guides enjoy teaching beginners and will walk you through everything from casting techniques to reading water and fighting fish. No experience is necessary.

 

What is included with a guided fishing trip?

Your trip includes professional guide service, premium rods and reels, flies, terminal tackle, waders and boots when needed, non-alcoholic beverages and lunch on full-day excursions. We provide nearly everything you need for a successful day on the water.

 

What should I bring?

We recommend bringing layered clothing, sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, rain gear, your Colorado fishing license, and any medications you may need. Your guide will send a complete packing list before your trip.

 

Do I need a Colorado fishing license?

Yes. Anyone 16 years or older must possess a valid Colorado fishing license before fishing. We make purchasing your license quick and easy by providing instructions before your trip.  Click HERE to buy a Colorado fishing license.

 

What species of fish will we catch?

Our trips primarily target wild brown trout, rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and cutbow trout. Depending on the river and season, anglers regularly enjoy excellent opportunities at beautiful wild trout throughout the Vail Valley and Roaring Fork Valley.

 

What is the best time of year to fly fish in Colorado?

Colorado offers outstanding fly fishing nearly year-round. Spring provides incredible hatches, summer offers dry fly action, fall is known for aggressive trout feeding before winter, and winter can provide surprisingly productive wade and float fishing. Every season offers unique opportunities.  We are a year around fishery.

 

What happens if the weather is bad?

Colorado weather changes quickly, and many of our best fishing days happen during overcast or lightly rainy conditions. If severe weather creates unsafe conditions, we'll work with you to reschedule whenever possible.  We wish we could have perfect weather every trip but unfortunately that's not the case. 

 

Are your trips suitable for children?

Absolutely. Family fishing trips are one of our specialties. We enjoy introducing kids to fly fishing and tailor each trip to match the ages and experience levels of everyone in your group.  Our guides frequently cater to families with children age 7 and up.  

 

Can we keep the fish we catch?

Our guided fly fishing trips are focused on catch-and-release fishing to help preserve Colorado's outstanding wild trout fisheries. Our guides teach proper fish handling techniques to ensure healthy releases.  Keeping your catch is not allowed on CRO guided trips.

 

How many people fit in one boat?

Our drift boats and rafts comfortably accommodate one or two anglers along with your guide. Larger groups can easily be accommodated by reserving multiple boats.

 

Can large groups or corporate outings be accommodated?

Yes. Colorado River Outfitters specializes in corporate outings, executive retreats, employee appreciation events, bachelor parties, family reunions, and other group fishing experiences. We can coordinate multiple boats and guides for groups of nearly any size.

 

How far in advance should I book?

Peak summer dates often book several months in advance, especially around Vail, Beaver Creek, Aspen, and Glenwood Springs. We recommend reserving as early as possible to secure your preferred guide and date.

 

Do you offer private trips?

Yes. Every guided fishing trip is private. Your guide works exclusively with your group, allowing us to customize the experience around your fishing goals and skill level.  We do not combine groups of different parties.

 

Are your guides licensed and insured?

Yes. Colorado River Outfitters is fully licensed and insured, and our guides are experienced professionals committed to safety, conservation, and delivering exceptional customer experiences.

 

What rivers offer float trips versus walk-and-wade trips?

Many of our rivers can be fished either by drift boat or on foot, depending on conditions and your preferences. We'll recommend the best option based on current fishing conditions, water levels, and your goals.  For more information on our rivers CLICK HERE.

 

Will we catch fish?

While no outfitter can guarantee fish, our guides work incredibly hard to maximize every opportunity. Their local knowledge, daily experience on the water, and ability to adapt to changing conditions consistently help our guests enjoy successful days.

 

What makes your guides different?

Our guides aren't seasonal employees who fish occasionally. They're passionate, year-round professionals who spend hundreds of days annually studying rivers, trout behavior, aquatic insects, and changing fishing conditions throughout western Colorado.  Want to learn more about our staff?  CLICK HERE

 

Do you provide flies and tackle?

Yes. We supply all flies, leaders, tippet, indicators, split shot, and other terminal tackle. Our guides constantly adjust fly selections based on current hatches and river conditions.  Many of our guides tie their own flies to match what the trout are feeding on each particular river.  We never charge for flies.

 

What should I wear on a fishing trip?

Dress in comfortable layers suitable for changing mountain weather. Moisture-wicking clothing, fleece, rain gear, polarized sunglasses, and a hat are all excellent choices.

 

Can non-fishing family members come along?

Depending on the trip and river, non-anglers may be able to ride along. Contact us before booking, and we'll discuss the best options for your group.

 

Do you teach casting and fly fishing techniques?

Absolutely. Instruction is included on every trip. Whether you're learning your first cast or refining advanced nymphing, dry fly, or streamer techniques, our guides enjoy helping anglers improve.

 

How do I choose between a half-day and full-day trip?

Half-day trips are ideal for families, beginners, or guests with limited time. Full-day trips provide significantly more fishing time, access to additional water, a relaxed pace, and often produce the best overall experience.  3/4 day trips are very popular for fishing focused groups that just want to fish and not lose any time eating lunch.

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How do I book a trip?

Booking is simple. Contact Colorado River Outfitters by phone, email, or through our online reservation request form. We'll help you choose the best river, guide, and trip based on the current fishing conditions and your goals.

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Have additional questions or concerns? Contact us!

We're always happy to help. If you have questions about our cancellation policy, refunds, rescheduling a trip, weather, river conditions, or anything else related to your reservation, please don't hesitate to contact Colorado River Outfitters. Our team is committed to making the booking process simple, transparent, and stress-free. Whether you're planning a guided fly fishing trip near Vail, Glenwood Springs, or Aspen, we're here to answer your questions and help you book with confidence.

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Call or text: 970-236-1937        Email: flyfish@coloradoriveroutfitters.net