What's Included
Every trip includes beverages and snacks; full day trips include lunch. One fly per hour per angler is included in the cost of the trip. Additional flies are charged at the regular shop rate, but you'll probably not need more than the basic one fly per hour. Rental gear, including waders, boots, rod and reel, is available if you do not have your own. Your trip time does not include travel time- a four hour trip means four hours on the water, so plan on travel to and from the fishing location as part of the outing. You will need a Colorado fishing license; we sell them at the shop. A Colorado resident annual license is $31. Resident and non-resident one day licenses are only $9; additonal days are only $5, and need not be consecutive. A non-resident annual license is $61. Colorado law requires that you provide your Social Security number to purchase a fishing or hunting license.

A Typical Trip
If you are a beginning or less experienced fly fisher, your guide will start your trip with a casting lesson and practice so you feel comfortable putting your fly where the fish are. Since most of the waters we fish are not too large, you don't need to be an expert caster. After some casting practice, you'll move to a stream or lake. On the water, your guide will demonstrate various line management and other techniques that will help you be successful. Part of our goal is to enable you to take what you have learned with us to other waters. If you are a more experienced angler, be sure to discuss with your guide how you'd like to work together and what you'd like to accomplish. At the end of the day, we'll return to the shop, if necessary, to settle up any remaining charges or fees.

Your Expectations
Let your guide know what you want to accomplish (besides catching fish, of course!) during your trip. Perhaps you want help with casting, line handling, nymphing or reading the water. Just ask, and we'll do our best to help meet your needs. In addition to in-depth instruction, your guide will typically rig your rod, check your leader, add tippet if needed, tie on your flies, and do all the little things that make your trip more enjoyable. Let your guide know if you'd rather handle these tasks yourself. While our streams, rivers and lakes hold plenty of fish, they don't always cooperate. Fishing is subject to lots of variables that aren't always under our control. If it's one of those days, take a look around at our beautiful Colorado scenery, take a deep breath of fresh mountain air, and take home some magnificent memories of your trip.

Our Expectations
All of our trips are catch and release, and we use barbless hooks. It is our objective to handle fish gently and return them to the water as quickly as possible. We teach and practice ethical and courteous fishing methods. We do not allow the consumption of alcohol or illegal substances during trips. If you smoke, please do so responsibly.

What to Bring

• Basic clothing to suit the season, layered for temperature adjustment when practicable.
• A lightweight, preferably waterproof, jacket for summer or fall.
• A heavier, warmer waterproof jacket for early spring, late fall, winter or higher altitudes.
• Lighter, preferably breathable, pants or shorts for warmer weather. Waders can be difficult to put on over jeans, and jeans can be uncomfortably clammy under waders.
• Breathable fleece pants or long underwear for wear under waders in cooler weather. Heavy socks for wear with waders.
• Polarized glasses are absolutely essential for eye protection as well as for spotting fish.
• Hat or cap in any weather. Ear muffs or a cap with ear flaps are a good choice for cold weather.
• Gloves for cold weather, preferably flip up mittens or half finger gloves.
• Personal care items such as insect repellent, suncsreen, tissues, etc.
• Camera to record your trip.

Safety
Safety is a primary concern. Let us know if you have any medical, dietary or other conditions that could affect your trip. All of our guides are CPR and First Aid certified, but this knowledge is something we would prefer not to have to use. Most of our trips are in Rocky Mountain National Park. The altitude in the Park ranges from about 9000 feet to over 14000 feet. Weather conditions are highly variable. A sunny summer day can turn into a violent, hail-filled thunderstorm in a matter of minutes. A nice winter day can become a wind blown blizzard in no time. It is your guide's call as to whether to end a trip early or change locations because of any safety concern related to weather or other conditions.

Tipping
Tipping your guide is traditional. Your guide provides everything for the trip out of his/her own pocket: the beverages, snacks, lunch (if provided), basic supplies other than flies, and, usually, the gas to get you there and back. You can tip in cash, or we can add it to your credit card if you prefer; a minimum of 20% of the trip fee per angler is typical. If your expectations have not been met, please let your guide and shop staff know about it.