• A government-issued photo ID and knowledge of social security number, if fishing license is being purchased in-shop
• Loose-fitting, comfortable clothing like what would be worn for a day hike (jeans not recommended)
• A lightweight, waterproof shell
• An extra warm layer or two, especially on full-day trips to RMNP
• Hiking socks, such as Smartwools or Darn Toughs, are often great in waders
• Polarized sunglasses for eye protection and cutting glare off the water
• A baseball cap, other sun/fishing hat, or warmer winter hat for cold weather
• An extra pair of gloves for warming up if cold weather is expected
• A small personal daypack if hiking planned on a full-day trip
• Personal care items like sunscreen, bug spray, etc., though guides often have extra
• A camera or cell phone for photos (guides may not always be prepared to take photos).

We consider ourselves the most beginner-friendly fly shop on the planet for a reason: we expect our guides to be both skilled anglers and patient teachers, with the latter being possibly even more important. Regardless of skill level, our guides are prepared to tailor a trip appropriately. Beginners can expect a trip to start with a brief casting lesson and some practice, as well as a little bit on how to read and approach a trout stream. More experienced anglers should be sure to discuss with their guide ahead of time what their goals are for a trip. Whether you’re looking for an intensive lesson on fishing tiny midges in the wintertime or you’re a beginner looking to catch your first few trout in the summer, we can make it happen!

Half-day trips do not include lunch, but guides generally come prepared with a cooler containing ice and some waters, and guides will sometimes also have snacks. Full-day trips do include lunch from a local deli, Dish Gourmet, at no extra cost (can also be tacked onto a half day trip at $15 per meal). All guided trips include rental of any fishing gear needed for all clients, including a rod, reel, boots, and waders, and guides will provide all necessary flies and terminal tackle, as needed. Clients can expect guides to tie all knots and assist with rigging of any equipment during a trip. The only costs to anticipate that are not included in our trip fees are the price of a state-issued fishing license available ahead of time online or before the trip at the shop and the Rocky Mountain National Park entry fee, as applicable. For details on park entry fees and passes, see: https://www.nps.gov/romo/index.htm under the “Info” tab. Please also see the bottom of this page for a note on guide gratuities.

Above all else, we look to give clients a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. That said, there is always a possibility of unforeseen circumstances happening, so we require all of our guides to be CPR and First Aid certified. Please let us know ahead of time about any medical or dietary needs, including allergies, and about any clients who may be more mobility-challenged. Weather conditions in Colorado are always highly variable, especially at the 9,000 – 11,000 foot altitude in RMNP, so guides are always prepared to adapt based on changing weather conditions. If you’re concerned about weather ahead of a trip, don’t hesitate to give your guide or the shop a call.

Tipping your guide is customary in the outdoor industry and tends to follow usual service industry guidelines. Guides provide everything from the trip out of their own pocket, including beverages, snacks, basic fishing supplies including all flies, and gas for transit. Tips are most often handled after the trip in cash, but we can also run a tip in the shop as a credit card transaction if preferred. About 20 percent of the overall trip cost is a standard baseline for tipping, though the exact amount is obviously always at client discretion. If you feel your expectations haven’t been met on a trip, please let your guide and the shop know.