During your fly fishing trip to Crested Butte in the summer, you can expect to find yourself in places so beautiful you thought they only existed in magazines and movies. The fish you catch will look like pieces of art, and the memories made will last a lifetime. In this article, we will discuss what to expect on a guided fly fishing trip.
Angling in this valley is truly one of the best things to do in Crested Butte.
But for many, embarking on a guided fly fishing trip is a new adventure, and there can be questions about what a trip with an angling professional will look like.
This article will detail what you should expect from a Crested Butte guided fly fishing trip.
Let’s begin with the basics.
Types of Guided Fly Fishing Trips
Guided fly fishing trips worldwide vary from half-day roadside trips to multi-day expeditions into the wilderness.
In Crested Butte, a guided fly fishing trip is one of the best summer activities with most people taking a half-day or full-day walk/wade or float-fishing trip.
Half-day trips are generally about four hours on the water. Full-day trips are between six and seven hours on the water.
Walk/wade trips involve finding a location in a river and stream and wading through the zone.
Float fishing near Crested Butte is typically done on the Gunnison River, where there is over 20 miles of fishable water. Float fishing entails floating downstream in a raft or a drift boat with your guide as the captain.
Float fishing trips can also be half-day or full-day trips.
For a half-day trip, anglers should expect to commit between five and six hours of their day, including travel. For a full-day trip, anglers should expect an eight to nine hour commitment.
In Crested Butte and the Gunnison Valley, anglers primarily target trout when fly fishing. However, there can be opportunities to catch Kokanee Salmon in the fall on the Gunnison River.
What Should You Bring On a Fly Fishing Trip?
Due to Crested Butte’s high altitude and variable weather, dressing appropriately is crucial. Necessary attire includes sun protection items, layered clothing, and rain gear.
The Crested Butte summer is gorgeous, but thunderstorms can roll in quickly any day in the mountains.
Communicate with your guide about conditions, as wet-wading may be an option on the warmest days. Wet-wading is when you fish sans waders when the air and water temps allow.
Here is a short list of recommended gear to have on any Colorado fly fishing trip:
- Long-sleeve sun hoody
- Hat with brim
- Polarized sunglasses, even on cloudy days.
- Comfortable pants (jeans and shorts are not recommended)
- Socks
- Sunscreen
- Water and a snack
- Rain jacket … let us repeat that: “Don’t forget your rain jacket!”
Layering your clothes is crucial as cool mornings can quickly become very hot due to the sun’s intense rays at high altitudes.
Insulating hats and jackets are necessary for the coldest days in the spring, late fall, and winter.
Responsibilities of the Client
There are a few things a client should prepare for to ensure a great day of fly fishing with their guide.
- Show up on time
- Keep your phone with you the day before so the guide can contact you
- Dress appropriately — and don’t forget your rain jacket 🙂
- Tip your guide. Guides rely on tips to sustain a life in this expensive valley, and they very much appreciate the support from their clients. If you had fun and expectations were met, we suggest a 20% tip. Otherwise, we recommend the gratuity represent however much fun you had.
Uncertain if a half-day or full-day is best for you?
Read our article on How To Choose Your Guided Fly Fishing Adventure.
Tips for a Sucessful Fly Fishing Trip
While your guide will do most of the heavy lifting, there are some things a client can do to help improve the experience.
- Do some research in advance. For advanced anglers, read the fishing reports and become familiar with the possible rigs and techniques you’ll use. For beginner anglers, watch some YouTube videos on how to cast.
- Communicate your desires with your fly shop before you hire the guide. Tell them the type of guide you’re looking for with the characteristics and skills that meet your needs. As mentioned above, you’re paying good money for a guide, meaning you should be very happy with how they conduct themselves.
- Stay hydrated and well-fed leading up to and during the trip. At high altitudes, it’s important to drink lots of water.
- Approach the day as a student of the sport, willing to learn something new.
- Remember to cherish the moments with every fish you catch. Large or small, they are all special.
- Purchase your fishing license in advance to save time on the morning of your trip. You can purchase a Colorado fishing license here.
Conclusion
With the right guide and mindset, it’s possible to create extraordinary memories on a guided fly fishing trip.
A great fly fishing guide will help you meet those goals and be your friend along the way.
Contact us at info@slackwaterco.com for more information about hiring a guide this year in Crested Butte.