Colorado Guides

Top Fishing Guides & Fly Shops in Colorado

Colorado's top fly fishing outfitters span the state's diverse mountain fisheries, from ArkAnglers on the Arkansas to RIGS in the Gunnison Gorge. These shops combine decades of local expertise with professional guide services covering Colorado's best tailwaters and freestone rivers.

Last updated: February 2025

Colorado offers remarkable diversity — from technical tailwaters like the Frying Pan and South Platte to big-water freestones like the Arkansas and Colorado. These outfitters know their home waters intimately and can put you on fish in every season.

Colorado Fly Fishing Outfitters
#OutfitterTypeLocationRivers Covered
#1Angler's CoveyFly ShopColorado Springs, COSouth Platte River
#2ArkAnglersFly ShopBuena Vista, COArkansas River
#3Frying Pan AnglersFly ShopBasalt, COColorado River, Frying Pan River
#4RIGS Fly Shop & Guide ServiceFly ShopRidgway, COGunnison River
#5Taylor Creek Fly ShopsFly ShopBasalt, COColorado River, Frying Pan River

5 Colorado Outfitters, Ranked

1

Angler's Covey

Fly ShopColorado Springs, CO

Angler's Covey is a premier fly fishing shop and Orvis-endorsed outfitter located on West Colorado Avenue in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Recognized as Orvis's 2012 Outfitter of the Year, the shop has built an outstanding reputation as the go-to resou...

(719) 471-2984WebsiteRivers: South Platte River
2

ArkAnglers

Fly ShopBuena Vista, CO

ArkAnglers is a full-service fly shop and guide service based in Buena Vista, Colorado, in the heart of the Arkansas River valley. Founded in 1995, the shop has grown into the definitive authority on Arkansas River fly fishing, serving anglers who co...

(719) 539-3474WebsiteRivers: Arkansas River
3

Frying Pan Anglers

Fly ShopBasalt, CO

Frying Pan Anglers is a full-service fly shop and guide service located in Basalt, Colorado, at the confluence of the Frying Pan and Roaring Fork rivers. Established in 1986, the shop has served as the Roaring Fork Valley's premier fly fishing resour...

4

RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service

Fly ShopRidgway, CO

RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service is a full-service fly fishing outfitter based in Ridgway, Colorado, in the heart of the San Juan Mountains. Since 2001, RIGS has established itself as the premier guide service and fly shop for anglers targeting the exce...

(970) 626-4460WebsiteRivers: Gunnison River
5

Taylor Creek Fly Shops

Fly ShopBasalt, CO

Taylor Creek Fly Shops is a well-established fly fishing outfitter located in Basalt, Colorado, serving anglers who fish the Roaring Fork Valley's exceptional trout waters. The shop provides a full-service retail experience with quality gear, flies, ...

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to fly fish in Colorado?
Colorado's tailwaters (Frying Pan, South Platte) fish well year-round, with excellent winter midge fishing. Freestone rivers like the Arkansas fish best from May through October. The golden stonefly and PMD hatches in June-July are peak season on most rivers.
Do I need a guide for Colorado fly fishing?
Colorado's rivers have excellent public access, making DIY fishing very doable. However, a guide is recommended for your first visit to technical waters like Cheesman Canyon or the Gunnison Gorge, where local knowledge significantly improves success.
How much is a Colorado fishing license?
Non-resident annual fishing licenses are approximately $98, with 1-day ($16) and 5-day ($31) options available. Licenses can be purchased online at cpw.state.co.us or at any fly shop listed above.