Highlights include a long shoreline for river or reservoir fishing with convenient drive-up areas and parking spaces. Explore the Gold Metal Waters of the Gunnison Gorge/Black Canyon, the Blue Ribbon Waters of the Uncompahgre River at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk, one of the last freestone rivers in Colorado-the San Miguel River, and the amazing high country brookie and cutthroat-filled streams of the Cimarron Region. Flow: 409cfs; Temp: 0F; Wind: 0 mph; Hi / Low: 0/0; Powered by Dark Sky. Three-year-old Snake River cutthroat brooders, native to Wyoming, are stocked annually. Learn from The Professor George Daniel how to stop the rod high, and haul the line to make your Perdigon Nymphs hit the water at a steep angle and sink quickly into the strike zone. Ticket sales for "A Benefit for the Uncompahgre River - 2022 Fly Fishing Film Tour" at the Ouray . Limited mobility: RIGS has two wonderful locations for people with mobility issues to enjoy a day of fishing. Non-motorized boating is allowed here if you plan on kayaking or canoeing your way to the lake's largest Trout. While the fish in this section of river are not nearly as large (on average) as at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk, the spawning habitat may be better, as the river is filled with beautifully colored wild rainbows and browns, both on city property and inside the Colorado Outdoors development. 5.0. Tied on a stout jig hook and using black bead chain eyes for weight instead of the usual slotted bead, the pattern rides hook point up on the bottom without fear of snagging and those big eyes square off the head shape nicely, furthering the accurate silhouette. Water will still be high, but good fishing conditions are showing up. This brings you to Ridgway, Colorado. Continuous Class II and III+ provides great whitewater action as the river makes its way through red-rock walls, scenic sandstone canyons and forested banks. The Ridgway Visitor Center, located at 150 Racecourse Road, Ridgway, Colorado 81432 (across from Citizens Bank off of HWY 62), The visitor center is closed as of October 1st and will reopen Memorial Day weekend. 50 Best Places for Fly Fishing in Colorado: Map & Guide Whether you are a veteran or novice, a stay in charming Ridgway will allow you to experience great year-round fishing, as well as float fishing trips, walk and wade guided fly fishing trips and instructional clinics. Just get a friend or two and do it! | Sport fish in these areas include rainbow trout, brown trout, kokanee salmon and yellow perch. The fruit of this labor is an impressive man-made piscatorial playground. Shipping applies to standard shipping to a single address in the United States only. Give the gift of adventure and memories to last a lifetime. Anglers planning to visit the Uncompahgre can fly into the Montrose Airport, about 20 minutes drive from the state park. RIGS certified professional guides provide quality outdoor experiences and believe in conducting each trip in an educational, safe, and fun manner. If youre wanting to try your hand at fly fishing this year, book with Fly Fishing Colorado! 8 Great Fishing Spots around Telluride . Let RIGS help you plan your Colorado vacation. He's also an ambassador for the Sage and SIMMS fly fishing gear manufacturers and a royalty fly tier for Umpqua Feather Merchants. There are a handful of places in Colorado that allow fishermen to keep their catch. Colorado Fishing - Fishing in Colorado | Colorado.com He created DIY Fly Fishing to help you do the same. Boaters can reach secluded coves on the west shore of the reservoir to try their luck with catch-and-keep fishing. Some recommended fly patterns for the Uncompahgre include: The Fly Crate offers a great selection of dry flies, nymphs and streamers that will catch fish just about anywhere. Southwest Colorado has a fairly dry climate. People 15 and under must wear a PFD at all times while on a vessel. What days are RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service open? Published: Nov 25, 2016 In: Outdoor Adventure By: Josh Gowans Edited: Apr 3, 2023 Photo credit: RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service ANIMAS RIVER AT DURANGO, CO. Water Temp: 57.02 F. Flow: 1490 ft/s. Ridgway Reservoir sits just about 15 miles from the lovely mountain town of Ouray, Colorado, and offers some great outdoor activities including fishing. Only artificial flies and lures are allowed. Please be sure to review our region's COVID practices and policies. Avoid excessive alcohol, salty foods, and most importantly, drink plenty of water! Flylords caught up with Matt McCannel a full-time year-round fly fishing guide in Southern Colorado to learn a little more about how he rigs for success on Colorado trout streams. RIGS offers premier river rafting adventures for most ages and ability levels throughout the summer. The RIGS Difference: Founded in 2001. Colorado Catch and Keep Locations | Fly Fishing Colorado According to a news story from CBS Colorado, there are possible restrictions going into place in 2024 for brown trout in Colorado's Lake Dillon. With an abiding passion for fly fishing, teaching and conservation, Matt McCannel is a premier fly fishing guide in Western Colorado. My favorite season to fly fish Pa-Co-Chu-Puk is summer, as I enjoy observing insects and casting to rising trout. Many Unable to display this Web Part. RIGS Fly Shop and Telluride Angler are bringing the 2023 Fly Fishing Film Tour to the Ouray County 4H Event Center in Ridgway. Pale Morning Duns hatch in the early afternoon and provide consistent surface feeding from August into early October. RIGS offers only the highest quality Guided Fly Fishing (Walk Wade, Float Fishing & Tenkara) on top fisheries like the Gunnison River: Gunnison Gorge/Black Canyon, Uncompahgre River (Pa-Co-Chu-Puk), San Miguel River, and Cimarron River. All Rights Reserved. Matt is the head fishing guide at RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service in the Western Colorado town of Ridgway, located just minutes from his home hatch in the Uncompahgre River tailwater in the Gunnison Gorge. Paco's Green Drake hatch is more subdued than the emergences celebrated on other, more famous Colorado fly waters. Every direction is a possibly picture. RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service is open Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun. RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service - Ridgway Colorado Participants only need a Daily Park Pass to attend. "In this beautiful landscape of Sw Colorado, I will always make sure we are having a good time, learn something new about fly fishing with the goal of catching those beautiful . The Pa-Co-Chu-Puk, or Cow Creek, is the preeminent fly fishing destination along the Uncompahgre River, providing trophy-sized rainbows, browns, and cutthroats. It was like a raging gutter full of polluted water. See more information regarding MTJ Flight Schedules. These waters are known to have great crappie and perch, as well as an abundance of catfish, largemouth bass, and northern pike. The 4 guides were congenial and competent, and they waited on us hand and foot. There are a number of area fly shops and on-line retailers that publish Uncompahgre River fly fishing reports. He's also an ambassador for the Sage and SIMMS fly fishing gear manufacturers and a royalty fly tier for Umpqua Feather Merchants. There is no question that the river at Pa-Co-Chu-Puk has been transformed into a formidable fishery. Patterson's degree in Recreation Management from Prescott College set the stage for a career in adventure guiding and a passion for keeping tight lines on home waters. The visitor center is closed as of October 1st and will reopen Memorial Day weekend. Through tagging and conservation efforts, the quality of many historic bonefish fisheries is improving, as is our understanding of the species' movements and patterns. In keeping with its man-made motif, Paco's trout population is also entirely nonnative. Southwest Colorado Fly Shop, Trout Fly Fishing Guide Service and White Water River Rafting Trips . Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window), Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window), Click to share on Twitter (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pinterest (Opens in new window), Click to share on Tumblr (Opens in new window), Click to share on Pocket (Opens in new window), Click to share on LinkedIn (Opens in new window), Click to share on Reddit (Opens in new window). The tailrace was shallow, fast, and contaminated with heavy metals, as the upper watershed is punctuated with hundreds of leaky abandoned mines. You can fish year round along the Uncompahgre River and in the reservoir, but water clarity in early spring is very poor below Cow Creek all the way to the town of Montrose. Copyright 2023 DIY Fly Fishing, all rights reserved. North toward Montrose, Billy Creek State Wildlife Area along Highway 550 offers fly fishers a half mile of quality fly fishing. The Uncompahgre River births out of Lake Como high in the windswept San Juan Mountains and slogs northward through the towns of Ouray, Ridgway, and Montrose as it makes its 75 mile voyage toward a rendezvous with the Gunnison River in Delta. Visit an active archeological site and learn about the unique culture gem right off the river that is still in the process of being dated. Enable by setting seo.sdk.enabled to true. About an hour west of Steamboat Springs is the Elkhead Reservoir, which is home to both warm and cold water fish including smallmouth bass, crappie, catfish, and northern pike. Get in on RIGS events, news, and upcoming adventures. Fly Fishing a Colorado Gem: The Uncompahgre River Almont Willowtail Springs Lakeside Cabins Mancos Geo Tours Whitewater Raft Trips Morrison View All Fishing Listings Views of Mount Blanca and the Rio Grande River in Alamosa Family fishing in Rocky Mountain National Park Fly-fishing on the Gunnison River near Gunnison Fishing on the Yampa River near Steamboat Springs While caddisflies cause a feeding fracas all summer long, Paco's two most interesting summertime hatches are Green Drakes and Pale Morning Duns. Mid-summer to early fall is the peak season for trout in this area, as the hatches of baetis and stonefly are best at this time of year. Ridgway, CO. Telluride Town Park. Experience challenging whitewater on the San Miguel River raft trip one of Colorado's most spectacular and least known river runs. There are also several car/van services that can get you to and from the airport. Colorado Parks & Wildlife - Fishing Ridgway has been known for its rainbow trout and the kokanee. I've had phenomenal drake days with Furimsky's B.D.E. At Elkhead, the crappie fish limit is 10 and the largemouth bass limit is 2 with a minimum length of 15 inches. Doug Dillingham is the author of the guidebook Fly Fishing the Gunnison Country. Our focus is to provide a refreshing approach to customer service with individual attention and extensive product and area knowledge. In addition to stockers, there are wild rainbows, and rare native Colorado River cutthroat trout that may find their way from tributaries like Billy Creek. Fishing Spots Near Ridgway CO. Ridgway State Park. From wilderness desert canyons to high alpine streams, remote freestone rivers to year-round trophy tailwaters, RIGS is your basecamp in fly-fishing heaven. A plethora of catfish, northern pike, large and smallmouth bass, crappie, muskie, perch, and rainbow trout live in these waters, making for a great fishing spot with a wide range of catches. Wading socks with boots are perfect for most fishing locations during late May to early October. The San Juan Skyway begins its southerly route on US Highway 550 in Ridgway, offering scenic views of emerald pine and golden aspen forests at every turn and ending in Durango. You can catch plenty of fish blind casting at Paco, but if you're merely "fishing the water" you won't encounter the truly big fish, or even realize they are present. Stream (70) Ouray County, Colorado is home to 95 lakes, rivers, and other fishing spots. Uncompahgre Green Drakes have a brown tint, and McCannel's favorite pattern is actually Furimsky's Foam Brown Drake. Ten-inch rainbow trout are stocked frequently, and once in a blue moon enormous 'bows stretching up to 30 inches are introduced as well. Bummer - RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service Camera: Ridgway is one of the most rugged and beautiful parts of Colorado. That's it. Uncompahgre National Forest - by Delta Although you are more likely to lay eyes on sasquatch than a truly unknown Colorado tailwater, the Uncompahgre River is unquestionably the least known and most unheralded tailwater in the Centennial State. Come and explore all that Ridgway has to offer! This beautiful tailwater is the river below the Ridgway Dam in Ridgway State Park, it is considered one of the crown jewels in the Colorado State Park System. RIGS is a family business, built from the ground up, with extensive industry knowledge and years of hard guide work throughout the industry. Those who enjoy the rustic life can camp in the Ridgway State Park or rent one of the numerous hunting and fishing cabins in the area while they ply the local waters for that prize trout. Places To Go Parks Ridgway Fishing Fishing In the in-flowing streams and reservoir, any bait or lure is allowed and anglers can keep all fish, up to the legal limit. CPW's 2016 electroshocking survey estimated 264 pounds of trout per acre and 35 trout over 14 inches per acre, easily exceeding the Gold Medal Water threshold, the highest distinction given to any Colorado trout stream. We have access to a multitude of waters including; remote and technical float fishing sections, fast and busy freestone rivers and world-class tailwater fisheries. . 970-626-4460 reservations@fishrigs.com fishrigs.com. RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service is an equal opportunity service provider and is a permittee of the Grand Mesa, Uncompahgre, and Gunnison National Forests. The reservoir and catch-and-release waters in Ridgway State Park offer fishing opportunities for the whole family, including free fishing for kids during Huck Finn days in the summer. DRIVING DIRECTIONS. Dogs are allowed on kayaks. I felt like Teddy Roosevelt on safari! Skip to content. With so many great fishing spots in the Centennial State, it's no wonder why Colorado has plenty of top-notch bait and tackle shops too. Ouray to RIGS - 10 minutes From Ouray, Colorado, take HWY 550 North for 9 miles. 1075 Sherman St, Unit 101. The Gray Ghost. Because Paco's PMDs are orangish-pink in color, a Pink Cahill or Harrop's Last Chance Pink Albert Cripple in size 16 perfectly parrot the real insects. Ridgway is centrally-located within one hour of six major trout streams and rivers, which boast clean waters, feisty fish, and draw out the fisherman in everyone all year long. Hydration: A refillable water bottle can be a life-saver at our elevation. Here, the river is spunky and shallow until it slows and deepens at its junction with Dallas Creek, which enters the Uncompahgre just above the reservoir. SUP's can be a relaxing or a strenuous and you want; great for the whole family! The Fly Crate Commits 2% of Sales to Aid Disabled Veterans. Subscriber Services. A few burly sets of Perfect Rubber legs, a bit of soft hackle, a pinch or two of dubbing and you have a bug that brings a smile to your face. Thats the Orvis Way. With a contagious fun-loving personality and a love for teaching others the art of fly fishing, Western Slope Colorado became the perfect backdrop for his new home. Comprehensive guide on all things Ridgway, available online, via a flipbook and in PDF download. 1075 Sherman St, Unit 101, Ridgway, CO 81432-7704 Open today: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM Save Reviewed July 28, 2022 brentdM8732TH gigithebeagle 1 Bummer Review of RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service Reviewed July 23, 2021 I would not use RIGS guide service again. With crappies you are limited to 20, catfish is limited to 10, and bass is limited to 1 and it must be at least 18 inches long. Brook and rainbow trout can also be found in some tributaries of the Uncompahgre River. After Ridgway Reservoir was completed in 1988, serious questions remained as to whether the 1.5-mile stretch of public water below the dam would even support a fishery. The visitor center is closed as of October 1st and will reopen Memorial Day weekend. Centrally located within one hour of 6 major trout streams and rivers (Uncompahgre, Gunnison, San Miguel, Cimarron, and more) RIGS sits in the heart of the scenic San Juan Mountains near Ouray, Telluride, and Montrose, Colorado. Wide temperature swings and rapidly changing weather are common from lower to higher elevations. Provided you match the hatch the Uncompahgre may just become your new favorite spot to fly fish in Colorado. 10 mi / 755 ft gain. Read More Website Stop by the shop for expert advice on the region. Its who we are. Our Fly Fishing Guide School offers the best opportunity for budding guides or anglers just looking to have a greater understanding of the skills required to become a guide. I prefer to fish this area in March or early April, and then again during September and October as the flows out of the reservoir diminish. Phoenix, presented by Costa, tells a story of passion, as Katie Anderson and her husband, Cooper, take a leap of faith in order to inspire their 4-year-old daughter to chase her dreams no matter what the obstacle. Close friends and family gathered at Dave and Emily Bruce Whitlock's home on May 20 to Celebrate Dave's amazing life. RIGS Fly Shop and Telluride Angler have joined forces to bring the 2022 Fly Fishing Film Tour to Ridgway! Brown, Rainbow and Cutthroat trout await. 517 S. Highway 24 Buena Vista, CO 81211. In the language of the Ute Indians, the original stewards of this spectacular swath of God's creation, "Uncompahgre" translates to "red water spring" and is likely a reference to several natural hot springs near Ouray and Ridgway. Films start at 6:30 p.m. Hosted by RIGS Fly Shop&Telluride Angler. 100% of the proceeds raised. Bountiful summer and autumn hatches stimulate feeding and bring fish to the surface, while low and lazy water flows in winter and early spring are perfect for sight fishing with nymphs, which is the most effective technique for targeting the biggest browns. Adventure, night life and all around easy living await you in Ridgway Colorado, gateway to the San Juan Mountains. Remember your sunscreen (you're closer to the sun in thinner air that's easier for UV rays to penetrate). has been added to your cart, Orvis-Endorsed Fly-Fishing Outfitter in Ridgway, Colorado. Snag Kokanee salmon here during their autumn run in the area where the Dallas Creek and Uncompahgre River flow together. Cutthroat and rainbows rise to the drake but unfortunately, Pa-Co-Chu-Puk's biggest browns rarely make the effort. There are three main areas in the park for catch-and-keep fishing from shore, described below. I took the Deluxe Gunnison Gorge float trip with 6 friends. The reservoir at Harvey Gap State Park is just west of Glenwood Springs north of I-70. This is often true at Paco, so use enough weight to get your flies down where the fish are. Despite the continual stocking of both rainbows and cutthroats, naturally reproducing brown trout are what make the Uncompahgre special, and they reach the most impressive sizes, with many browns north of 10 pounds caught every year. Ridgway State Park's Dallas Creek entrance on the south side of the park gives you access to another 1.5 miles of excellent fly water immediately above the reservoir. There are secluded alpine lakes and streams full of stocked and native trout for the fisherman who likes an adventure and easily accessible sport waters along the Uncompahgre River corridor. Yelp users havent asked any questions yet about RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service. Come and explore all that Ridgway has to offer! Copyright 2023 Ridgway Area Chamber of Commerce. This water, which fishes more like a freestoner than upstream at Paco, is most productive at lower flows, as it is difficult to fish when the water is ripping. To troubleshoot the problem, open this Web page in a Microsoft SharePoint Foundation-compatible HTML editor such as Microsoft SharePoint Designer. Ridgway has been known for its rainbow trout and the kokanee. Airline service: All major airlines service Montrose Regional Airport (MTJ) located just 30 minutes from our Fly Shop in historic downtown Ridgway Colorado. So long as you abide by fishing regulations, you dont have too much to worry about in the way of trespassing. Please inquire what is right for the location you are looking to fish. Its who we are. Try our 1/2 Day Uncompahgre River family raft trip for some bumps and splashes, twists and turns and lots of fun for families with kids over 5 years old and 50lbs or seniors looking to still have some fun but nothing too extreme. If you have questions, call 970-626-4460 or book online below. A few of my favorite accesses are the short stretch on the south side of town off of Woodgate Road, the fly water behind Target, and the sections at the upstream and downstream edges of the Montrose Water Sports Park. Mine cleanups upstream together with a settling effect in the reservoir have reduced heavy metals in the Uncompahgre, while the installation of two hydro turbines at Ridgway Dam simultaneously increased oxygen and decreased nitrogen levels in the river, drastically improving water quality. Although the traditional summer months (June, July, and August) are a wonderful time to plan your visit, it's the fringe seasons of March, April, May, and September, October, November, where unique conditions create some of the best fly-fishing times of year. RIGS FLY SHOP & GUIDE SERVICE - 15 Photos & 32 Reviews - 1075 Sherman St, Ridgway, Colorado - Fishing - Phone Number - Yelp Restaurants Auto Services RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service 32 reviews Claimed Fishing, Hunting & Fishing Supplies Closed 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM Hours updated a few days ago See hours See all 15 photos Write a review Add photo Fly Tying Fly Tying - Vises; Fly Tying - Tools ; Fly Tying - Epoxy/Glue/Cement; Fly Tying - Hooks . Success There is an old fly-fishing adage that states: "The difference between a good nymph fisher and a great one is often one split-shot." And well make it right. Matt is the head fishing guide at RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service in the Western Colorado town of Ridgway, located just minutes from his home hatch in the Uncompahgre River tailwater in the Gunnison Gorge. MAP View gauge locations and recommended river access points to begin your fly fishing journey in the region and determine how best to approach your angling adventure in Ridgway or surrounding communities like Ouray, Telluride, Silverton, Montrose, Delta or Grand Junction. The Animas is dropping and clearing up. Montrose Anglers Whether you are a veteran or novice, a stay in charming Ridgway will allow you to experience great year-round fishing, as well as float fishing trips, walk and wade guided fly fishing trips and instructional clinics. Do not underestimate the importance to caring for your body while visiting higher elevations. Stopped in a RIGS two different days for fishing licenses. Fish can be scaled and cleaned at the Fish Cleaning Station located next to the bathroom beside the boat ramp.
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