Summer activities

Backcountry Fly Fishing

Join us for a backcountry fishing experience unlike what you might find on the bigger rivers. Our guides have been hiking and wade fishing our local small streams, beaver ponds and lakes for many years and are looking forward to sharing these places with you.

There are “drive to” and “hike to” options throughout the Vail area. Come discover “the other side of Vail” fishing.

Small streams provide the angler with less intimidating wading so you can relax and focus on fishing for brookies, browns, and native cutthroat trout. If you are new to fly fishing, our guides can show you the basics. If you are a seasoned “trout bum” come explore the pools, pockets and riffles with us.

Availability

May to October

Activity

Backcountry Fly Fishing

Difficulty

Beginner to Advanced

Trips starting at ($325):

Per person pricing

Note: For groups of 3 participants, an additional guide is often hired to provide for more individual instruction and assistance; the additional cost is $250 for a Half Day and $350 for a Full Day.  If you choose to have just one guide we highly recommend at least one person be an experienced fly fisherman.

For groups of 4+ people we will split into groups of no more than 3 per group.

book this trip

Fish Day Options

 

what’s included

Guide Services
  • Guides: Maximum participant to guide ratio of 3:1 (if there are 3 in the group we recommend at least one be a proficient fly fisherman)
  • The Day: Trip length is from lodging pickup to drop-off. Full day is 5-7 hours, Half Day is 4 hours

    • Drive to Options for Half & Full Day trips: Expect a 15-35 minute drive and short walks to the water.

    • Hike to Options: Full Day Trips only: Expect a 20 minute to 1-hour drive. Hiking in ranges from 30 minutes to 1.5 hours (backpack included)

  • Transportation: We will pick you up and drop you off within the Vail Valley.
Gear
  • Gear: Fly rods, waders, and tackle included
  • Rental: We rent rods and waders for self-guided trips
    • $25 each or $50 for both per day
  • Not Included: Colorado Fishing License – one day license available at local shops
Clothing

The weather in the Colorado Rockies can be unpredictable. It is important to be prepared for all conditions. Specific questions can be answered when your guide contacts you.

  • Long or short-sleeved shirt. We recommend long sleeved for sun protection
  • Light or medium layer for colder days
  • Rain jacket
  • Breathable pants or shorts
  • Wool blend or synthetic socks to wear with boots and waders
  • Baseball cap or brimmed hat
  • Polarized sunglasses (a must-have)
  • For colder days, we recommend: Top and Bottom base layers (light to medium long underwear bottoms/pants can be more comfortable with waders).
Food and Hydration
  • Snacks are provided on the Half Day trips
  • Lunch is provided on the Full Day trips

what participants are saying

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Awesome outing fly fishing near Camp Hale with Donny! This is our third fishing trip with him thru Paragon Guides. Wouldn’t recommend anyone else. Hopefully someday I can cast as well as him!! Great lunch to boot.

Trip Advisor Review

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Quality outdoor adventure since 1978

Specializing in custom itineraries, we tailor every trip to your unique needs, from your experience level to group size and mountain comfort.