Join Fly Fishing Outfitters for a guided fly fishing trip in Vail or Beaver Creek, CO. Enjoy your float fishing with the only Orvis Endorsed guides in the Vail Valley Our guide staff has over 300 years combined experience on local rivers. No other local outfitter comes close.
Float Fly Fishing June 1- September 30
Since 1992, we have been serving the Vail, Colorado area. We are a locally owned and operated, year-round, Orvis endorsed guide service and retail location in Avon (next to Agave). We are a two-time winner of the Orvis Endorsed Outfitter of the Year. Easily said, when it comes to Colorado river fishing, we’re the guides you want.
Float fishing and raft fishing are among the best ways to enjoy fly fishing while at the same time enjoying some of Colorado’s most magnificent scenery. We float the Eagle, Colorado, and Roaring Fork rivers most of the year. Experiencing fly fishing from a drift boat can provide exciting opportunities to reach remote parts of the river not accessible on foot. Rafting and floating give you the ability to float to a remote area where you can get out and wade fish.
We use the very best boats in the industry. Depending on which river we are floating that day we have the ability to use both Fiberglass Drift boats or rafts that are set up for fishing. Our boats accommodate two anglers and a guide. Because of the different microclimates we have in Colorado we are able to float fish most of the year, obviously weather dependent. A streamside lunch is provided on all full-day trips and can be added to half-day trips at an extra charge
All of our guides are whitewater and first aid/CPR certified. They are committed to giving their clients a safe, scenic float regardless of the river. Colorado State Law requires that any person participating in a guided trip must wear a class 3 life jacket, no exceptions.
Float Fly Fishing Prices June 1-Sept 30
| # of People | Half Day | Full Day |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $450 | $550 |
| 2 | $525 | $675 |
What’s Included in Float Fly Fishing?
A friendly, patient Orvis Endorsed guide, local transportation, beverages, Orvis fly rod and reel, Orvis breathable waders and boots, all terminal tackle, and flies. A freshly prepared streamside meal accompanies all full-day trips. Lunch can be supplied on half-day trips for an additional $20.00 (box lunch) or $25.00 for our gourmet lunch.
What’s Not Included in Float Fly Fishing?
Fish, they must all be released. A Colorado fishing license. Prices start at about $14.00 depending on residency and day, and how many days you plan to fish. A gratuity for your guide is greatly appreciated. Just like a restaurant, a 15-25% gratuity is customary. Absolutely everything else is provided!
What should you bring? Rainwear, polarized sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, camera, and extra water. All items are available in our store. When fishing with children please bring an extra pair of clothing and socks. In the winter, it is best to layer like going skiing and bring an extra change of warm socks.
Float Fly Fishing on the Colorado River
A true Rocky Mountain large river fly fishing experience. A tremendous year-round fishery that offers over 125 miles of quality trout habitat. This float offers anglers chances for sizable trout; throw dries and streamers from the boat or get out to nymph a secret riffle. Watch wild eagles soar, explore hot springs, and enjoy the unique geology of the canyons along the river.
The Colorado river float trip is excellent for beginners as well as seasoned anglers. The Colorado River is the most remote river we float, and we have access to private put-ins and take-outs. Primarily a brown trout river, the Colorado River is a favorite of many of our regular clients. The “C” is home to one of only a few Salmon Fly hatches in Colorado! As well as being a fantastic Hopper river in mid-summer, in fall we target the big pre-spawn Brown Trout with Streamers. The average Trout is in the 12-16 inch range, but there are much fish in the 20+ inch range.
Float Fly-Fishing on the Eagle River
Right out the back door of our fly shop the Eagle is one of the last truly freestone rivers left in Colorado, meaning there are no dams that control the flows. That means we can only float it as long as Mother Nature will allow. One of the most popular float and/or wade trips, the Eagle River, gives fly fishermen a chance to cover miles of private ranchland full of wild Rainbows and Browns.
Float fishing on the Eagle is a very action-packed trip, as we are floating a river with several rapids as well as long slow runs. It’s a combination of whitewater and fishing trip. Casting to rising fish that are hanging tight to the bank or behind a boulder will challenge even the best angler.
The Eagle River offers some of the best fishing for truly wild trout in Colorado. Its proximity to the Vail area means you can be fishing minutes after leaving our shop. Mid-summer, half-day evening floats offer incredible dry fly action. Many of our guides wish they could float this river year-round, and know it like the back of their hands. Starting after the runoff (mid-late June) the dry fly fishing can be absolutely incredible. This trip is not to be missed by anyone who loves dry fly fishing. Other prominent hatches include Golden Stoneflies, Pale Morning Duns, Red Quills, Blue Winged Olives, Midges, and the mid to late summer terrestrials. While the upper Eagle has fish in the 12-16 inch range, the further downriver you go it’s not uncommon to hook into a 20+ inch fish. Good luck landing it!
Float Fly-Fishing on the Roaring Fork River
Starting high above the Aspen valley and ending at the Colorado River, this river drops several thousand feet in its 100-plus mile journey. The Roaring Fork is perhaps the best Known freestone trout river in Colorado. Being a Freestone river means that there are very little to no dam-controlled releases. This river has over 2,500 trout per mile with an average fish of 15 inches. Possibilities of hooking a trout over 20 inches in a day’s float are probable. There is a pretty even mix of Rainbows and Browns through this stretch.The 13 miles of river between Carbondale and Glenwood Springs that we float are all under Gold Medal regulations. This river can be floated year-round.
Perhaps most famously known for the Green Drake hatch in July that can provide great dry fly fishing with large Mayfly patterns. There are also very good hatches of Caddis pre and post-runoff, Golden stoneflies, Pale Morning duns, and also great Hopper action. Floating is the easiest way to fish this large quickly moving river that also flows through quite a bit of private property. The “thunder river” does run through more slightly urbanized areas; it is still an incredible Trout fishery. The Roaring Fork River also offers excellent Winter/Spring wade fishing in a lower elevation that has a temperate climate.
We use FlyBook for our reservations system. You can book your trip right now and receive confirmation via email. You will need to create a simple profile to complete your reservation. Once completed you will be able to easily communicate directly with the shop regarding your specific reservation. It’s really easy to make changes, guide requests, or address dietary concerns. This web-based system makes booking your trip paperless and seamless.
All reservations made within 30 days are charged the trip cost at the time of booking. All trip reservations made outside of 30 days require a 50% deposit. Any cancellations made within 72 hours of departure time will be charged 50%. Same-day cancellations will result in a 100% charge. If you have any questions or having trouble with the Flybook please call 970-845-8090
All or part of this operation is conducted on public lands under BLM Special Use Permit. We operate under Colorado Dept of Parks and Wildlife Outfitters license #467
