Guide School
Since 1994, Fly Fishing Outfitters has trained hundreds of guides in our Guide School. We either hire our graduates to work for our guide service, help them find work elsewhere as certified fly fishing guides, or provide them with the tools to begin their own guide service. We have trained a variety of students, from police officers, doctors, college students, and retirees to the Orvis-endorsed Guide of the Year.
Fly Fishing Outfitters has been serving the Vail, Colorado, area since its opening in 1992. We are a locally owned and operated, year-round, guide service and retail location in the Vail Valley. As a two-time winner of the Orvis-Endorsed Outfitter of the Year, Fly Fishing Outfitters has administered over 15,000 guided trips and has one of the most experienced and successful guide staff in the Rocky Mountains. Our guide staff has over 300 years of combined experience in local waters. Year after year, in a very competitive business climate, our fly fishing and guide business has grown.
Enrolling in our guide schools allows us to give you the necessary skills to be a successful and knowledgeable teacher and friend to all of your future clients.
Click here for an article Midcurrent published about our guide school
What Will Fly Fishing Guide School Teach You?
Kevin Wildgen, head FFO guide and dean of the Fly-fishing school, and his staff have created a curriculum that provides our students with all of the knowledge and skills needed to be top-notch fly-fishing guides. Each instructor brings something unique to our week-long program. The curriculum offers personalized instruction on fly casting techniques, ensuring that both beginners and seasoned anglers can enhance their casting abilities. We keep the class size to about 12-15 students to foster a personalized environment, so signing up early is important.
Each day, time is divided between being inside the classroom and going outside, along the rivers and lakes. The course is designed to teach you the finer points of what makes a successful guide and offers new tactics for garnering more return clients as well as furthering your enjoyment on the river.
It is important to note that our guide classes should not be viewed as a “how to fly fish” class. While you do not have to be an expert fly fisherman to be a guide, a good understanding of basic skills is required. Fly fishing skills are not the main focus of the schools, as potential guides should already possess basic fishing abilities. Being a good guide has a lot more to do with understanding and adapting to your client’s expectations for a day on the river. One client may want to learn deep Nymphing techniques, while another might just want a secluded getaway with family. Additionally, there’s always that person who wants to catch 100 trout. How you manage those expectations is a large part of what being a good guide is all about.
Graduation/Job Opportunities
Upon graduation from the fly fishing guide class, students will receive a certificate of completion from Fly Fishing Outfitters, qualifying them for professional guided fishing opportunities. Students also completing the Rowing Certification will receive a signed river log showing that they have met all requirements. Students will be evaluated and, if appropriate, be offered the chance to work for Fly Fishing Outfitters. Over the past couple of years, we have created a group of other regional outfitters who are always looking for guides who have completed our program.
To register for the 2026 Guide school, contact the shop directly (970) 845-8090
2026 GUIDE SCHOOL DATES: May 11-15 2026
How Much Does Fly Fishing Guide School Cost?
COST Was 1000.00 NOW ONLY $900.00
*Payment is required in advance to reserve a spot in either school. Each year the schools fill up fast, so booking a spot early is advised. The tuition fee is for the school only and does not include lodging or meals. We have arranged a special rate at the Comfort Inn in Avon for those students who need lodging. Evening fishing spots are close by to practice what you learn during the day.
*Successful completion of the guide school is required for employment at FFO. Rowing school is not required for employment at FFO.
Join us in the Vail Valley this spring to find out why we think we’ve got the best job and most beautiful office in the world!
