Learn to navigate and fish Colorado's rivers like a pro with Ed's Fly Shop's Guide School. Perfect for aspiring guides and avid anglers seeking expert skills on the Uncompahgre and Gunnison Rivers.
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Difficulty
moderate
Duration
4–7 days
Fitness Level
Participants should have moderate fitness to handle rowing, fishing, hiking riverbanks, and safety drills.
Wildlife
History
The Uncompahgre and Gunnison Rivers have long supported angling traditions rooted in Native American and early settler cultures.
Conservation
Local efforts focus on maintaining healthy fish populations through catch-and-release programs and riparian habitat restoration.
Ed's Fly Shop
Learn to navigate and fish Colorado's rivers like a pro with Ed's Fly Shop's Guide School. Perfect for aspiring guides and avid anglers seeking expert skills on the Uncompahgre and Gunnison Rivers.
Ed's Fly Shop in Montrose, Colorado operates guided fly fishing trips and instructional guide courses across western Colorado’s premier rivers.
The outfitter runs full-day walk‑wade and float trips on the Lower Gunnison River, guided full‑day float trips targeting Brown and Rainbow trout, and multi‑day guided float/backcountry adventures in the Gunnison Gorge that include gourmet meals and wilderness hikes.
Trips on the San Miguel River provide accessible eight‑hour walk‑wade outings beneath red canyon walls, suitable for families and anglers of all skill levels.
The Uncompahgre River float trip offers a fast‑paced six‑hour run through narrow water and challenging white‑water sections for confident, experienced anglers.
Ed's Fly Shop also operates an immersive Guide School on the Uncompahgre and Gunnison Rivers that teaches fishing tactics, river navigation, rowing, and client care; graduates can become hireable guides in Colorado or improve their own guiding and angling skills.
On select trips guides prepare lunches and drinks, while multi‑day Gunnison Gorge experiences feature professionally prepared gourmet meals.
The Lower Gunnison full‑day float follows a catch‑and‑release policy and focuses on conservation of Gold Medal trout fisheries. Guides emphasize safety, Leave No Trace ethics, and river stewardship.
As a Montrose‑based outfitter, Ed's Fly Shop focuses on local rivers, experienced guides, and a range of trip formats from family‑friendly walk‑wade days to rigorous float trips and multi‑day wilderness expeditions.
Reservations are based in Montrose, and trips depart from local river access points with gear recommendations provided by the outfitter to prepare anglers for Colorado river conditions. Seasonal scheduling available.
Base Location
Montrose, CO
Local outfitter serving western Colorado
Trip Durations
6 hr–3 day
Options from short to multi‑day
Tours Offered
7 unique tours
Float, walk‑wade, and Guide School
River Specialties
Gunnison & San Miguel
Gold Medal and gorge fisheries
Reserve guided walk‑wade days, float trips, or the Guide School — expert guides, local rivers, and conservation‑minded outings await.
Wear quick-drying clothing
Expect to get wet during rowing and wading, so moisture-wicking, quick-dry clothing enhances comfort.
Stay hydrated
Carry water when on the river to avoid dehydration, especially in summer months with strong sun exposure.
Practice boat safety
Listen carefully to safety instructions on river navigation and always wear a life jacket when on the water.
Bring sunscreen and bug spray
Protect yourself from sunburn and insects, as riverbanks can have high UV exposure and mosquitoes.
Waders
Keep dry and warm when wading the rivers and practicing fishing techniques.
spring|summer|fall
PFD (Personal Flotation Device)
Mandatory for safety during all rowing and river navigation activities.
Polarized sunglasses
Reduce glare on water to improve visibility of fish and river hazards.
Layered clothing
Adapt to fluctuating temperatures and stay comfortable on the river.
spring|fall|winter