Do I need prior fishing experience to join Guide School?

While helpful, prior fishing experience is not mandatory; the course is designed to teach basics and advanced skills.

Is the course suitable for beginners considering a guide career?

Yes, it’s perfect for beginners looking to build the skill set required for professional guiding.

What safety measures are included in the course?

Safety training includes river navigation, swift water awareness, and emergency procedures to ensure confident guiding.

Can I take the course year-round?

The course runs primarily from spring through fall, with winter offering limited theory-focused options.

Will I receive a certification upon completion?

Participants receive a certificate of completion qualifying them for hire as fishing guides in Colorado.

What is the typical student-to-instructor ratio?

Courses are kept small for personalized instruction, usually 4–6 students per guide.

Become a Fishing Guide on Colorado's Uncompahgre River | Workshop | Fishing

Ed's Fly Shop offers an immersive Guide School experience on the scenic Uncompahgre and Gunnison Rivers in Montrose, Colorado. This private course is perfect for anglers looking to take their skills to the next level or start a career as a fishing guide. Participants will master essential fishing tactics, river navigation, client communication, and rowing techniques under the expert guidance of seasoned professionals. The program not only prepares students to become hireable guides in Colorado but also boosts confidence and competence for anyone seeking epic river adventures. Throughout the course, you'll encounter diverse river conditions, learn to read water, and handle equipment with precision. Beyond technical training, the course emphasizes safety and environmental stewardship, ensuring you leave ready for real-world guiding or improved personal trips. This unique blend of education and hands-on practice makes the Guide School a must for fishing enthusiasts serious about elevating their expertise on the water.

About Ed's Fly Shop

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.