How much does a guided fly fishing trip with Cole cost?
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Rates are per party, not per angler. A full day is $495 for one angler, $595 for two and $695 for three. A half day is $350, $450 and $550 for the same party sizes. Private water and multi-day Conejos trips are quoted individually.
How long is a half day compared with a full day?
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A half day runs four and a half hours and a full day runs six. Any time of day works, though Cole would rather start early — the fish generally agree.
What is included in a guided trip?
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Waders, wading boots, rods and reels are provided, plus lunch on full days. On multi-day private water trips dinners are included and lunch is sandwiches on the water; breakfast is not.
What should I bring?
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Polarized sunglasses, a hat, a rain jacket, and clothing for the season and the forecast. Everything else is provided. You will need your own Colorado fishing licence.
Do I need a Colorado fishing licence?
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Yes. Every angler buys their own Colorado fishing licence, and any permits or rod fees a particular stretch of water requires. Licences are sold online through Colorado Parks and Wildlife.
How many people can fish at once?
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Up to three anglers fish with one guide. Four or more means a second guide on the water, so those days are priced individually — tell Cole the group size and he will quote it.
Do you float or wade?
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Walk and wade only, on foot and in the water. Cole does not run float trips.
Which rivers does Cole guide?
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Deckers on the South Platte, Eleven Mile Canyon, Browns Canyon on the Arkansas, the Arkansas at Pueblo, and the Conejos River in southern Colorado — the water he grew up fishing.
What is the deposit and cancellation policy?
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Half the trip rate is taken as a deposit and holds the date. Cancel a week or more before the trip and the deposit comes back in full.
What happens if the weather turns or the river blows out?
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Nobody can predict a Colorado river a week out. If the water blows out or the weather turns unsafe, the trip is rescheduled rather than lost.
Is there anything to sign before the trip?
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Yes. Everyone fishing signs a liability release beforehand. It takes about two minutes on a phone and a signed copy is emailed to you.
How experienced is Cole?
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Cole has been fly fishing for 30 years and guiding for eight, specialising in dry fly and backcountry technique. He grew up on the Conejos River, where his grandparents owned a lodge.
How quickly will I get a reply?
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Same day. Trip requests go straight to Cole's inbox.
