FISHING REPORT: 10/8/2024

Taylor River Fishing Report

C&R: 225 CFS; ALMONT: 290 CFS

The Taylor River below Taylor Park Reservoir, A.K.A. the C&R, is transitioning from fall flows around 200 CFS to winter flows over the next two weeks. By Oct. 21, the Taylor will be at 85 CFS, where it will stay until next spring. As the flows come down, be diligent and aware of Redds, as the Brown trout are starting to move into their spawning areas. Avoid fishing to actively spawning trout, and don’t wade in areas with clean gravel beds. The C&R has been very productive throughout the day, primarily nymphing, with some sporadic BWO, Trico, and Midge hatches in the afternoon. As the overnight temperatures begin to get below the 30’s, hatches will be pushed back later into the day. Top Secret Midge, D-Midge, Flashback Pheasant Tails, RS2’s and Zebra Midges have all been productive nymphs, along with Candy Cane Mysis, Charlies Mysis, and Tim’s Mysis shrimp. All of these in 18-24 sizes. If you are looking to throw dries, Mole Flies, Parachute Adams, CDC Comparaduns, and Griffiths Knats are all great options. As always; have fun, enjoy, and be courteous to other anglers at this fantastic tailrace!

Downstream of the C&R, the Taylor is running about 75 – 100 CFS higher than the dam release. On 10/8 it is at 300 CFS, and will be coming down as releases are tapered to winter flows. Nymphing and hopper droppers have had the most success, along with streamer fishing. With the summer coming to a close, size down your flies and tippet; trout are keying in on Baetis and Midges, and are not keen to take a larger fly. Perdigons, Frenchies, RS2’s, Blindside Midge’s, Mercury Midge’s, Zebra Midge’s, and Two-Bit hookers are all great options in size 16-22. Streamers such as Baby Gongas, Sculpzills, Baby Swim Coaches, and Thin Mints have been productive as well. As always; have fun, enjoy, and respect this incredible tailwater!

East River Fishing Report 

ALMONT: 90-110 CFS

The East River is hovering around 90 CFS at Almont. With the salmon run still holding strong, the Roaring Judy State Fish Hatchery has closed off the bottom half of the river to allow the salmon to make it upstream into their holding ponds. Above this, we have been finding success with dry’s and nymphs, with a hopper dropper being the most productive. Caddis, Ants, and Hoppers are all great options on the surface, with small nymphs behind them. Blindside Midge, Two Bit Hookers, Pheasant Tails, and Perdigons in size 16-22 have had the most success. Have fun and enjoy this wonderful freestone fishery!

Gunnison River Fishing Report

 ALMONT 390 CFS; GUNNISON 425 CFS; BELOW GUNNISON 520 CFS

The Gunnison River here in Almont is at 390 CFS and will continue to drop over the next two weeks. Nymphing and streamers have continued to be the most productive throughout the upper Gunnison. We are still seeing large pods of Kokanee throughout the Gunnison River. With the kokanee entering the river system, trout are moving around as they get bumped out of their deeper runs. Red, Chartreuse, and Blue Copper Johns, Micky Finns, Red and Pink Squirmy Worms, along with Span Juan worms are all sure to find success. Be sure to size up your tippet, and extend the length of your leader to find these colorful fall fish. Perdigons, D-Midges, RS2’s, and Blindside midges have all been productive trout nymphs. Getting down deep is the name of the game, targeting faster runs and the tail outs of deeper pools to find the most success. Sculpzillas and Slumpbuster’s in Black and Olive have been the most successful streamers. As always; be courteous to other anglers, have fun, and enjoy this incredible fishery!

Check out our Orvis Fishing Reports here:

Taylor River
Gunnison River
Orvis Reviews

Operating for over 30 years, we offer experienced fly fishing guides, excellent private water options, and a full service fly shop. We are the only Orvis Endorsed Outfitter in the Upper Gunnison Valley. The Orvis distinction means that we are held to the high standards of the Orvis Company and we offer a full line of their products. Our trip offerings include Walk/Wade, Float, Private Water, and Educational Clinics.

How was your guided trip with us? 
ORVIS REVIEWS – Read One, Leave One!

Gunnison River Float Trips

To book, call 970-641-1303 or contact us via email at:  [email protected].

# People1/2 Day TripFull Day Trip
1 or 2$600$700

Trips include all guide, flies, rod/reel and waders (if needed) and lunch on full day trips. Gratuity, license and other food/tackle purchases are additional. Customary gratuity is 20% of trip cost.

Walk / Wade Trips

To book, call 970-641-1303 or contact us via email at:  [email protected].

# People1/2 Day TripFull Day Trip
1$375$450
2$450$525
3$575$650

Trips include all guide, flies, rod/reel and waders (if needed) and lunch on full day trips. Gratuity, license and other food/tackle purchases are additional.Customary gratuity is 20% of trip cost.

Premium Walk / Wade Trips

To book, call 970-641-1303 or contact us via email at: [email protected].

# People1/2 Day TripFull Day Trip
1$450$525
2$525$600
3$650$725

Trips include all guide, flies, rod/reel and waders (if needed) and lunch on full day trips. Gratuity, license and other food/tackle purchases are additional. Customary gratuity is 20% of trip cost.

  • Taylor River “Catch and Release” Section (year-round). This is a world-renowned trophy fishery with very limited USFS permits. Fishing here can be extremely technical, but the reward can be the fish of a lifetime. Due to the difficult nature of this fishery previous fly fishing experience is required. Availability of this trip depends on USFS permit usage.
  • Backcountry Stream Locations (July/August). These select backcountry locations are known for beautiful scenery, wildlife sightings, and eager trout often willing to eat dry flies during the summer months. Wet wading is typical at these locations, so bring a dry change of clothes for the drive home. Due to the more remote nature of these rivers, an earlier meet time, and a longer drive time is required (1-2 hrs. each way). Hiking is also required (must be able to walk at least 30 minutes on a level trail). Full day trips only.

Private Lease Walk / Wade Trips

To ensure the very best experience on your guided trip, we ask that you contact us directly to book. Call 970-641-1303 or contact us via email at: [email protected].

# PeopleFull Day Trip
1$525
2$680
3$885

Trips include all guide, flies, rod/reel and waders (if needed) and lunch on full day trips. Gratuity, license and other food/tackle purchases are additional. Customary gratuity is 20% of trip cost.

Willowfly Anglers offers walk/wade fly fishing trips (full-day only) on our private leases. We have a variety of properties available for us to guide on. Enjoy the beautiful scenery, excellent fishing, and the solitude that fishing private water provides. You can fish as much as two miles of river and have it all to yourself for the entire day. Private water trips are based on availability and should be booked in advance.

Trampe’s – Gunnison River:   The Trampe ranch on the Gunnison River is just a few miles south of our fly shop. Here below the headwaters, the river grows in size as it rolls down through the ranch on its way to Blue Mesa Reservoir. Long riffles form productive runs. This property is generally wade fished at flows below 500 cfs for ease of wading. We also use this property as a put-in and take-out for our float trips.

Veltri’s – East River

The Veltri ranch is located north of our fly shop, behind Mount Crested Butte. The scenery is breath-taking, especially during July at the peak of the wildflower season. In early fall, the golden leaves of the aspens are your backdrop. This wild trout fishery provides for a remote fly fishing experience, and an opportunity to view some of Colorado’s finest Rocky Mountain scenery. Generally we fish this stretch from June through August, and some years into September depending on conditions.

East River Anglers Club:  The East River Anglers Club (ERA) water is just a mile north of our fly shop. We guide the ERA on weekdays only. This section of the East River holds a high density of wild brown trout and some beautiful wild rainbows. Only guides who are ERA club members have access to guide this property, so book early! We typically fish this property from April through August. Some years we can fish into September depending on conditions.
 
Cebolla Creek:  Our lease on Cebolla Creek is near Powderhorn, Colorado (about 1 hr. from Almont). This is a beautiful small river which provides an easy wading experience and a high density of wild brown trout. Cebolla boasts very healthy aquatic insect life and hatches can create excellent dry fly fishing. We generally fish Cebolla from May through August. Typically flows are too low to fish here in September and later. We give this lease a minimum of 2 rest days before and after fishing dates so book early!
 
FOR ALL GUIDED TRIPS:
 
  • Please call us to book your trip in advance. This is especially important during the peak season (June through September). We guide all year round.
  • 50% deposit is due at the time of booking.
  • Clients who cancel a fishing trip up to 14 days prior to the trip date will receive a refund of their deposit, less a cancellation fee of 10% of the total trip cost. For cancellations made within 14 days of the trip date, clients may forfeit deposit.
  • Trip fees do not include fishing licenses, any additional tackle and associated taxes, and/or gratuities. Tipping is optional, and it is certainly appreciated by our guides. For tipping in general, our guides typically get anywhere from 20% to 30% of the base trip fee. Clients should tip whatever they feel comfortable with, and they should base it on their overall experience.
  • A Colorado fishing license is required for all anglers age 16 and over. We sell licenses in our shop but for the quickest service, we recommend purchasing yours in advance from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. To purchase a license, you will need a driver’s license/ID card, social security number and proof of residency (if needed). For the fastest service in our shop have your previous Colorado green license handy with the CID # so we do not need to re-enter all of your information.
  • We do not allow pets on any guided trips.
  • Polarized sunglasses are recommended for all fishing trips.

Responsibility and Liability: Fishing is an adventure sport that involves risk. We cannot be responsible for lost or damaged articles or personal injury. We are fully bonded insured and licensed but you participate at your own risk and must sign a waiver of liability for each trip, even if you have multiple trips in a row. Once we enter your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to an electronic waiver to complete prior to your arrival.

Three Rivers Outfitting is a member of the Colorado River Outfitting Association and America outdoors. Colorado Outfitting License #389-Colorado River License #D0092. All or part of this operation is conducted on public lands under special permit from the USFS, BLM &NPS. Three Rivers Outfitting is an Equal Opportunity Service Provider

Guided spin fishing is a great option for families or any angler who enjoys spin fishing from a raft. Your guides will float you down the Gunnison River, giving you pointers on how and where to fish. Equipment is available for trip use. Catch & release with barbless lures is practiced on all trips. Lures are included in the trip fee. Lunch is provided for full-day trips. Maximum of three anglers per boat. Most adults will find 1 or 2 anglers per boat most comfortable, as this will allow for a full fishing frame with swivel seats and casting decks. 3-person trips utilize a more basic raft setup in which anglers sit on the tubes of the raft. Sunglasses are required for all lure trips.
 
To book, call 970-641-1303 or contact us via email at: [email protected].
 
# People½ Day TripFull Day Trip
1 or 2$375$450
3$450$525
 
Guided trip fees do not include fishing licenses or gratuities. Customary gratuity is 20% of trip cost.
 
FOR ALL GUIDED TRIPS:
  • Please call us to book your trip in advance. This is especially important during the peak season (June through September). We guide all year round.
  • A 50% deposit is required at time of booking.
  • Clients who cancel a fishing trip up to 14 days prior to the trip date will receive a refund of their trip fee less a cancellation fee of 10% of the total trip cost. For cancellations made within 14 days of the trip date, clients may forfeit their deposit.
  • Trip fees do not include fishing licenses, any additional tackle and associated taxes, and/or gratuities. Tipping is optional, and it is certainly appreciated by our guides. For tipping in general, our guides typically get anywhere from 20% to 30% of the base trip fee (and sometimes more). Clients should tip whatever they feel comfortable with, and they should base it on their overall experience.
  • A Colorado fishing license is required for all anglers age 16 and over. We sell licenses in our shop but for the quickest service, we recommend purchasing yours in advance from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. To purchase a license, you will need a driver’s license/ID card, social security number and proof of residency (if needed). For the fastest service in our shop have your previous Colorado blue license handy with the CID # so we do not need to re-enter all of your information.
  • We do not allow pets on any guided trips.
  • Polarized sunglasses are recommended for all fishing trips.
RESPONSIBILITY AND LIABIILITY:
River rafting, kayaking and fishing are adventure sports that involve risk. We cannot be responsible for lost or damaged articles or personal injury. We are fully bonded insured and licensed but you participate at your own risk and must sign a waiver of liability for each trip even if you have multiple trips in a row. When we enter your reservation, you will receive an email confirmation with a link to an electronic waiver.
Three Rivers Outfitting is a member of the Colorado River Outfitting Association and America outdoors. Colorado Outfitting License #389-Colorado River License #D0092. All or part of this operation is conducted on public lands unders special permit from the USFS, BLM &NPS. Three Rivers Outfitting is an Equal Opportunity Service Provider.

Ice fishing in the Gunnison Valley is a great winter activity for anglers of any skill level! Our professional guides will provide all the equipment needed for a productive and safe trip on the ice, including ice augers, ice huts, heaters, fish finders, rods, reels, and all terminal tackle.

Half Day Ice Fishing

1 Person Half Day2 Person Half Day3 Person Half Day
$325$400$500

Half Day trips are 3 hours of fishing and are perfect for beginners, families, or anyone who wants to experience the fun of ice fishing. Meet time is typically 8am but can vary depending on conditions. Your guide will contact you prior to your trip to confirm meet time and location. On these trips we typically target rainbow trout, brown trout, mackinaw, and the occasional perch and kokanee salmon. You will need to provide: winter boots, warm winter layered clothing, winter gloves, warm winter hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a valid Colorado fishing license. Trip rates include all fishing equipment needed. Gratuity and licenses are not included in trip rates. Minimum age for half day ice trips is 8 years old. Customary gratuity is 20% of trip cost.

To ensure the very best experience on your guided trip, we ask that you contact us directly to book. Call 970-641-1303 or 1-888-761-FISH (3474). OR contact us via email at: [email protected].

Full Day Trophy Ice Fishing

1 Person Full Day Trophy2 Person Full Day Trophy3 Person Full Day Trophy
$425$500$600

Full Day trips are 6 hours of fishing and are generally focused on targeting trophy-sized Mackinaw (Lake Trout). Meet time is typically 7am but can vary depending on conditions. Your guide will contact you prior to your trip to confirm meet time and location. You will need to provide: winter boots, warm winter layered clothing, winter gloves, warm winter hat, sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a valid Colorado fishing license. Trip rates include all fishing equipment needed and lunch on full day trips. Gratuity and licenses are not included in trip rates. Minimum age for full day trophy ice trips is 12 years old. Customary gratuity is 20% of trip cost.

To ensure the very best experience on your guided trip, we ask that you contact us directly to book. Call 970-641-1303 or 1-888-761-FISH (3474). OR contact us via email at: [email protected].

Mandatory Release Lengths on Ice Fishing trips:

  • Lake Trout – 22”+
  • Northern Pike – 26”+
  • Brown Trout – 20”+
  • Rainbow Trout – 20”+

FOR ALL GUIDED TRIPS:

  • Please call us to book your trip in advance.
  • 50% deposit is due at the time of booking. Remainder is due the morning of the trip.
  • Clients who cancel a fishing trip up to 14 days prior to the trip date will receive a refund of their deposit, less a cancellation fee of 10% of the total trip cost. For cancellations made within 14 days of the trip date, clients may forfeit deposit.
  • Trip fees do not include fishing licenses, any additional tackle and associated taxes, and/or gratuities. Tipping is optional, and it is certainly appreciated by our guides. For tipping in general, our guides typically get anywhere from 20% to 30% of the base trip fee (and sometimes more). Clients should tip whatever they feel comfortable with, and they should base it on their overall experience.
  • A Colorado fishing license is required for all anglers age 16 and over. We sell licenses in our shop but for the quickest service, we recommend purchasing yours in advance from the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website. To purchase a license, you will need a driver’s license/ID card, social security number and proof of residency (if needed). For the fastest service in our shop have your previous Colorado fishing license handy with the CID #.
  • We do not allow pets on any guided trips.
  • Polarized sunglasses are recommended for all fishing trips.

Responsibility and Liability: Fishing is an adventure sport that involves risk. We cannot be responsible for lost or damaged articles or personal injury. We are fully bonded insured and licensed but you participate at your own risk and must sign a waiver of liability for each trip, even if you have multiple trips in a row. Once we enter your reservation, you will receive a confirmation email with a link to an electronic waiver to complete prior to your arrival.

Three Rivers Outfitting is a member of the Colorado River Outfitting Association and America outdoors. Colorado Outfitting License #389-Colorado River License #D0092. All or part of this operation is conducted on public lands under special permit from the USFS, BLM &NPS. Three Rivers Outfitting is an Equal Opportunity Service Provider.

 

Willowfly Anglers at Three Rivers Resort will be offering a professional fly fishing guide school from May 13th – 17th, 2023. Course size will be limited to 12 participants to ensure the highest quality experience possible. Classes will run from 8 am to 4 pm each day. Instruction includes classroom time and “on the water” instruction on local waters.

Why choose Willowfly Anglers Fly Fishing Guide School?

We offer a variety of local water not often found in one location: Tailwater, Freestone, Small Creeks and Stillwater (on-site pond and 3 local reservoirs).Willowfly Anglers is an Orvis-Endorsed Outfitter and has thrived for over 35 years with some of the best guides in the industry. Our guides have over 100 years of combined guiding and instructional experience.

  • Equipment is included in the cost.
  • Private water on the Taylor River, Gunnison River, East River, and Cebolla Creek.
  • Thorough curriculum including: Instruction from an FFF Master Casting Instructor, entomology with an aquatic entomologist, ethics, wading, guide professionalism and client management.
  • Optional on site lodging included!
  • Small class size to ensure high quality experience.
  • Large network of outfitters for employment referrals.
  • Great local fishing pre-runoff during May.
  • Discount offered for the raft guide course (which will fulfill the minimum qualifications for float guiding in Colorado) if registered for both.
  • The best value of any guide school!

Tuition for the 2024 school is $1200.00 without lodging per student, or $1850.00 per student including 6 nights of lodging. Rates include class materials, the use of waders, boots, rods and reels, and a diploma upon completion. Not included are a Colorado fishing license, leaders, tippet, flies, and meals. The lodging included consists of a hotel-style lodge room at Three Rivers Resort. The room is spacious and includes a queen size bed, fold-out futon, private bathroom and kitchenette (refrigerator, kitchen sink/counter area, small table, toaster oven, microwave and coffee maker).

If enrolling in both the Fishing Guide School and the Raft Guide Training course, overall tuition may be reduced by $100.

Completion does not guarantee employment. As an Orvis-Endorsed outfitter, we have a large network of outfitters to which we can refer graduates for possible employment opportunities.

Registration closes May 6th, 2024.

Required for participation: Fly Fishing Experience is required. Must be 18 years of age or older. Must have valid Colorado Fishing License.


RESERVE YOUR SPOT ONLINE

Willowfly provides the most professional and experienced guides in the Upper Gunnison Valley. Read about them in our customer reviews: ORVIS REVIEWS

Interested in becoming a Professional Fly Fishing Guide? Enroll in our Fly Fishing Guide School.

Eric Grand

Eric grew up fishing, hunting and skiing in Ashland Wisconsin on the south shore of Lake Superior. He moved to the Gunnison Valley in the fall of 1999 and quickly fell in love with the area and all of the incredible outdoor recreational opportunities, particularly the incredible year round fly fishing. Eric soon found himself spending time floating the river and fishing as much as possible. He began guiding professionally in the summer of 2003 and has been guiding full time since. Eric truly believes “it’s always a good day to go fishing.”

Dave Pinkerton
For 40 years, Dave has been fishing Colorado waters—the last decade as a guide at Willowfly Anglers. He’s a retired high school teacher who finds great joy in helping folks experience fly-fishing success. Beginners and experts alike benefit from his knowledge, patience, and easy going instruction. His “keep it simple” fishing approach helps young and old gain confidence, catch wild trout, and make lasting memories. He guides wade-walk trips on the many exceptional waters in Gunnison Valley.

Patrick Blackdale

Patrick is a Colorado Native who has been guiding since 2010.  Patrick is also the Assistant Outfitting Manager at Three Rivers, so you can often find him in the fly shop where he is happy to help you prepare for a day on the water. He guides float trips and walk/wade trips, and loves spending a day on the water with his wonderful clients. Patrick also has access to guide the East River Anglers Club (ERA). When he’s not guiding or in the fly shop he loves to travel, fish, and spend time with family. He lives in Almont, CO year-round.

Jake Alpert

“The finest gift you can give to any fisherman is to put a good fish back, and who knows if the fish that you just caught isn’t someone else’s gift to you.”  – Lee Wulff
Graduate of the Orvis-Endorsed guide program, Jake started guiding for Willowfly Anglers in 2015. Jake started fishing from his grandfather’s dock in the Florida Keys and then on a panga boat with his dad in Baja California, learning all he could from the wisdom of senior anglers to find his now life long passion. He discovered his love of fly fishing on the Front Range of Colorado during college in Boulder, and now he spends summers in the Almont area fishing every chance he can get. Sharing his passion for fishing with others is one of his greatest joys, from the excitement to the challenges and humility only a trout can induce. During the winters he’s a chef in Tucson, AZ, and enjoys free time cooking with his family, friends and wife, playing guitar, and tying flies. (Ask Jake about guided Euro Nymphing and Tenkara trips!)
 
 
Chad Stone
Chad Stone is an Arizona native with a career in outdoor education as well as guiding professionally in places like Colorado, Alaska, and Germany. Chad was a long-time boatman in his home state of Arizona on the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon, and an outdoor educator for Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff, AZ. Growing up Chad was raised on fly fishing by his Father and Grandfather on the creeks and lakes in the White Mountains of Eastern Arizona and has since fly fished worldwide. Chad has returned to the Almont area to share his love and appreciation of fly fishing with our guests and clients. His enthusiasm for fly fishing is infectious and with his jolly laughter and demeanor you will soon find out why Chad’s past students and clients have requested him again and again. If you’re looking for a day filled with plenty of laughter and great fishing you should stop by and visit Chad in the fly shop or request him as a wade or float guide for any age and skill level.
 
 
Audrey Morris
Audrey began fly fishing at 8 years old and has been hooked ever since. She grew up fishing trophy waters in northern Arkansas on the Little Red, White, and Norfolk rivers. After earning a degree in biomedical engineering, the call of the rivers and mountains brought her to the Gunnison Valley where she has fallen in love with the world class fishing and incredible wilderness access. Audrey is an encouraging teacher, accomplished angler, and skilled outdoors woman. Her passion for both the art of fly fishing, and the beautiful places it can take you, is contagious. Whether exploring mountain streams for native trout, hunting for trophies in gold medal waters, or float fishing free stone rivers, everyday of fly fishing is full of fun and unique experiences. She truly feels the only thing better than a day on the water, fly rod in hand, is sharing the sport and adventure with others. Audrey’s knowledge and enthusiasm are sure to get you hooked on the amazing, lifelong pursuit of fly fishing!
 

Evan Hammans

Evan has been on the water almost every day since he first started fly fishing at age eight. Evan grew up fishing rivers in southern Colorado and northern New Mexico, chasing trout, bass and carp on the fly. Everyone in Evan’s family, even Gramma, has the fly fishing fever, and it is fitting that he began guiding trips. Evan grew up fishing with guides across Colorado and New Mexico, helping him learn the ins and outs of fly fishing. He began his fishing career with the High Desert Angler in Santa Fe New Mexico, at age 15, and started guiding at age 16. His knowledge and passion for fly fishing grew greater with every season on the water. Evan now attends Western State Colorado University, pursuing a degree in Biology, and started guiding for Willowfly Anglers in 2017. His passion for the Gunnison valley extends beyond fly fishing as he leads the Gunnison Sockeyes Conservation and Fly fishing club at Western State, donating community service hours to trash pick-up projects, and volunteering through Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Apart from school and work, Evan spends most of his time floating and fishing the Gunnison valley, enjoying all of the great fishing that the area has to offer. Evan’s favorite part about guiding, is creating valuable memories for his clients, and sharing the excitement that fly fishing offers every day. You can find Evan in the fly shop, or on the water almost any day!

Skyler Reinecke

Skyler was born in Mount Vernon WA, but his parents moved back to the Gunnison Valley in 1993 where his love of fishing, floating and outdoor recreation was shaped. He and his brother found his dad’s old bamboo fly rod in the garage around the age of 13 and has been fly fishing ever since. After spending time in Washington at a fly shop and Alaska guiding float trips, he completed the Willowfly Anglers Fly Fishing Guide School in 2018 and has been guiding for Willowfly Anglers since. Growing up on the Gunnison River and surrounding water he has an in-depth knowledge of both the rivers and history of Gunnison. Always eager and enthusiastic to teach, Skyler’s favorite part of guiding is watching an angler put their new skills into practice to create and nurture a lifetime passion. When not on the water he enjoys mountain biking, rafting, hunting and skiing.

 
Matt Galvez
 
Matt is a Colorado native who grew up fishing high alpine lakes, backcountry streams, and the Arkansas River from Leadville to Pueblo. He loves finding new water and exploring different types of fly fishing. Matt has been a fly fishing guide in the Gunnison Valley since 2016 and with Willowfly Anglers since 2018. Matt specializes in Euro Nymphing and fishing pocket water on the Taylor River. He guides float and walk/wade trips. Matt has access to guide the private water of the East River Anglers club (ERA). In his spare time, Matt loves to tie flies and spey fish for steelhead. He lives with his wife and two dogs in Almont, CO year-round.
 
 
Jeff Sheldon
Jeff brings over 3 decades of guiding experience to the Willowfly staff. His passion for fly fishing, combined with his animated sense of humor make for a day full of laughs and great times. He truly embraces all aspects of guiding-from teaching beginners the basics, to stalking selective fish with seasoned anglers. Jeff also enjoys whitewater, and has run rivers all throughout the US, as well as in Peru, Ecuador, Chile and Argentina. When not guiding, he enjoys fishing with his wife, skiing, snowmobiling and dirt biking. A day on the water with Jeff is one surely to be remembered.
 
 
Jay Hill
Jay Hill retired from corporate life and moved to Gunnison for the fly fishing and skiing.  For the past decade Jay has been working in the fly shop, teaching casting classes, and guiding fly fishing trips.  A true ambassador of the sport Jay is known for drawing maps to his favorite spots, sharing the hot flies of the moment, and helping complete strangers on the river.  While he fishes twelve months of the year, in the summer he loves to fish smaller water that is off the beaten path.  He also guides our backcountry stream trips in the summer.
 
 
Will Coates
Will grew up in Oklahoma chasing bass, but quickly became addicted to trout on the fly rod in Fort Collins during college. He has guiding experience at a remote lodge in Alaska and joined Willowfly staff in 2020. Will guides float trips and walk/wade trips for all experience levels and is always excited to get on the water with anyone. Specializing in euro/tightline and streamer fishing, Will always has a new technique or fly to show you. You can find Will stalking the banks of one of the many lakes and rivers around Almont or behind the vise tying flies.
 
 
Cam Chioffi
Cam was born in Fort Collins Colorado, but his family promptly moved to Massachusetts where he was raised outside the city of Boston. At the age of 14, he attended his first US Youth Fly Fishing Team Clinic in State College, PA where mentors like George Daniels, Joe Humpreys, and Lance Wilt taught him the techniques that take trout more effectively in rivers than any other method. Since then Cam has become the most decorated youth angler the international competitive fly fishing circuit has seen. He began his guiding career in 2015 guiding float trips on the phenomenal rivers nestled in the Berkshire Mountains of Western Massachusetts. Cam Guides walk/wade trips for Willowfly Anglers in the spring and fall seasons. It is Cam’s mission to share his passion and knowledge for the sport, promote stewardship for our natural resources, and bring a fresh perspective to the sport of fly fishing.
 
 
Erica Nelson
Erica (she/her) has over 10 years of experience guiding and instructing a variety of outdoor adventures. While she didn’t grow up fishing, Erica is a self taught angler that relied on YouTube and online communities to help her learn while living in Wyoming. She moved to Crested Butte in 2019 then joined Willowfly Anglers after completing the Orvis-Endorsed guide program in 2021. Erica loves helping all anglers feel empowered, safe, and welcome. She is also an ambassador for Brown Folks Fishing, which cultivates community for people of color in fishing and its industry through a lens of equity, justice, and inclusion.
 
 
David Koonce
David Koonce was born, raised and spent his career in North Texas, so fly fishing was limited to stock ponds on the ranch except when he could get away and get waist deep in a real honest to God trout stream. David fell in love with the Gunnison Valley during vacations with his family and was finally able to make this his permanent home. Becoming a fly-fishing guide was not on the radar when he arrived, but quickly found a fondness for sharing his passion for the sport. David will tell you that he probably gets more excited when a client lands a fish than when he nets one for himself. His biggest thrill is being able to help everything line up for the first-time fly angler. Netting someone’s first fish on a fly rod is something truly special. After spending the day on the water with David, his hope is that you not only were lucky enough to feel the tug of the fly line, but that you come away with an appreciation of this beautiful place and want to come back and experience what this valley has to offer in the future.

FLY SHOP AT THREE RIVERS RESORT

 

The fly shop at Three Rivers Resort is a full-service fly shop and Orvis authorized dealer. We carry a variety of products, including new lines of fly rods and reels, fly lines, waders, and more. We are well stocked with tackle and accessories, and have a selection of fishing shirts, hats, and sunglasses. For those who prefer spin fishing, we also offer a small selection of lures and other tackle.

Willowfly Anglers is the perfect place for anglers to start their day. Stock up on the essentials – leader, tippet, and flies – before you head to the river. We stock a wide range of quality flies and have patterns for all the hatches during the season. You can walk out of our shop and be on the river in minutes. We are a short walk to the Taylor River and also the headwaters of the Gunnison River.

Check in at the fly shop any time during the day or evening to get the latest reports on hatches and river conditions. Book a guided fishing trip with our guide service, Willowfly Anglers, or let us help you plan your day on the water. We carry books and maps of the area and have extensive knowledge of our rivers. When our fly shop employees aren’t working, they’re fishing, so they are an excellent resource. We also rent fishing gear, including fly rods/reels, spin rods/reels and waders/boots. Our rental inventory is used for our guided trips first, and once the trips are all out (usually by 9:30 AM), we can rent the remaining gear. Please check with the fly shop for pricing and availability.

During our main fishing season (April through October), the fly shop is open six to seven days a week. The hours vary and we stay open longer as the season progresses. During the peak summer months, the fly shop is open from 7 AM to 9 PM, seven days a week. Our resort is open year round, so visitors and customers have access to the fly shop during the winter months as well.

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