Dreaming of turning your passion for fly fishing into a career in the stunning landscapes of Colorado? Becoming a fly fishing guide might be the perfect path. Imagine sharing your knowledge and love for the sport while working amidst breathtaking scenery. However, like any profession, it requires dedication, training, and understanding the specific regulations in Colorado. This guide will provide you with a comprehensive overview of How To Become A Fishing Guide In Colorado, covering everything from regulations and certifications to guide schools and essential skills.
Understanding the Regulations for Fishing Guides in Colorado
The regulations for fly fishing guides in Colorado depend on the type of guiding you intend to do. For wade fly fishing, Colorado doesn’t require specific certifications. However, to guide on public waters, you must operate under an outfitter with the necessary permits from state and federal agencies managing the land and water. These permits are limited to protect fisheries from overfishing. Therefore, joining an established outfitter is often the most accessible route for aspiring wade fishing guides.
For those interested in commercially float guiding (guiding from a boat) in Colorado, an Oar Certification is mandatory. This certification involves 50 hours of instruction from a certified guide instructor.
Fly Fishing Guide Schools: A Valuable Investment
Fly fishing guide schools offer intensive courses, typically lasting a week, that cover various aspects of guiding. These schools are usually taught by experienced guides and provide a comprehensive introduction to the profession. A fly fishing guide school provides a structured learning environment covering the basics of guiding. Vail Valley Anglers, for example, offers a five-day guide school that balances classroom instruction with hands-on experience on the water. Topics covered include guide tactics, rigging, agency relationships, customer service, photography, entomology, and casting.
The role-playing and on-the-water training are invaluable, allowing you to learn firsthand from experienced instructors.
Benefits of Attending a Fly Fishing Guide School
While it’s possible to become a fishing guide without attending a guide school, there are significant advantages to doing so:
- Accelerated Learning: Guide schools provide a concentrated learning experience, equipping you with essential knowledge and skills in a short period.
- Networking Opportunities: These schools offer a chance to connect with experienced guides and outfitters, potentially leading to job opportunities.
- Resume Booster: Completing a guide school can enhance your resume, demonstrating your commitment and providing valuable references.
- Determining Suitability: Guide schools allow you to experience the realities of guiding, helping you determine if it’s the right career path for you.
Another important factor to consider is that guiding varies significantly depending on the location. Fisheries, tactics, customer base, and regulations can all differ from region to region.
Oar Certification: Essential for Float Guiding
To commercially float guide in Colorado, the state requires an Oar Certification, which involves 50 hours of training with a certified instructor. The Colorado Code of Regulations outlines the specific requirements for this certification, ensuring that guides have the necessary skills and knowledge to safely operate boats on the water.
According to CHAPTER P-3 – RIVER OUTFITTERS, a guide needs “a minimum of fifty hours of on-river training utilizing paddles and/or oars, and any other equipment that the guide will be using on regulated trips. Of this fifty hours, thirty hours shall be with a qualified guide instructor aboard the same vessel with the trainee. The remaining twenty hours shall be with a qualified guide instructor on the same training trip. Twenty hours of training shall occur on the river on which the guide will be guiding regulated trips or on a river section of comparable difficulty.”
The minimum guide training must cover:
- Rigging and maneuvering the vessel
- River currents, eddies, and waves
- River hazards
- Types and causes of river rapids
- Scouting and running rapids
- River rescue and emergency procedures
- Minimizing outdoor recreation resource impacts
- Proper fit, wearing and use of personal flotation devices
The Oar Certification is regulated by the state and ensures that guides are competent in boat handling and river safety. Courses typically involve multiple days on the water, as well as classroom sessions covering the state requirements. This certification is a great way to learn how to row a boat in challenging waters.
Taking the Next Step
Becoming a fly fishing guide in Colorado is a rewarding career path for those passionate about the sport and the outdoors. Understanding the regulations, considering guide schools and Oar Certification, and developing essential skills are all crucial steps. Contacting local fly shops and guide service managers can provide further insights into training courses and opportunities in the area. With dedication and the right preparation, you can turn your dream of becoming a fly fishing guide in Colorado into a reality.
