Guided creek adventures
We offer a wide array of trips on the mountain streams and creeks of southwest Colorado. Mountain streams are born high in the mountains, any were from 7,000 to 10,000 feet. They are the headwaters of major rivers, such as the Animas, Rio Grande, San Juan and Colorado. Mountain streams are incredibly diverse and a joy to fish. Be it the slow flow of a meadow stream or the surge of an alpine creek as it tumble from one pool to another, there is an adventure for every angler. If you are looking for a little adventure with a stunning setting and numerous pretty trout to the fly then a mountain stream is perfect for you.

The creeks
There are far to many creeks for us to name right here. As we have said before, just tell us the type of stream you want to explore and we'll get you on it. We offer trips in the San Juan National Forest, BLM and in the Weminuche Wilderness. We fish streams near Rico, Silverton, Durango and Pagosa Springs. For the most part the trout that live in the cool waters of the mountain creeks are wild. There are also native Colorado Cutthroat living in many of the mountain fisheries.

The season
Many think mountain creeks are best fished in the summer, well there is a bit of truth to that, however some creeks and streams we fish and guide can be a blast in the spring and even in the winter. Snowshoeing into a creek as a light snow falls can be very magical. Our main creek season is at the end of snow-melt; typically in late June. Our most scenic trips are in the fall; the the oaks and aspens change the stream banks and mountainsides are glowing in hues of green, gold, yellows, orange and red. Male brook trout are also sporting amazing colors as they set up for the fall spawn.

The trips
We can set up mountain fly fishing trips to fit the type of adventure you are looking for regardless of ability level. Streams are a perfect place to learn the art of fly fishing. We can set up simple park and cast trips as well as light, moderate and long hike-ins. Hiking into a mountain stream is as pure a fly fishing experience you can have.

Guided fly fishing trips using the historical Durango-Silverton Narrow Gauge Railroad for remote access is another fantastic trip for those looking for a fishing experience that very few people do. We can also set up pack trips into remote locations through local outfitters. We operate our guide trips under permits issued by the US Forest Service, BLM and Colorado Division of Wildlife.

Upper Animas via Historic Durango-Silverton Train | Guide reports for the Creeks | Headwaters

The gear
Most mountain trout are incredibly beautiful, but are not known for being as large as the trout that live in the main stems. Creek trout range in size from 5 to 14 inches, so leave the 5 and 6 weight rods in the truck and string up light 0 to 3 weight. A small reel matched to the rod is a good idea, but a high-end drag is not important.

Light breathable waders or hippers are fine, but wet wading is fine.Most of us guides wet wade with sturdy wading boots and neoprene socks under them. The neoprene offers a little insulation and warmth. Waders do come in handy during afternoon thunder showers. Rain jacket, hat, bug juice, polarized shades and camera are also a must for these trips. Many of our guest will bring along a small day pack for all the days gear.

Guide Trips
AVA Creek trips include:

• Professional Guide
• Flies (including secret guide patterns)
• Terminal tackle
• Hearty stream-side lunch with drinks
• Transportation (if needed)
• Rod/Reel and Waders/Boots (if needed)

Mountain Creek trips do not include: Colorado fishing license and
customary gratuity for the guide