You’ve spent months planning the perfect fly-fishing adventure at the ranch. You’ve thought about where you’ll be fishing, how it’s going to feel to get that first bite and the stories you’ll tell everyone when you get home.
Our experienced guides are just as excited. They live for showing you the best places to fish, the best flies to use that day and to tell you a little about this slice of heaven we call home.
To get the most of your fly-fishing trip to the ranch, we’ve come up with nine tips that we believe will enhance the experience for you and your guide.
Do the Prep Work
Understand that you’ll be visiting during the heart of summer, which means our guides are not only navigating the waters where you’ll be fishing, but very long days. We want and encourage you to ask questions when you’re here, but some of that information can be handled ahead of time.
If you have some general questions about your stay or fishing, consider compiling them in one email that can be sent prior to the season opening. Not only will this better prepare you for your visit but allow you to focus on the moment once you’re here and immerse yourself in the beauty of each day.
Utilize Your Guide’s Expertise
Choosing to fish with a guide means you’re paying for his or her expertise. Sure, they’ll be happy to net and unhook a fish, repair your leader, tie on a new fly or show you the best place to fish.
But what you really should focus on is your guide’s experience. Tap into that knowledge. Ask questions and get excited to learn from someone who is passionate and an artist at their craft.
Let Go
Planning and preparing for your trip is a must. But once you’re here, embrace what you can control and let go of everything else. You’re in the wilderness. The weather can be unpredictable. Don’t stress about the variables. If the weather or fishing conditions change, we’ll give you plenty of other choices.
Be Honest
Everybody approaches a day on the river or lake differently. This is your fly fishing experience, so don’t be afraid to let your guide know what you want out of the adventure. If it’s to catch a lot of fish, great. Maybe you want to focus on a specific casting, a particular fly-fishing technique, or stream ecology and entomology.
Whatever it is you want from the day, let your guide know so they can help you achieve your goal and get the most out of the day.
Flies
You’re more than welcome to bring your own flies, but we do provide those as part of your fishing experience. Plus, our guides know the waters they fish and have current information as to what water is fishing best and the hatches that are taking place.
Be Open
You might have an image of what your guide is going to look like or their level of experience. Reality might not match the imagery. Be open to the person who will be joining you on the river and give them a chance.
Feedback
Your guide wants to know how things are going, good or bad, so don’t hesitate to let them know in the moment. We all want this to be the best experience possible, so help you guide make that happen.
Keep Secrets
This might seem trivial, but guides can be a bit sensitive when it comes to how many fish were caught. Not that they care, but more for their clients.
So, at the end of the day if you come across anglers with another guide, be discreet about the subject. Refrain from talking about the catch tally. Save it for that evening as everyone is at dinner sharing stories.
Gratuities
We encourage our guests to demonstrate their appreciation for the expertise of our guides by tipping. How much is up to each guest. We’re happy to provide some guidelines or just go with your usually tip percentage. Either way, your generosity is appreciated.
Get Your Trip Scheduled
We hope this not only gets you excited about your fishing trip to the ranch but will make the trip truly memorable. We’re thrilled to be offering an expanded menu of fly-fishing adventures and encourage you to call as soon as possible to reserve your spot. See you out on the river.