On the Fly: Join the Roaring Fork Fishing Guide Alliance

Rivers need ambassadors, and the Roaring Fork Fishing Guide Alliance (RFFGA) is making major impacts towards the enjoyment and health of our local waters by promoting etiquette, communication, and driving home a strong catch and release mindset. Their mission statement is simple: “Professional fishing guides dedicated to the protection and conservation of the Roaring Fork region fisheries.” You do not need to be a professional guide to join or contribute to the organization.

Like everywhere in the Rocky Mountain West, we are seeing increased traffic on local rivers, streams, and lakes. Local fly shops and guide services are glad to have renewed interest in their pursuits, and the Guide Alliance is helping manage increasing usage by promoting the Golden Rule of courtesy whether wading or floating. One major impact recently implemented is annual spring and fall spawning closure signs at certain creeks on the Colorado and Roaring Fork, plus easing the stresses of busy boat ramps with prominent signage explaining ramp etiquette to new or visiting anglers.

RFFGA promotes kindness on local waters, urging everyone to honor each other’s space and respect private property. Guiding on public water is a privilege, not a right, and members pledge to know and obey our local rules and regulations. Alliance members promote friendly education to anglers they encounter trespassing, fishing over spawning areas, poaching, and over-playing fish. 

The Guide Alliance had a major role in protecting vulnerable trout in recent years. Low and warm flows the last few summers presented challenges in our lower-elevation fisheries; therefore, the Roaring Fork Conservancy, CPW, and the RFFGA teamed up to implement closures when concerning temperatures were observed. In a nutshell, these folks are trying their best to protect our local fishery and promote ethical and legal usage. If you are interested in contributing or becoming a member, reach out and join the team by sending an email to rffguidealliance@gmail.com, or send a letter to:

RFFGA

P.O. Box 4112

Basalt, Colorado 81621

This report is provided every week by Taylor Creek Fly Shops in Aspen and Basalt. Taylor Creek can be reached at 970-927-4374 or TaylorCreek.com.