Pagosa Springs' Oldest Fly Fishing Guide Service
We've been guiding Pagosa country longer than anyone else. Intimate knowledge of the San Juan river and surrounding waters.
Pagosa Springs, Colorado is one of the Southwest's premier fly fishing destinations, and Ski & Bow Rack has been putting anglers on fish longer than any other guide service in town. Whether you're wading the San Juan River, casting on private ranch water, or exploring high-alpine creeks in the San Juan National Forest, our local guides know exactly where the fish are. We offer half-day, full-day, and full day-plus trips for all skill levels, and everything is included.
We've been guiding Pagosa country longer than anyone else. Intimate knowledge of the San Juan river and surrounding waters.
Rods, reels, flies, leaders, waders, boots – even lunch on full day outings. Just add a fishing license and you're ready to go.
We offer a one-time 20% discount on shop gear within 72 hours of your trip.
Access to Weber Ranch and Snow Angel Ranch – private water unavailable anywhere else in the Pagosa area.
We operate under National Forest and CPW permits to provide public water options for every budget and interest.
More time on the water when you want to go deep. Extended outings for the serious angler.
More than five miles of private water on the upper San Juan River. Classic freestone river with trophy rainbows and browns, cutthroats & brookies. Exclusive to Ski & Bow Rack.
Located north and east of the continental divide with consistently cooler water. Wild trout in streams and small lakes. Real opportunities for the Colorado Grand Slam.
Spring-fed ponds holding trophy rainbows, browns, cutthroats, and brook trout in the 20–24" range. No fishing license required. Great for beginners and larger groups.
A high-country gem in the Rio Grande National Forest, offering still-water fly fishing in a stunning alpine setting.
High-alpine creeks and backcountry waters teeming with wild trout. Our guides know the trails and the fish.
More time on the water — extended outings for the serious angler who wants to make the most of a day in the San Juan mountains.
All trips include water, snacks, and all gear (rods, reels, leaders, tippet, flies, waders, boots). Full day trips include lunch. More than three anglers? Give us a ring!
EXCEPTIONAL experience, guide service & supplies – Top Shelf!!!! This is the second year that I have scheduled a fly fishing guided trip. My guide was exceptional and put me on fish during both trips. His ability to "match the hatch" was SPOT ON!!
My son and I travelled to Pagosa Springs specifically to chase trout… I never imagined the trip could be as good as it was. The time in the shop getting licenses and gear was efficient and the folks were great… Our guide was absolutely perfect for us. He took us to a stream that seemed to have fish in every pocket… Simply the best day of fishing we have ever had.
Stellar guiding services and a great outfitter shop. Took a full-day fly fishing trip and I can't recommend them enough. The fishing was on fire… It's always cool to have a guide who gets as excited about the experience as you do. Keep up the good work guys – I'll be back!
I cannot say enough about how great the Ski and Bow Rack team are. From the first phone call inquiring about details of the guide service, booking, updates and the actual trip, Ski and Bow Rack has excellent customer service. Our guides for the trip were awesome! They are excellent teachers and we all caught some very nice trout. The experience was beyond our expectations.
This place is awesome. I go here every year when I am in Pagosa. Used them this year for a guided fly fishing trip and it was incredible. The highlight of my trip for sure. If you are considering a guided trip I would 100% recommend them.
Ski and Bow Rack is an outstanding fishing company—their store is well-stocked with everything you could need, and the staff is incredibly friendly and knowledgeable. The guide we've gone out with twice through Ski and Bow Rack is phenomenal. His expertise, genuine friendliness, and clear passion for fishing made both outings memorable.
The price varies depending on number of people fishing (1-3 people per guide), location (public water or private water), and duration (half-day, full-day, or full-day-plus). Our trips range from $350–$700 per guide. More than 3 anglers? Give us a ring and we can set something up!
Yes, we usually need at least 48-hour notice to get you on the water (though we have been known to sneak people in same day — that's pretty rare). If you make your reservation at least two weeks out, you'll most likely get the day you want (unless it's the weekend of the 4th of July; those days book up quickly).
You can call our front-desk staff to book a trip, or use our online booking — which will streamline everything. You can book online through The Guide Network.
If you're fishing on state water, then yes. Most of our locations are on state water, so generally the answer is yes. Our only exception is Snow Angel Ranch. If you're going to Snow Angel, no fishing license is required.
You can purchase one online through Colorado Parks & Wildlife (CPW), or purchase one from our shop with one of our staff the day of your trip (or the day before, if you want to get it out of the way).
Full-day trips are 8 hours on the water, with lunch provided. Half-day trips are 4 hours.
We generally recommend first timers book a full-day trip if possible, because much of the first half of your day will be spent learning how to cast, mend, set the hook, etc. We don't want you to have to leave the water just as you're starting to get the hang of it! However, conditions and location may affect our recommendation.
Absolutely. Our guides are also very competent instructors and can teach the sport very well. We also offer free fly-casting classes for an hour every Saturday between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
We do provide everything necessary for the guided trip: rod, reel, line, flies, waders, and boots — all at no extra cost. So if you don't have your own equipment, don't fret. We got you covered.
We offer a one-time 20% discount on shop gear within 72 hours of your trip. It's a great way to upgrade a few pieces of gear, or just to get that fancy bit of kit the guide used out on the water.
Start with a good attitude — that always helps! Beyond that: sun protection (sunscreen, hat, sunglasses), layers for changing mountain weather, snacks, water (though we provide some), and comfortable clothes you don't mind getting wet. Your guide will have the rest.
Public water denotes state water open for fishing access to anyone. We operate under National Forest and CPW permits. Private water means we have leased the right to fish from private property landowners. Private water is typically less pressured and offers higher fish counts.
Rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout, and cutthroat trout, mostly — but it depends on your location. On a good day at the right location, you could catch all four species (the Colorado Grand Slam)!
Absolutely not. Full stop. These are catch and release trips only.
Yes, you will. These are wade trips, not float trips. We will be walking to, through, across, and up the river. Certain locations require more hiking than others. The more work you put in to get to the water, the better the fishing generally is.
Please notify us. We have several locations, both public and private, that offer easy river access for anyone with mobility concerns, a history of heart conditions, or non-babysitable toddlers. Snow Angel Ranch in particular is very accessible.
We don't have hard and fast rules, but in general, kids under 12 have a rough time handling a fly-rod. Obviously there are exceptions and we're willing to have a conversation with you about your child.
Sure do. Half up front. Remainder can be paid anytime before the trip begins.
Nope. Won't happen. Your trip will only ever be just you, your group, and your guide.
If there's a particular guide you'd like to fish with, please let us know and we'll do our best to make it happen! (But no guarantees — schedules can be fickle.)
Ski & Bow Rack
Address
354 E Pagosa St., Pagosa Springs, CO 81147
Phone
(970) 264-2370