97 MAIN STREET UNIT E102 EDWARDS, CO 81632 INFO@VAILVALLEYANGLERS.COM | 970-926-0900
HOURS OPEN 7 DAYS A WEEK* SUMMER (MAY 1ST-SEPT 30) 7AM-6PM WINTER (OCTOBER 1-APRIL 30) 9AM-6PM *EXCLUDING THANKSGIVING DAY, CHRISTMAS DAY AND NEW YEAR’S DAY
Photography by Scott Cramer. See more of his work at www.scottcramerphotography.com All or part of this operation is conducted on public lands under BLM Special Use Permit and under Special Use Permit with the White River National Forest. Vail Valley Anglers is an equal opportunity employer.
CONTACT VAIL VALLEY ANGLERS 97 MAIN STREET UNIT E102 EDWARDS, CO 81632 INFO@VAILVALLEYANGLERS.COM LOCAL: 1.970.926.0900 FAX: 1.970.926.0901 TOLL FREE: 1.877.926.0900
THE HISTORY There has been a fly shop in Edwards at our current location since 1999. Originated in 1994 by John Cochran as a partnership, the operations have evolved and grown to become Vail Valley Anglers, founded in 2012. Vail Valley Anglers is managed by John and his team of expert fly fishermen who have successfully operated guided fly fishing businesses in the Vail area for over 25 years. Vail Valley Anglers has updated operations with today’s industry best in service, gear, clothing, and guides. We are so focused on providing the highest level of service that we provide a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all guided trips. We know that there are many options to choose from in the Vail area and hope that we will have the chance to earn your business and loyalty. Professionalism and experience are at the foundation of Vail Valley Anglers’ operation. Please come by and visit with some of the familiar faces from the past as we move forward to an exciting future at Vail Valley Anglers, the premier fly fishing operation in Central Colorado.
THE FLY SHOP Located on the banks of the Eagle River, Vail Valley Anglers is convenient to the resorts of Vail and Beaver Creek as well as the surrounding communities. We are located in the 1st and Main building in the Riverwalk at Edwards. The shop is tastefully filled with the industry’s best fly fishing clothing, gear, flies, and accessories for the beginner and expert angler alike, with the expertise to help you choose what best suits your needs. We feature a full selection of easy to access gear, clothing and accessories for any fly fishing adventure. We feature a full selection of gear and accessories online at vailvalleyanglers.com for easy access to all of the latest gear, clothing, and accessories for any fly fishing adventure.
FLY FISHING IN SKI COUNTRY Vail Valley Anglers is a year-round operation. Our retail location in Edwards is open every day except for Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day. During the winter months we are still fishing and guiding on our local waters. We know that the winter in Vail is all about skiing, but after a morning on the hill, warmer afternoons are ideal for getting out on local rivers. In the heart of the winter we offer guided half day wade trips and leave late morning to early afternoon. The fish are generally active during the warmest part of the day and that makes it more comfortable for the anglers as well. Starting in February there is enough daylight to run full day float trips on the Colorado River below Glenwood Springs. A short drive to the west and the low, clear water of the late winter months provides excellent conditions to access some of the larger trout in the lower Colorado system.
ORGANIZATIONS WE SUPPORT Vail Valley Anglers acknowledges a healthy community is essential for a healthy business. We are personally connected to local and national organizations and support them in their efforts. Our support is expressed in many forms, from local events and annual clean-ups to donating our finances and time. We are passionate about what these groups do for our community and our lifestyle. The river continues to give us so much, it is our pleasure to give back.
I had never been fly fishing before, so I went with 2 friends and didn’t know what to expect. We arrived at the shop, were fitted in waders and boots and joined our guide, Andy, in his car to head out looking for the perfect fishing spot, which we found because we all caught a few fish. Between the shop and the drive and the fishing, it was about a 6 hour trip, which went quickly. We chose the wading instead of the raft trip and I’m glad we did - beautiful scenery, a fun time, and a great guide! I would recommend this to anyone - especially first time fly fishers - everyone at Vail Valley Anglers was very nice and helpful.”
91%
93%
95%
of people rated their guided fly fishing experience with VVA to be Great or Excellent.
of people said they would use VVA on their next visit to the Vail Valley.
of people rated the performance of VVA as a company to be Great or Excellent.
100 % SATISFACTION GUARANTEED We follow up with all of our customers after their activities. We do this with a post-use survey and a thank you letter for using our services. Of course, we realize that things don’t go perfectly all the time. As a result we offer an unconditional satisfaction guarantee. If, for any reason, any customer is disappointed with our products or services, we will offer a full refund - no questions asked. This policy is a direct reflection of our professionalism, experience and dedication to providing the very best experience possible. WE MAINTAIN A 100% SATISFACTION GUARANTEE ON ALL GUIDED SERVICES AS WELL AS ANY PRODUCT WE SELL.
GUIDED FLY FISHING SERVICES
WHAT’S INCLUDED Included in our regular guided fly fishing trips is a cooler with ice and drinks, all fly fishing gear including waders, boots, a high quality fly rod and reel as well as all terminal tackle like tippet, leaders, strike indicators and split shot. All full day trips also include lunch. In addition, we maintain a 100% satisfaction guarantee on all guided service as well as any product we sell. ** Guided trips do not include guide gratuity, a Colorado Fishing License, or flies.
RESERVATIONS We strongly encourage reservations but we can also accommodate the last minute guided trip in most cases. Our online reservation system is live and offers the convenience of being able to book when you have the time and are ready. Try booking your trip online and receive a confirmation immediately after you finish the process. When you return for another guided trip your information will be waiting for you in your profile and with a few clicks you can select your favorite guide and trip and you are done!
CANCELATION POLICY All guided trips made within 30 days are charged 100% of the trip cost at the time of booking. All trip reservations made outside of 30 days require a 50% deposit. Any cancellations made within 72 hours of departure time will be charged the 50% deposit. Same day cancellations will result in a 100% charge.
FLOAT TRIPS For anglers seeking solitude, unpressured trout and incredible scenery, a guided float fishing trip offers opportunities that can’t be duplicated while wade fishing. Both half day and full day float trips offer the chance to explore world-class trout fisheries on three different rivers, which include the Gold Medal stretches of the Roaring Fork and Colorado rivers and the fantastic fishing found right in our backyard on the Eagle River. A guided float fishing trip offers access to more remote areas that can only be reached by boat and gives anglers a chance to cover miles of productive water in a single day. Because of the advantages of fly fishing from a boat, float trips are often the choice of expert anglers, but are also a great option for beginners. Float trips are also a fantastic way for angling partners such as parents and children, husbands and wives or good friends to share a day on the river together.
Half Day Float, for 1 Half Day Float, for 2 Full Day Float, for 1 Full Day Float, for 2
$ 395 $ 450 $ 495 $ 550
WADE TRI PS Some days, the best fly fishing is done on foot – slowly dissecting each run, riffle, and pool, one step at a time. Our half-day and full-day wade trips are a great way for you and your friends to put on some waders and explore one of Colorado’s world-class rivers. Wade trips are a perfect opportunity for you to work on technique while receiving specific, oneon-one instruction from a professional fly fishing guide.
Half Day Wade, for 1 Half Day Wade, for 2 Half Day Wade, for 3 Full Day Wade, for 1 Full Day Wade, for 2 Full Day Wade, for 3 Hike & Fish, for 1 Hike & Fish, for 2
$ 275 $ 375 $ 595 $ 425 $ 525 $ 695 $ 495 $ 595
PRIVATE WATERS Choose from private sections on the larger water like the Eagle River or Colorado River, or smaller water like Rock Creek or Saltwater Creek.
Half Day Private Water Fee, Per Rod Full Day Private Water Fee, Per Rod
$ 75 $ 125
BIKE & FISH As part of our ongoing efforts to encourage sustainability and reduce our carbon footprint, we are excited to offer an E-Bike & Fish Trip. Riding our customized E-Bikes (electric bikes) along the bike path between Edwards and Vail, you’re able to experience far more of the renowned fly fishing the Eagle River has to offer. These bikes use battery power to take the grind out of pedaling, and they’re outfitted to carry all of your fly fishing gear. Plus, they offer an advantage over car-driving anglers by eliminating the need for a parking spot – a huge benefit during the busiest months of the season! Led by your experienced guide, you’ll cruise the bike path along the banks of the Eagle River, looking for the telltale signs of areas where trout will be holding. When you find a spot, simply hop off your bike and get right to fishing. To ensure the best possible experience for all participants, we limit this trip to a maximum of three people. Trip participants must be 18 or older, and able to confidently ride a bike. The E-Bike & Fish Trip lasts approximately seven to eight hours.
Bike & Fish, for 1 Bike & Fish, for 2 Bike & Fish, for 3
$ 395 $ 750 $ 1110
GROUPS & WEDDINGS Delivering a high quality fly fishing experience to corporate groups and weddings is one of Vail Valley Anglers’ specialties. In fact, we have two of the most experienced operators in this category in the area. John Cochran, former owner of Gorsuch Outfitters, and Bill Perry, former owner of Fly Fishing Outfitters have both hosted some of the largest groups to ever hit the Vail Valley. How does 700 people in 7 days sound? We did it and everyone was thrilled with their experience on the water. If you have a large group or a wedding party, Vail Valley Anglers is happy to share our fly fishing expertise with you. We know how to compensate for group dynamics and organize large groups of people without losing that personal touch. We even make special arrangements for transportation to and from other venues, if needed. Do you have a Bachelor or Bachelorette party looking for a fun, outdoor activity? Spending a day on the river with a group of your closest friends can be a true bonding experience. We will make everyone in your party feel like they’ve had a private fly fishing lesson. Give us a try - you will be surprised at the attention to detail that our guides at Vail Valley Anglers provide.
SHOP ONLINE Our online fly shop boasts a selection that is robust and full of more information than any fly fishing enthusiast could ever dream of. In addition to the informative blogs and the most complete and accurate fly fishing reports in Central Colorado, our online fly shop also has the “instore pickup” option for shopping online. This service is ideal for your guests headed to the river that want to save time. Anglers can choose their favorite shirt, accessories or even a new fly rod and select the “pickup at store” option when shopping online at vailvalleyanglers. com. Their order will be waiting at our store in Edwards when they swing by on their way to the river. Vail Valley Anglers is unique in that we offer a very high level shopping experience, both online as well as in our store in Edwards. We are light-years ahead of our competition in this category!
BOOK A TRIP ONLINE If you have not used the guided trip booking option on the Vail Valley Anglers’ web site, you should give it a try. Just go to VailValleyAnglers.com, select “Guided Trips” and with just a few easy clicks your reservation is complete. You can even choose a favorite guide or customize the start time of a trip. Our booking calendar is always up to date, so if it shows that a trip is available online, then you can have confidence that time slot is available. Save time by utilizing this state-of-the-art reservation system. Concierges and other industry professionals looking for a complete real-time solution should ask about our “agent” program when making reservations over the phone. We email confirmations direct to your smart phone or computer of choice. This system is the only one of its kind available in the Vail Valley for fly fishing reservations.
FISHING LICENSE It is now extremely easy to purchase a Colorado fishing license! Whether you need a new license or are just renewing your old one, procuring your valid Colorado fishing license is a simple process. It’s easy to register for both an in-state Colorado fishing license as well as an out-of-state fishing license for non-Colorado residents. Through the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website, you can easily register for a wide variety of fishing licenses, ranging from a single-day license to a full annual license. To purchase a Colorado fishing license, visit www.co.wildlifelicense.com to travel to the Colorado Parks & Wildlife website to start registration!
WHAT YOU’LL NEED
Your name, residency, and some personal information License you wish to purchase; Single Day, Annual, Additional Day, Rod Stamps Verify your purchase and select your delivery method
* We do sell fishing licenses in the shop, just bring in your driver’s license.
ADDITIONAL QUESTIONS? FEEL FREE TO CONTACT US 970.926.0900 | INFO@VAILVALLEYANGLERS.COM
WHERE DO WE GO FOR OUR FLY FISHING TRIP? We fish several rivers within an hour of our fly shop in Edwards, CO. It depends on where the fishing is best and what kind of experience our clients would prefer that day. WHAT SHOULD I BRING ON MY FLY FISHING TRIP? Everyone should always bring a camera, hat, sunglasses, driver’s license and raingear. During cold weather please dress appropriately with layered clothing. DO YOU PROVIDE WADERS, BOOTS, FLY RODS, ETC.? Yes, all gear is provided with our guided services including waders, boots, and fly rods. DO I TIP MY GUIDE? HOW MUCH SHOULD I TIP? Tipping is very much appreciated. Twenty percent of the trip price is a standard gratuity. WHY DO I HAVE TO PAY FOR FLIES? We do this to ensure that you will always have the right flies for the current conditions. Your guide will select the best flies for the day and have them ready to go when you arrive. The unused flies are yours to keep at the end of the day, or you can give them to your guide (who may have dipped into their own selection throughout the day). You may also purchase an unlimited fly package while booking. HOW MANY FISH AM I GOING TO CATCH ON MY TRIP? Catching fish is never guaranteed. The number of fish landed varies with conditions and angler ability. Our professional fly fishing guides do their best to put you on as many trout as possible on every trip. I’M A BEGINNER—IS THAT OKAY? We guide anglers of every ability and age level. Beginners are welcome! All of our guides are adept at teaching novices how to fly fish. ARE THERE ANY AGE RESTRICTIONS? There are no specific age restrictions. Every child is an individual case. Most kids are ready to learn between 8 and 10 years old. DO I NEED A FISHING LICENSE? WHERE DO I GET A LICENSE? Everyone age 16 and older is required to have a fishing license. All state licenses are available at our fly shop or online. WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN FLOAT TRIPS AND WADE TRIPS? Float trips involve fishing from a drift boat or raft and offer access to miles of water unreachable by wade fishermen. Wade trips give anglers the time to thoroughly work the water at a relaxing pace. Both can be enjoyed by beginners or experts. WHY AND WHEN SHOULD I BOOK PRIVATE WATER? Private water sections offer solitude and unpressured trout. WHAT MONTHS ARE THE BEST MONTHS FOR FLY FISHING? We fish every month of the year and the fishing can be great all year long. Fantastic dry fly fishing is found June through September. Autumn offers fall foliage, good fishing, and uncrowded rivers. Late winter through spring is a favorite season for spring break ski vacationers and is a sleeper secret for great fishing.
LOCAL WATERS
Unique to the Vail area are a large variety of local rivers and creeks that allow us to meet the expectations and needs of our clients. Over 12 different waterways as well as several area lakes present different angling opportunities for all levels of experience. The “Big Three” waters — the Eagle, Colorado, and Roaring Fork — are the core of our angling opportunities, and smaller rivers like the Piney, Gore Creek and Homestake Creek target smaller, more aggressive fish. If a hike to a high mountain lake is on the bucket list, we have that as well.
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DOTSERO
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Visit areas that invoke images of time gone by as you travel through historic mining towns, cross paths with areas once traveled by the Ute Indians, or fly fish near the base of the Gore Mountain Range.
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WE HAVE YOU COVERED At Vail Valley Anglers we operate our guide staff as employees. Our guides are each fully covered by Vail Valley Anglers’ general liability policy with commercial insurance riders provided by our company to cover both guide and guest while operating a vehicle in transit to and from the river. It all comes down to safety which is of paramount importance to us at Vail Valley Anglers. We take our business seriously, and the safety and satisfaction of our guests is our top priority. Many other guiding companies cut corners and instead pay their guide staff as subcontractors. As a result, they may not be providing the appropriate insurance for either transportation of the guest or the activity once they reach the river. Sub-contracted (non-employee) guides are required by the State of Colorado to carry their own liability insurance under their business name as well as individual federal and state permits. Additionally, sub-contractors are required to obtain separate commercial vehicle insurance. Personal vehicle insurance does not cover this specific work-related activity. Company owners can avoid paying extra taxes and fees on each guide by setting up their services this way. We want you to be aware that there is a meaningful difference among providers, and there are some important questions you should ask when selecting and recommending guided fly fishing services. Before selecting or referring business to any service provider you should ask: 1. Are your guides employees or sub-contractors? 2. If your guides are sub-contractors, will you provide proof of adequate insurance and commercial vehicle insurance in the name of the sub-contracted guide? Please ask any service provider to supply proof of adequate coverage for you and your guests before heading out on the river. Vail Valley Anglers is happy to provide copies of our liability insurance as well as proof of commercial vehicle insurance to all of our referring partners and guests.
WHAT TO EXPECT At Vail Valley Anglers we train all of our fly fishing guides internally. Our week long training program for all new hires incorporates the successful strategies and techniques used by our veteran staff. A select few of our senior guides teach the course and make it their mission to pass on our standards of excellence to the newest generation of guides. We incorporate vehicle standards, equipment standards, and above all else, safety standards as part of our daily business practices. Whether your Vail Valley Anglers guide has been in the business for one year or thirty years, you can be certain that they are the best in the business. This level of training raises the bar and clearly is the difference between our company and the others in the Vail area.
OUR GUIDE STAFF The staff and guides at Vail Valley Anglers are a collection of anglers, explorers, travelers and, above all experienced fly fishermen and women. Many have lived in the area the majority of their lives and others have come to be in this glorious place after years of searching the globe for fly fishing nirvana. Check out the next few pages for more information about the experienced and passionate team at Vail Valley Anglers. Better yet, book a trip to spend the day with us!
FLOAT GUIDE
WADE GUIDE
“It is hard to believe that our month in Colorado is almost up! The fly fishing float trip was fun. We had an excellent guide, that I will request when we go next year!!!! By the way… I caught the largest fish of the day... a 16” rainbow trout!!!”
BOOK YOUR TRIP ONLINE www.vailvalleyanglers.com
BRYANT COMPTON Hometown: Cleveland Heights, OH Guiding Since: 1995 Fishing Experience: I have fished all over Colorado and neighboring states as well as experienced some saltwater action in Belize. I especially enjoy using Performance Flies tied by my brother Kevin, who is a world renowned fly tier.
ROB WATERS Hometown: Great Falls, VA Guiding Since: 2003
DAN REJDA
Fishing Experience: I have been lucky to have fished most of Colorado and portions of Utah, Wyoming, and Montana; the Gulf of Florida, the Outer Banks, Nassau, and the Virginia River Valley. I have caught everything from small mouth bass to northern pike, salmon, tarpon, redfish, sea trout, and the goliath grouper.
Hometown: Taylor, NE Guiding Since: 2007 Fishing Experience: I grew up fishing for large mouth bass, pan fish, walleye, and pike. Since then, I have mostly fished trout waters of the west with an occasional trip to the tropics for bones, permit, and snook. Wish List: Alaska, Kamchatka
JUSTIN CARR Hometown: Kalamazoo, MI Guiding Since: 2011
ANDY SMITH Hometown: Littleton, CO Guiding Since: 2007 Fishing Experience: I started fly fishing with my dad on the South Platte Rier outside Denver when I was 7 years old. I have been chasing trout all over the Rocky Mountain west ever since.. Wish List: I cannot wait for an opportunity to travel to Patagonia to catch brown trout and explore the Andes Mountains.
Fishing Experience: I was taught to fly fish at a young age by my father Scott, and have travelled across North America from Alaska to the Caribbean in search of fish on the fly over the past 20 years. Last season I fished throughout Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee, and Michigan.
ANDREW JACKSON Hometown: Asheville, NC Guiding Since: 2014 Fishing Experience: Mainly Colorado, but I have fished in Western North Carolina and Tennessee as well. I love fishing from a boat and watching big browns crush streamers.
BILL PERRY
Favorite Thing About Guiding: I enjoy getting to help people learn to catch fish on a fly rod.
Hometown: Seaside Park, NJ Guiding Since: 1987 Fishing Experience: Member Freshwater Fishing Hall of Fame and Colorado Master Angler. International Game Fish Association world record awarded for a Kokanee Salmon caught in the South Platte River here in Colorado. Wish List: Patagonia and Costa Rica
MIKE WHITFIELD Hometown: Madison, WI Guiding Since: 2005 Fishing Experience: I was really young when my father showed me how to fly fish. I have been fly fishing for game fish, rough fish, panfish and salt water species for a little over 30 years. Wish List: To be able to fish the rest of my life.
WOODY KIEHL Hometown: Killington, VT Guiding Since: 2008 Fishing Experience: A long time. Wish List: Wish I could be out there today, tomorrow, and the next day. Favorite Thing About Guiding: Educating my clients on different techniques and sharing my love of the water.
Favorite Thing About Guiding: The people, the memories and being outdoors.
CHRIS WU Hometown: Connecticut Guiding Since: 2014 Fishing Experience: I grew up fishing for stripers in Long Island Sound and Cape Cod. I have dedicated the last decade to fishing for trout but still love going for smallmouth bass and stripers in the off season.
KURT OLESEK
Wish List: I would love to fish in Belize or New Zealand.
Hometown: Loveland, CO Guiding Since: 2013 Fishing Experience: The first 10 years I fished extensively throughout CO, MT and WY, focusing on trout and the maze of rivers and creeks they inhabit. Fishing with some of the best guides available helped me quickly refine my angling skills and soon the neverending quest to expand those skills pulled me to the salt water. Bonefish in the Bahamas, tarpon in the Florida Keys, stripers off Long Island, permit in Mexico and Roosterfish in the Baja.
KEEGAN AXTELL Hometown: Flagstaff, AZ Guiding Since: 2015 Fishing Experience: The majority of my fly fishing experience has been here in Colorado. I have also explored Montana, Idaho, Arizona, Pennsylvania and Wyoming.
ALVIN DEDEAUX Hometown: Austin, TX Guiding Since: 1995 Fishing Experience: 37 years TX, CO, MT, UT, WA, OR, ID, NM, WY, Belize, Chile Argentina, Honduras, bass, trout, tarpon, bonefish, steelhead, and salmon. Hobbies: Computers, photography and video. Wish List: Russia, New Zealand
Hobbies: When I am not fishing I try to keep busy by rafting, snowmobiling, tying flies, camping & traveling.
MARC BARNWELL Hometown: Thousand Oaks, CA Guiding Since: 1996 Fishing Experience: Fly Fished in Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming and Montana Wish List: Kamchatka, Mongolia and Japan
BRAD NORFLEET
Favorite Thing About Guiding: Having someone brand new to the sport catch a trout on a dry fly!
Hometown: Littleton, CO Guiding Since: 2015 Fishing Experience: I have been fortunate enough to grow up fishing Colorado since I was a child. Exploring, hiking, camping and fishing all around Colorado with my family was how we spent many weekends and vacations. Wish List: Patagonia and New Zealand
TOM GIBSON Hometown: Newtown, PA Guiding Since: 2012 Fishing Experience: I have fished in PA, CO, & WY for rainbow, brown, brook, and cutthroat trout. Wish List: I would love to fish in New Zealand for wary monster brown and rainbow trout.
JP MODDERNO Hometown: New Haven, CT Guiding Since: 2015 Fishing Experience: I have been fishing my whole life. But I started fly fishing with two handed rods in the salt for striper on the coast and salmon in the Great Lakes. Favorite Thing About Guiding: Love being on the river and teaching people new things. I really enjoy the excitement of a first fish.
Favorite Thing About Guiding: I love sharing my passion for fly fishing and being involved in someone’s experience of their first fish caught on the fly.
CRAIG HATCHER Hometown: Atlanta, GA Guiding Since: 2016 Fishing Experience: 23 years fly fishing, 20 years fly tying.
ERIC PHANNENSTIEL
Exotic Fishing Experience: Sailfish in Guatemala, yellow fin tuna in the Virgin Islands, chasing redfish in the marshes and flats of Georgia and Florida.
Hometown: Allentown, PA Guiding Since: 2016 Fishing Experience: I have fly-fished since I was 10 years old. I have fly-fished all over the USA; Washington State, Alaska, Florida, Hawaii, Montana, Wyoming, Pennsylvania, and oh, Colorado! My international/saltwater fly-fishing has been in Costa Rica, Belize, Mexico Arkansas, Florida, Tennessee, and Michigan.
MIKE SALOMONE
ANDREW PULFORD Hometown: Whitmore Lake, MI Guiding Since: 2016 Fishing Experience: During the offseason I spend much of my time taking out groups from the Air Force academy or my old home base of Fort Carson, CO. My average year consists of 100+ days on the river exploring everything from high alpine lakes to the trout filled rivers of the western states and Mid-West for steelhead and salmon with a few Saltwater trips.
Hometown: Chillicothe, OH Guide Experience: 2002 Fishing Experience: Labrador for giant brook trout, big Laxa in Iceland with my little brother, Peru for peacock bass and France for trout & grayling. Professional Writing Experience: Published writer with articles on fly fishing destinations in Colorado, Florida, California and Ohio in Southwest Fly Fishing, Fly Rod & Reel & Eastern Fly Fishing magazines.
THE SHOP STAFF BRETT ELKMAN Title: Sales Manager, Guide Coordinator Hometown: Miami, FL Fishing professionally since: 2005
JOHN COCHRAN Title: General Manager Hometown: Pittsburgh, PA Fishing professionally since: 1990 Fishing Experience: I caught my first fish on a fly when I was 13. I have been a guide in the Rocky Mountains, fly shop owner, Teva Games competitor, ESPN Fly Fishing Masters competitor, guide in the Florida Keys and secretly want to live in Alaska so I can harass the giant rainbows that live in the Kenai River every day!
Fishing Experience: I have been fishing my whole life and fly fishing for 18 years now. I have been in the industry since 2001. I have been fortunate to have fished all over the world including Belize, Mexico, British Columbia, Christmas Island, The Bahamas, Florida Keys, Montana, Wyoming, Alaska and Idaho.
PATRICK PERRY Title: Shop Manager, Guide Coordinator Hometown: Vail, CO Fishing professionally since: 2007
ANDY LEISTER
Favorite Thing About Guiding: I love seeing the look on client’s face when they catch their first fish on the flyrod, its priceless. Wish List: Chasing giant trevally on Christmas Island!
Title: Product Manager & Guide Hometown: Middlebury, IN Fishing professionally since: 2010 Wish List: Fly fishing in new secret backcountry spots in Colorado, Alaska, Chile, Argentina, Belize, Mongolia, British Columbia, Boundary Waters
MADELINE GRANDE Title: Administrative Assistant Hometown: State College, PA
JP MODDERNO Title: Shipping Manager and Online Customer Service Hometown: New Haven, CT Fishing professionally since: 2015 Fishing Experience: I have been fishing my whole life. But I started fly fishing with two handed rods in the salt for striper on the coast and salmon in the Great Lakes. Hobbies: Hustling pool games
Fishing Experience: I have been fishing since 2014. I have learned everything I know about fishing from the staff at Vail Valley Anglers and I couldn’t have asked for better teachers. I love rowing our raft and putting people on fish. Hobbies: Tap dancing, painting abstract trout with watercolors, snowboarding.
THE DOGS OF VAIL VALLEY ANGLERS
FLIRT PARENTS: The Cochrans BREED: English Cocker Spaniel FAVORITE ACTIVITY: That would be a toss up between kick ball and murdering baby rabbits? BAD HABITS: Eating my food so fast that I never chew it. Ooops!
MURPHY PARENTS: Andy Leister BREED: Chocolate Lab FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Fishing! Skiing, playing fetch, playing with other dogs, swimming, running through snow. BAD HABITS: Eating things he’s not supposed to eat.
ROY PARENTS: Bill Perry BREED: Toy Australian Shepherd FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Roy loves to go on float trips. He will bark if you don’t set the hook fast enough. BAD HABITS: Roy can be a bit jumpy around people he does not know. He likes to bark at you and stay just out of reach. He also likes to bite Whitefish!
GUNNISON PARENTS: The Hendersons BREED: English Springer Spaniel FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Loves to flush birds and eat carrots. BAD HABITS: Hates loud wind gusts and magpies.
HATCH PARENTS: Brett Elkman BREED: English Cream Golden Retriever FAVORITE ACTIVITY: Wrestling or sitting on the front of the raft scouting for fish. BAD HABITS: Licking my pillow until it’s soaked.
FOLLOW ALONG WITH US YEAR-ROUND AT
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970.926.0900
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WWW.VAILVALLEYANGLERS.COM
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INFO@VAILVALLEYANGLERS.COM