Who We Guide
We welcome anyone and everyone. If you are looking for a relaxing day on the water, the opertunity to see some pretty scenery, get into a few fish and learn a little something along the way; then we are the guide service for you. We cater to any and every level of fly fishing experience. We enjoy being a part of someone's first hook up, and get equally charged from finding and stalking a challenging trout with a seasoned veteran. Education and the quality of the experience is what it is all about. As guides we work very hard, but we have a lot of fun doing it.

• First-timers who what to learn a new sport or try something different
  Have you always wanted to learn the sport of fly fishing? Well, no time like the present. All of us guides at AVA are great teachers and the best way to learn is hands-on. We never pressure our guests and make the learning curve as short as possible. Rookies will be casting and getting hooked-up in no time.
• Novice anglers looking to learn a little more about the sport
  Have some experience? Looking to shake a little rust off the casting arm? We are right there with you. All of our trips will be perfect for anglers that are looking to get back into the sport. Evan if you just fish once or twice a year we have the right trip for you.
• Experienced Anglers
  We fish with some of the worlds most accomplished anglers. Many of of our guests have fished around the world fishing in exotic locations including Mongolia, Chile, Argentina, New Zealand, Africa, Alaska, Canada and beyond. They have fished with world-class guides, and all have stated AVA guides are right there with the elite. We have the skills to get the most ardent angler into incredible fishing moments. From stalking and sight fishing a monster on the Dolores to pulling hard on the oars as you fire casts to the banks of the fast flowing Rio with a four inch popper we have the perfect adventure to meet your angling goals.

Animas Valley Anglers will guide and fish with anyone who is open to the experience and ready to enjoy the day on the water. Family's, corporate groups, women's fly fishing clubs, angling clubs and fishing buddies or any one looking for a little one on one instruction are all more than welcome. Over the years many of our clients have become great friends; that says it all.

Catch and Release
Animas Valley Anglers, upholds a strict catch and release policy. Our waters produce a high quality fishing experience due to the conservation practices of anglers, along with the help of federal agencies that establish regulated waters.

How many am I going to catch? Do the guides pressure the client?
We never pressure our guests into thinking they have to catch every fish in the river. When you put together a bit of theory, practice and patience you are bound to get into fish. Each day is different and catch rates can depend upon the experience level of the angler, river conditions, weather and other variables.

Our main focus is on the education and experience the client takes away from his or her day on the water. The memories you take with you from a fly fishing trip are priceless.

Independent Guides, Outfitters, lodges, vacation rentals and Fly Shops
To succeed in the guide industry, you need the support and help of fellow independent guides, as well as outfitters, fly shops and equipment manufactures. They are a tremendous resource for referrals and guide support for larger groups. Working with local equipment manufactures and fly shops helps ensure that our guests have the right gear. You are in good hands, because we only work with the best.

Want a smoke free guide? no problem
Are you tired of pulling up to the put-in as your guide lights up a Camel and precedes to chain smoke the rest of the day? Rest assured most of the guides here at AVA do not smoke.

Let us know if you smoke and we will make time for smoke breaks or pair you with the right guide. Just know you have options when it comes to your guide here at AVA. The occasional cigar is not a problem.