A few weeks back, I decided to schedule a float trip with western Colorado's oldest guide service, Taylor Creek Fly Shop. After getting everything scheduled and booked, I began preparing for my first time on the Roaring Fork River. Taylor Creek Fly Shop is one of Trouts Fly Fishing’s approved outfitters and I was able to experience first hand why they are on our short list.
Quick Overview:
Date: 5/4/2014, 11:00 am – 5:30 pm
Roaring Fork River @ 700 cfs
Rods: Sage One 905-4
Reels: Sage 4250
Guide: Kyle Holt, Taylor Creek Fly Shops
Flies: Brown Chenille Worms and Prince Nymphs
The night before our float on our way up the mountain, we received a call from our guide Kyle to discuss the activities scheduled for the next day. We decided to meet at 10:00 am at the fly shop to finalize a few administrative items before we hit the water.
My wife and I woke up in Vail and drove through Glenwood Canyon for the first time. The views were absolutely amazing and the way Interstate 70 weaves in, through and around the mountains is simply spectacular. We pulled into Basalt right at 10:00 and were promptly greeted by Will, Scott and Kyle as soon as we walked in the door. From a quick glance, Taylor Creek appears to be well merchandised for small mountain town fly shop. I decided to pick up a few things and after filling out the appropriate paperwork we were on our way.
We decided to go ahead and shuttle our car downstream to the boat ramp, so that we could easily jump on the highway back to Denver after. After running the shuttle and a quick stop at the new Whole Foods to grab a bag lunch we found ourselves at the boat ramp off Willits Lane.
Just a few short minutes later, we grabbed everything from Kyle’s truck and loaded the boat into the water. Based on the morning weather report, I decided to securely store my boots and waders in the boat and rolled up my pant legs to enjoy the 70-80 degree weather.
Throughout the day, Kyle guided our raft down the Roaring Fork pointing out the best fishing spots and instructed us which side of the boat to fish off of. Our first stop of the day was in an eddy smack dab in the middle of the river.
Kaily and I both fished off the left side of the raft for a few minutes before I decided to slip on my Simms Vapor boots to walk up river a little on the rock island. As soon as my feet hit the water, I realized that a pair of Simms Neoprene Wading Socks should have been on my packing list. Within a few minutes, I caught two back to back while Kaily, caught her first fish ever under Kyle’s tutelage. A few hours later, we pulled over in a nice man made eddy and stopped for lunch with a view.
After scarfing down our Buffalo Chicken wraps, we were back at it fishing every slow, oxygenated piece of water available. Between the two of us we caught 20+ fish and had an amazing day enjoying the scenery of Western Colorado.
If you’re looking for a guide in the Colorado River basin, consider giving Taylor Creek Fly Shop a call and request Kyle Holt. You won’t be disappointed!
