1075 Sherman St, Ste 101, Ridgway, CO 81432
RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service occupies a distinctive position in Colorado fly fishing — it's the definitive outfitter for the western slope's most underrated trout fisheries. Based in Ridgway, a small arts town perched at 6,985 feet between Ouray and Montrose, RIGS sits at the gateway to a half-dozen world-class rivers within an hour's drive: the Uncompahgre, Gunnison, San Miguel, Cimarron, and Dolores. The surrounding landscape reads like a film set — red-rock mesas, ponderosa pine ridgelines, and clear freestone creeks that rarely see the pressure of Front Range waters.
The shop operates a full retail floor stocked with Sage, Scott, Simms, Patagonia, Hatch, and Abel alongside an extensive library of local fly patterns tied specifically for western slope hatches. Guide trips cover everything from technical wade fishing on the Gunnison Gorge to half-day floats on the San Miguel. RIGS also offers an unusual distinction: a licensed guide certification course for those looking to turn passion into profession, plus saltwater destination trips for clients chasing bonefish between seasons. Equal parts gear shop, guide service, and community gathering point.
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout
“If you're going to fish the Gunnison Gorge, start here. The guides at RIGS know every eddy, every feeding lane, every hatch timing in the canyon. Our guide put us on wild rainbows all day on a late-June stonefly hatch — fish up to 19 inches on size 6 Kaufmann's stones. The gear shop is outstanding, with western slope-specific fly patterns you won't find anywhere else.”
“Did a half-day wade trip on the Uncompahgre with my husband. Guide was knowledgeable and patient with both a beginner and an intermediate angler simultaneously — not easy. We ended up on a gorgeous riffle section with active BWO risers and I landed my first trout on a dry fly. The shop itself has an excellent selection and the staff were genuinely helpful, not pushy.”
“Came down from Denver specifically to fish the San Miguel and stopped at RIGS for intel. They gave me a detailed verbal report on river conditions, current fly patterns, and specific access points — all for free, no guided trip required. That kind of generosity is rare. Ended up buying a bunch of local patterns and had an incredible day. Will always stop here first.”
