Horseback Day Fishing

We provide focused high country fishing trips in the Flat Tops Wilderness Area.

All of our day trips are horseback based fishing trips.

Horseback fishing trips are operated out of our ranch and pack-station into the Flat Tops Wilderness. On these trips fishermen should expect to ride a minimum of 1.5 hrs each way. These rides take you through beautiful country to pristine lakes and alpine streams. The primary catch on our horseback day trips is brook trout and cutthroats.

All day trips include riding horses, a basic coffee/pastry breakfast, camp fire cooked lunch and a dedicated guide per 2-4 guests.

Fishing Day Trip Gear List

Fishing Day Trip Directions

Fishing Day Trip Directions Map

Our ranch is located approximately one hour from the Vail Valley and Glenwood Springs. Because of our remoteness, we rarely run into other people (hikers, horseback riders, bikers, etc…) during our trips. Trips are in a truly pristine wilderness that no longer exists next to any of the ski towns.

Three Day Wilderness Lodge Horseback Fishing Trips

All 3 day wilderness lodge trips are customized to your preferences. Some guests choose to fish the wilderness area via horseback all 3 days, while other guests choose to mix in a day of 4×4 based fishing. These 3 day adventure trips include three meals each day, riding horses, 4×4 transportation, luxury lodge accommodations, and a dedicated guide per 2-4 guests.

These trips allow for the ultimate amount of flexibility. Valley lakes, high alpine cutthroat reservoirs, and wilderness streams via horseback riding or 4×4 are all on the menu.

  • 3 Day Lodge trips are $2,000 per person with a 2 person minimum.
  • Arrival after 4PM night before.
  • Checkout 6PM on third day.
  • Three nights at lodge.
  • $600 a night, per guest, for extra nights.
  • Price includes guide, meals described in service description, drinks (excludes alcohol), and all fly fishing gear.
  • Price does not include fishing license or guide tip (typically 10-20%).
  • Please purchase license before arrival.

Summer Trip Gear List and Information * Lodge guests do not need to bring a sleeping bag.

Directions to Our Lodge

Map to Our Lodge

Our ranch is located approximately one hour from the Vail Valley and Glenwood Springs. Because of our remoteness, we rarely run into other people (hikers, horseback riders, bikers, etc…) during our trips. Trips are in a truly pristine wilderness that no longer exists next to any of the ski towns.

Four Day 4×4 Wilderness Camp Fishing Trips

These trips are designed for adventurous fly-fisherman and those wanting to fish some of the most remote wilderness streams and lakes in the lower 48. Guests should be prepared for camping in comfortable wall tent camps, 8-15 miles into the Flat Tops Wilderness Area. It is not uncommon for fisherman to go all four days, seeing few other fishermen outside of their group.

These trips include a fishing guide, transportation by 4×4 for the duration of the trip, and well equipped camps. Meals are prepped “wilderness style” with open fire cooking and dutch oven cooking mixed in.

4 Day trips available with a 2 person minimum.

  • Price includes guide.
  • Three meals a day and drinks (excluding alcohol).
  • All fly fishing gear.
  • Price does not include fishing license or guide tip (typically 10-20%).

Four Day Fishing Trip Gear List and Information

Four Day Fishing Trip Meetup Location Map

Our ranch is located approximately one hour from the Vail Valley and Glenwood Springs. Because of our remoteness, we rarely run into other people (hikers, horseback riders, bikers, etc…) during our trips. Trips are in a truly pristine wilderness that no longer exists next to any of the ski towns.

Sample Four Day Wilderness Trip

Saturday – 7AM Guest arrival. Pack into camp via 1-2hr Polaris ride. Afternoon wilderness stream fishing.
Sunday – Wilderness lake fishing.
Monday – Choice of Wilderness Stream or Lake fishing.
Tuesday – Morning stream fishing, afternoon packout.

Five Day Horseback Wilderness Camp Fishing Trips

Our five day wilderness camp trips are for anglers wanting a true adventure. Our horseback summer camp is in one of the most remote locations in the Flat Tops Wilderness, and correspondingly most remote locations in the 48 States! There will be 4-6 guests on these trips, guided by an experienced backcountry crew of three staff members. Groups of 4 or more can book these trips exclusive to their group.

Guests should be prepared for a 4-5hr horseback ride into camp, a traditional canvas wall tent camp setup and world-class fishing in spots that rarely get fished. Small stream native cutthroat fishing is available right from camp, while trophy lake trout and cutthroat fishing in pristine alpine lakes is a short ride away.

 

  • 7AM Arrival at the Ranch. Late afternoon return on the fifth day.
  • Price includes guide/staff, meals, drinks (excludes alcohol).
  • Basic fly fishing gear.
  • Price does not include fishing license or guide tip (typically 10-20%).
  • Please purchase license before arrival.

Sample Itinerary:

Day 1 – Ride into Headwater’s Camp. Guests can fish that evening in headwaters of White River while staff prepares camp.
Day 2 – Ride and fish 1st alpine lake
Day 3 – Ride and fish 2nd alpine lake
Day 4 – Hiking day – small stream fishing and closer alpine lakes
Day 5 – Ride back to Ranch

Horseback Camp Fishing Trip Gear List and Information [MISSING PDF]

Directions to Our Ranch

Map to Our Ranch

This is a real wilderness trip, where you likely won’t see another human outside of your group. With the right mindset, it can be an awesome first-time remote camp experience. However, for those wanting to just dip their toes in the the wilderness experience we recommend our shorter trips.

BOOK YOUR TRIP NOW!

Hundreds of miles of horse trails and 17 wilderness camps in prime Elk, Mule Deer and Trout territory.

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF

Operating on the White River National Forest and the Flat Tops Wilderness under a special use permit from the US Forest Service. An Equal Opportunity Provider. Bonded and Insured.