Guide Tips

Extra Layers

As a veteran float guide here in Colorado, I have learned that no matter how beautiful the skies are and what the forecast is, always be prepared for inclement weather - especially regarding the comfort of your clients who arrived in shorts and golf shirts. Most days here in Aspen/Basalt, CO you wake up to clear blue skies and by lunch time, the black clouds are building and quite often before you've finished the turkey sandwich the wind has picked up. You're asking, "Did you bring a rain jacket?" Hopefully, you've covered those bases prior to leaving the shop in the morning.

I always have extra layers in the boat…this means an extra pair of waders, GORE-TEX® Paclite® jacket/pullover/pants and WINDSTOPPER® Jackets, Gloves and Mitts. Everyone stays warm & dry, I don’t have to row through great fishing because my clients are cold, and the fish bite better when that weather rolls in!

Every angler should make a habit of stowing a waterproof rain jacket/pullover in their vest or boat bag, and extra insulation will come in handy if the temperature drops.

At the end of these trips my clients have caught tons of fish and stayed warm and dry. As a guide, I’ve had clients buy a new Simms rain jacket for the next day and they definitely remembered me as the guide who brought the "EXTRA LAYERS".

Gifford Maytham has been guiding for trout on the Colorado, Fryingpan, and Roaring Fork rivers out of Taylor Creek Fly Shop going on thirteen years. Gifford's fishing career started sixteen years ago as a guide on the famous Battenkill river in Vermont. His most recent accomplishment was winning the 2004 Fly Fishing Masters with his partner, Frank Smethurst.