Pa-Co-Chu-Puk (Uncompahgre Tailwater)
Fly Fish one of Western Colorado's Best Tailwaters
The Uncompahgre River, or the “Unc” as it is locally known, births high in the windswept San Juan Mountains and slogs northward through the towns of Ouray, Ridgway, and Montrose as it makes its 75 mile voyage toward a marriage with the Gunnison River in Delta. The premiere stretch of the Unc is the tailwater below Ridgway Dam in Ridgway State Park known as Pa-Co-Chu-Puk or “Paco.” Paco is a tremendous year-round trout stream which boasts wild brown trout, a hodgepodge of wild and stocked rainbow trout, and Snake River cutthroat trout brood fish.
Fish PACO Year Around
Experience the thrill of the catch on a guided fly fishing trip to the tailwater of Ridgway Dam, also known as "Pa-Co-Chu-Puk". This technical tailwater is home to trophy brown and rainbow trout, as well as the elusive Snake River cutthroat trout. As you sight cast and fish, you'll be challenged by the strong currents and technical nature of the water, allowing you to test your skills and improve your technique. Due to the nature of this fishery being a tailwater, you can find yourself fishing Paco year around. During the summer months, the tailwater experiences strong PMD and Green Drake hatches, creating the perfect environment for an unforgettable fishing experience. Fall season is a shop favorite, bigger meals and cooler temps welcome in trophy sized browns. Throughout Winter and Spring, fish feed happily on midges and baetis making it a challenging but fun time to sight fish! With the guidance of our expert fly fishing guides, you'll be able to navigate the waters and reel in some impressive catches, all while surrounded by the stunning scenery of the mountainous landscape.
Half Day Trip
A ½ day trip is 4 hrs. on the water
Includes
- Fly Rod/Reel
- Flies and leaders
- Water/Snacks
$290 1 person / $390 2 person
*We highly discourage 3 person trips and will choose to send a 2nd guide if clients are all beginners.
Full Day Trip
A full day trip is 6-7 hrs. on the water
Includes
- Fly Rod/Reel
- Flies and leaders
- Water/Snacks and Lunch
$395 1 person / $495 2 person
*We highly discourage 3 person trips and will choose to send a 2nd guide if clients are all beginners
Trip will start at the shop, at a time agreed upon to provide the best fishing experience. Transportation to and from the river is provided if desired.
Responsibility and Liability: Fishing is an adventure sport that involves risk. We cannot be responsible for lost or damaged articles or personal injury. We are fully bonded, insured and licensed, but you participate at your own risk and must sign a waiver of liability for each trip. Safety is our number one priority at Montrose Anglers, as such drugs or alcohol are not permitted on any of our fly-fishing trips. All trips go out rain or shine unless conditions are deemed unsafe by the guide. If you have any questions please call the shop at 970-249-0408 or email us at info@MontroseAnglers.com In the event that a trip is canceled, we will reschedule the trip for a future date.
All trip participants, 16 years of age and older, are always required to carry a valid Colorado fishing license with them while fishing. We strongly suggest our guests to purchase their license online prior to the trip in order to save time and get on the river sooner. You can purchase them online through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website at https://www.cpwshop.com/licensing.page. Cost of license is not included in trip prices.
Ask and we will answer
The most important question to start with is what can we do for you? Tell your guide if you are interested in entomology, casting techniques, reading water, going for big fish or numbers. Do you want to fish hard or take a relaxing day on the water? Do you want to learn the different fly patterns and what they represent or just catch fish? The more you communicate before you get to the water the better we can be for you on the water. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Everyone has different goals on the water. The more we can communicate, the more we can help you reach yours.
How many anglers per guide?
Maximum is 3 anglers per guide, this insures the quality of your trip. If you would like to request a specific guide, please mention when making reservations and we will try to accomidate your request.
What does the cost of the trip include?
Trip includes a professional guide, transportation from the shop to the water and back, sandwich style lunch with drinks on full day trips (preference order can be made in advance), Rod and reel, flies, tippet, leaders and all terminal tackle for the day. You can expect your guide to be knowledgeable and willing to share and teach what they know. Waders, boots, and other gear are available for rent, but not included in the trip price. A good guide can make a poor day memorable and a bad guide can ruin a great fishing day. Let us know immediately if you have a problem with your guide, or at info@MontroseAnglers.com . Also not included are fishing licenses and guide gratuities.
What gear should I bring?
Here at Montrose Anglers we offer a variety of trips. Basic summer gear requires a rain jacket, water bottle, polarized sunglasses, hat, sunscreen, sporting gear, etc. When you book your trip we will email you a very specific gear list for the trip you’ll be going on. We can rent appropriate footwear to you if needed.
What is an appropriate tip for my guide?
Tough question with no right or wrong answer. Guiding is a service industry and as such 20% is standard with better service more and bad service less. It’s fine to tip in cash or use your credit card at the end of the day. Please remember a tip is a good part of a guide’s earnings, but never feel you have to tip. Any guide knows a good tip is earned and not a given for showing up. If you have any problems with your guide or our services don't hesitate call me at 970-249-0408 or email me at info@MontroseAnglers.com.
What is our reservation and cancellation policy?
There is a 50% deposit required on all trips to secure the dates you want. The final 50% will be charged at the completion of your trip. No refunds are guaranteed 2 weeks prior to your trip. Our guides and company work hard to book dates and it can be costly to cancel after denying other customers. If this makes you nervous, we recommend you purchase trip insurance for your peace of mind. Although this is our policy we will do everything we can to help rebook you if your plans unexpectedly change. All trips go out rain or shine unless conditions are deemed unsafe by the guide. As safety is our number one priority at Montrose Anglers, no drugs or alcohol will be permitted on any of our fly fishing trips.
Where and when do we meet on trip day?
Most trips start and end at the shop, 1325 Mayfly Dr in the Colorado Outdoors near the airport. As all fly fishing trips are custom, start and end times may vary. Let us know what we can do to accommodate your schedule.
