The 5 Best Fishing Guides

The rivers and streams of Northwest Colorado offer fly fishing opportunities shaped by changing seasons, mountain landscapes and diverse trout habitats. Whether learning to cast for the first time or refining techniques on familiar waters, anglers can benefit from experienced local guidance. The Best of the Boat 2026 highlights fishing guides who share their knowledge of regional waterways, fishing techniques and the outdoor experiences available throughout the Yampa Valley.

Mike Orsi || Steamboat Flyfisher

Mike Orsi has a long history as a fishing guide in the Steamboat Springs area, with experience in both fly fishing and ice fishing. His involvement in the local fishing community dates back more than two decades, and he has been recognized repeatedly in the Best of the Boat fishing guide category. Associated with Steamboat Flyfisher in previous contest listings, Orsi has worked in a region known for trout fishing on the Yampa River and surrounding waterways. His experience reflects the area's longstanding tradition of guided fishing excursions and outdoor recreation.

Duncan Draper || Straightline Outdoor Sports

Duncan Draper is a fly fishing guide with Straightline Outdoor Sports, sharing his knowledge of the Yampa Valley's rivers, streams and seasonal fishing conditions. Draper has contributed to the company's fishing reports, offering detailed advice about aquatic insect activity, fly patterns and techniques for targeting trout. His recommendations have covered hopper fishing, nymph presentations, seasonal hatches and adjustments to changing river conditions. Draper has also hosted free fly fishing clinics in Steamboat Springs, providing opportunities for anglers to learn more about local waters and improve their techniques.

Jesse Rapp || Steamboat Flyfisher

Jesse Rapp is a fishing guide with Steamboat Flyfisher, a downtown Steamboat Springs outfitter offering guided fishing experiences throughout the Yampa Valley. The company provides walk-and-wade excursions, seasonal float trips and access to private fishing properties, accommodating anglers with different levels of experience. Rapp is listed among the company's guides and has appeared in previous Best of the Boat fishing guide selections. Through Steamboat Flyfisher, anglers can explore regional trout waters while learning about fishing techniques, equipment and the conditions that shape the local fishing season.

Alex Thompson || Great Divide Fly Fishing

Alex Thompson is identified with Great Divide Fly Fishing, a fishing guide service associated with the Steamboat Springs area. The surrounding Yampa Valley offers opportunities to pursue trout in rivers, streams and mountain waters, with conditions varying throughout the fishing season. Guided fishing experiences in the region can provide anglers with opportunities to explore unfamiliar waters, develop casting techniques and learn about the factors that influence trout behavior. Thompson's inclusion among the Best of the Boat 2026 candidates highlights his connection to the area's fly fishing community.

John Livingston || Steamboat Flyfisher

John Livingston is a fishing guide with Steamboat Flyfisher, which offers guided excursions on public and private waters in Northwest Colorado. The outfitter's services include half-day and full-day walk-and-wade trips, seasonal float fishing and access to private stretches of the Yampa River and other regional waterways. Livingston is listed on the company's guide roster and has previously been recognized in the Best of the Boat fishing guide category. His work is part of a guiding program that introduces anglers to the region's trout fisheries and provides opportunities to develop fly fishing skills in a variety of settings.

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