1. Complete Your Waiver

When you book any guided experience with us, you will receive a confirmation email with instructions on how to complete Aspen Outfitting Company’s Release of Liability Waiver. Please Complete this waiver BEFORE you show up for your trip. Completing this mandatory waiver prior to your trip will save you time while checking in and maximize your time on the river.

Click here to complete your waiver.

2.  Purchase a Fishing License

Fishing Licenses are required by Colorado state law for all guests over the age of 16 on all of our guided fishing trips. Instructions on how to purchase your fishing license are included in your booking confirmation email.

***PLEASE NOTE - We do not sell fishing licenses at either of our locations and will not allow you to begin your trip without one. If you do not purchase a license prior to arriving at the shop, you will need to purchase it from CPW’s website on your mobile device just like you would at home. As a result, you’ll spend more time in the shop and less time fishing.

Please give us a call if you need any assistance navigating the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Website, we’re more than happy to walk you through it!

When purchasing a license make sure that your permit is valid for the day(s) that you will be fishing. One day fishing licenses are only valid for the date selected at purchase and are not transferable.

Click here to purchase your fishing license.

3. Review Your Itinerary

Your booking confirmation email will include the date, time, number of participants and departure location for your trip. Please make sure that the information on your reservation is correct. For questions regarding our cancellation policy and booking alterations, please visit our FAQ page.

***PLEASE NOTE - All trips depart from our Woody Creek Shop unless alternate arrangements have been made at the time of booking. 

1. Check In: On the day of your fishing trip, please arrive 15 minutes prior to your reservation time with all of your paperwork completed. After checking you in, our shop staff will introduce you to your guide(s).

2. Try on your gear: To ensure your comfort, your guide(s) will fit you to a pair of waders and boots before you head out to the water. We have top of the line Gore Tex waders and felt soled boots in a full range of sizes for you to try on. If you have your own waders and boots you are very welcome to bring them, but it is not necessary – traveling with waders can be cumbersome.

*If you’re departing from our Woody Creek Shop, we have an espresso bar, fresh donuts, cold drinks and a variety of snacks to help you fuel up before hitting the water. Also, we are located next to a world-famous tavern if you want to celebrate your day on the river!

3. Depart from the Shop: After you get suited up, you’ll head out to the Roaring Fork! We’re lucky to have some of Colorado’s best fly fishing in our backyard. All of the spots that we fish are within 20 minutes of our shops, with many being as close as 5 or 10 minutes.

4. Learn the Basics: Once you’re at the river, our guides will provide an introductory lesson on the basics of casting, line management, setting the hook and fighting fish. We take great pride in our intimate knowledge of the river, angling techniques and local entomology. Whether you’re a first-timer or an experienced angler, our guides will cater their instruction to your skill level and ensure that you’re equipped with the tools you need to succeed.

5. Go Fishing: We believe that the best way to learn is by doing. Once you’ve learned the basics, our guides will continue to offer personalized instruction, help build your skills and will be on hand to net your fish!

6. Return to the shop: Our standard Half Day Guided Trip is four hours door to door. Your guide will bring you back to the shop and our shop staff will close out your reservation. As with many services in the hospitality industry, a gratuity for your guide is customary and always appreciated. The amount is at your discretion (we generally see a gratuity of 20% or more if the trip was extra special!)

As many visitors know, Aspen is home to some of the best Fly Fishing in North America! Although you may think of Fly Fishing as a warm weather affair, you should know that our local trout readily eat flies during the winter too! Winter Fly Fishing is one of Aspen’s best kept secrets and with the right gear, you’ll be comfortable and catching fish in no time!

Many products that we recommend can be purchased in our online store prior to your trip. Just select “Pick up in store” at check out, and we’ll have your order ready for you on the day of your outing.

What we provide:

• Gore Tex Waders
• Wading Boots
• Fly Rods, Reels, Flies and Terminal tackle
• Water
• Friendly, fun and knowledgeable fishing guide!

Although we provide everything that you need to catch fish, bringing along the following items will help you focus on fishing instead of staying comfortable.

Items we highly recommended for winter fishing:

• Winter Layers

Temperatures can fluctuate from below freezing to the mid 50’s over the course of a winter day, so appropriate layering is essential. We recommend wearing a warm base layer, intermediate layer (fleece, wool or puffy) and a waterproof jacket or shell.

• Warm Hat
• Wool Socks

Wool socks are a must when fishing in the winter. Although your waders will keep you dry, the water is very cold here in the winter. Having a pair of thick wool socks beneath your waders will make a world of difference.

Our favorite(s):

• • • Simms Men’s Lightweight Merino Hiker Sock
    • Simms Women’s Lightweight Hiker Sock

• Polarized Sunglasses

Polarized sunglasses are a must when fly fishing! Aside from protecting your eyes from the sun, polarized lenses cut the glare on the water and allow you to look beneath the surface of the river. They help you see fish, identify obstacles while wading and protect your eyes from any hooks that might be flying around. 

Our favorite(s):

• • • Smith Guide's Choice

• Hat for sun protection 

The colorado sun is intense! It’s very easy to get burnt up here, so a baseball cap or sun hat are a must for sun protection and cutting glare.

Our favorite(s):

• • • Click to see our favorite hats!

• Sunscreen

We always recommend sunscreen (SPF40+), and you can burn here even on sunny days in the winter.

Our favorite:

• • • Supergoop!

• Snow Jacket

All of our trips are snow or shine, so you should always come prepared for snow. As we like to say, the fish don’t mind the snow — they’re already wet! A good snow jacket will keep you out on the water if a winter blizzard rolls through. 

Our favorite: 

• • • Simms Waypoints Jacket