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Fishing and Pack Trips

IN THE ELK CREEK AND BEYOND

 

We are proud to offer drop camps throughout our outfitting district to some of the most beautiful places to fish and camp in the Rio Grande National Forest of the South San Juan Wilderness. Our location presents a unique opportunity to relax in an area that escapes the crowded areas that come with summer, and offers a challenge to fisherman to experience Elk Creek and its variety of fishing for rainbows, browns, and cutthroats.

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Fishing season dates: June 1 – August 31

Drop Camps

Campers with Rainbow Trout Outfitters ride out to our fishing camp, with wranglers bringing the pack horses and gear. Wranglers take the horses out, and will bring them back in for your retrieval at a later date. Our camps are stocked with the necessities, and we ask that fishermen provide the following:

  • Personal fishing gear

  • Food  supply

  • Personal bag (no more than 35lbs)

  • Sleeping bag

  • Communication device such as a satellite phone or Inreach (recommended but not required)

 

Each camp can accommodate 2-4 people and their gear comfortably. (Children must be at least 12 years old to ride with us, as our camps are a long ways in, and the ride is hard on younger children.) This is an exclusive camp and the success of fishing depends on the capability of the fisherman. Some of these areas are difficult to fish even for seasoned fly-fishermen. Even if you don't plan on fishing, these drop camps will have something for everyone to enjoy. Enjoy hiking, relaxing around camp, or even bring your paint brush and paint the scenery! 

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Each person will be asked to participate in a short orientation on riding and horsemanship. The weight limit for the riders is 240lbs. All of this is to ensure the safety of the riders while on the trail to camp and to protect our horses. 

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The cost for this service is $750 per person for 3 days and two nights; additional days will $150 per person per day. 

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Full Service Camps

Take your pack trip experience to the next level by with our full service camp.  You will ride in and back from camp while your wrangler stays in camp to cater to your needs.

Your wrangler will cook breakfast, dinner, and provide sack lunches. This is perfect for the guest who wants to do day riding or even stay at more than one camp on their trip.

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Each camp can comfortably accommodate up to 4 fishermen and limited gear.

*Guided campers need to bring:

  • Personal fishing gear

  • Personal bag (no more than 35 lbs)

  • Sleeping bag

  • Communication device such as a satellite phone or Inreach (recommended but not required)

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The cost for this service is $450 per person, per day. 

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Meet The Team

David and Jane, Linda and Doug have been in the dude ranching and hospitality business for nearly thirty years. Their down to earth dispositions draw in all who meet them. Customer service is their main priority and they work hard to keep guests coming back year after year. In addition to Rainbow Trout Outfitters, they own and operate Rainbow Trout Ranch, a first class dude ranching experience, that is perfect for the guests who prefer more inclusive accommodations than the tent camping that RTO offers. 

The Van Berkums

The Owners

Wes Kahoe

Outfitter

Wes is a down to earth, honest, and friendly modern-day

mountain man.  He is a successful rancher, accomplished hunter, and also operates Bar W Outfitters just adjacent to RTO.

 

You couldn't ask for anyone more familiar with the area or more capable of delivering a top-notch wilderness experience!

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