An Unrivaled Guide Service
25+ years of pure fishing obsession
As the only Orvis-endorsed guide service on the San Juan, we take pride in more than just catching trophy trout. Our guides love sharing the river as much as they love fishing it. From eagerly teaching first-time anglers to swapping fish tales with seasoned pros, we care as much about our guests as the fish we catch.
An Unrivaled Guide Service
25+ years of pure fishing obsession
As the only Orvis-endorsed guide service on the San Juan, we take pride in more than just catching trophy trout. Our guides love sharing the river as much as they love fishing it. From eagerly teaching first-time anglers to swapping fish tales with seasoned pros, we care as much about our guests as the fish we catch.
"What you have with Fisheads is the best guides. They know the fish, they live there. They’re fun and show people a good time. They laugh with them and treat them like they’re known them for 10 years"
— Bill W, loyal guest of 17+ years
Float Trips
Cover miles of water with ease
Relax and take it all in. Your guide handles the rowing and positioning so you can focus on what matters most: catching fish! With a boat you get long, steady drifts and precise presentations that give you more chances at more trout. Between runs, there’s time to marvel at the scenic canyon and share a few laughs.
Wade Trips
Where patience meets pursuit
Standing in the San Juan, you feel more connected to the river and the fish. You guide is by your side reading the water, spotting fish, and fine-tuning your presentation so that your flies are as irresistable to the trout as possible. With wading it's about patience, precision, and deep satisfaction. It’s deliberate, focused, and deeply rewarding. It's fly fishing at its most personal.
Sections We Guide
20 Miles of great fishing
We guide 20 miles of unique water and the famed quality waters is just the start. We have options for everyone, including first timers and those looking for more streamer or dry fly action. Our guides will work with you to pick the best options for you and your party.
The Quality Waters
Big fish, everywhere
This is the stretch that made the San Juan famous. With an astonishing 12,000 to 15,000 trout per mile, the fish feed nonstop... and it shows. Trout in the 20-inch range are common, and 30-plus-inch catches happen several times a year. It’s a technical section that demands precision but rewards anglers with some of the best tailwater fishing in the country.
The Quantity Waters
Great for beginners
The “Quantity” Waters is a less-pressured stretch where trout bite eagerly and forgive imperfect technique. It holds some monster browns, but generally the fish here often aren't as big as in the quality waters. We often teach fist-timers here, but it's also can be a fun way for advanced anglers to end the days and escape the crowds in busier seasons.
The "Lower River"
An Advanced challenge
Hardly fished, the lower river is a hidden gem that often fishes well with streamers and dry flies. It has a healthy population of brown trout that fight just as hard, if not harder, than the large fish in the quality waters section. To really enjoy this section, anglers should be proficient in long, delicate casts and streamer fishing techniques.
What to Expect
A Typical Day
Our trips begin at 8 a.m. at our fly shop, though your guide may adjust the start time based on conditions. After introductions, your guide will get a feel for everyone’s skill levels and outline a plan for the day. From there, you’ll hop in the guide’s vehicle and head to the river. Your guide will handle everything from rigging rods to finding fish, doing everything possible to help you catch lots of them. Full-day trips last about eight hours, while half-day trips run about four. When the fishing is done, your guide will drive you back to the shop.
What's provided
Of course you're welcome to bring your own equipment, but there's no need to. We happily supply all of the following:
- Rods
- leaders and tippet
- Flies
- Ice chest w/ water
- Lunch (Full-day trips only)
FAQs
All of trips start at 8:00am at our fly shop unless you or your guide work out different arangements.
Need a Packing List?
We've got you covered
The San Juan River fishes well across all four seasons, so we've created a download-able PDF to help you pack. While bringing your own fly fishing equipment is completely optional, we still cover what to bring for those who want to. Additionally, we review any clothing and accessories you might want to bring.
Need a Packing List?
We've got you covered
The San Juan River fishes well across all four seasons, so we've created a download-able PDF to help you pack. While bringing your own fly fishing equipment is completely optional, we still cover what to bring for those who want to. Additionally, we review any clothing and accessories you might want to bring.
Meet Our Guides
Fishing is our master craft
Chris Taylor
Chris Taylor is the founder and leader of Fisheads. Fly fishing since he was a young pup, Chris has fished all over the world, and guided throughout the West, from Alaska to Colorado. People who fish with Chris are always amazed at his abundance of energy and his ability to put you into fish is awe-inspiring.
Marcus Rubbo
Marcus is our head guide and has spent the last 15 years honing his skills under the tutelage of Chris Taylor and Bubba Smith. He fishes with unrivaled methodical precision and enjoys sharing his knowledge of the sport with a relaxed and patient demeanor. A day on the river with him is sure to be a positive experience for anglers of all skills!
Bubba Smith
Bubba is a founding member of Fisheads and 30+ year veteran San Juan River guide. He was fly fishing before graphite fly rods and fiberglass boats. He has thrown a line in many a river. His good nature and vast knowledge of fly fishing are just what you need for the perfect day.
Marty Stanton
A southern hybrid with roots in Texas and Tennessee, Marty has always found a way to be on the water since he was a kid. After cutting his teeth guiding in Tennessee, he moved to the San Juan, where his father introduced him to the fly rod at an early age. Marty prides himself on his patience, knowledge-sharing, and southern hospitality. Get ready for a great time!
Stephen Souva
Stephen was born and raised in Michigan, fishing the Great Lakes and their tributaries. After college, he moved out west and worked for Colorado’s game and fish department where he discovered his passion for fishing the San Juan. He now uses his positive and energetic personality to help clients catch fish and create memories that last a lifetime.
Gavyn Entzminger
Gavyn grew up with Canadian roots and has always had a love for fly fishing. His passion for fly fishing began when he moved to Colorado and learned the art and science of this sport every chance he got. A few years later, Gavyn moved south and now calls the San Juan home. He says "The rest is history. Let’s get to fishing and make some memories!"
John Ellis
Originally from New Mexico, John considers the San Juan his home river. That said, he has also fished across the West, making John a highly knowledgeable guide with a tenacity for putting his clients onto fish. His calm and patient style offers clients a way to learn San Juan River fly fishing techniques with confidence and enjoyment, making him a great choice.
Charles Lee
Charlie is a seasoned fly fishing guide who’s chased fish across the U.S.—from Alaska’s wild rivers and Montana’s trout streams to Florida’s warm flats. With years of experience and a laid-back, patient style, he’s all about creating unforgettable days on the water. When not guiding, he’s likely hiking, exploring new water, or catching live music.
Matt Lavigne
A former Guide in Maine and Florida, Matt now guides the San Juan River, Matt brings nearly two decades of experience to one of the nation’s top trophy trout fisheries. From chasing tarpon and redfish to stalking selective trout on technical tailwaters, he blends saltwater grit with Western precision to help anglers unlock the magic of this legendary river.