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Cutthroat Anglers Owner Trapper Rudd with fish

Cutthroat Angler's Guide School

The Cutthroat Anglers Guide School will provide the foundation to a future in the world of angling which can be used to seek a career as a top level guide. An in-depth and thorough course covering all the skills needed to be a world class professional, including the finer points of wade and drift boat guiding. Our team of instructors draw on a wealth of knowledge and experience accumulated from decades of guiding everywhere from Alaska to Patagonia.

The Fall 2007 Cutthroat Angler's Guide School was huge success! Thank you to all who participated and be sure to check out the photos.

Spring 2008 Guide School

Back by popular demand, we will provide two spring sessions of the Cutthroat Angler's Guide School in April 2008. The first session will be held April 13-19th, and the second will be held April 20-26th. Spaces are limited and filling fast, so contact us soon to reserve your spot!

Making It Easier to Become a Flyfishing Professional

Upon the successful completion and passing of our school, you will posses the state required certifications to gain employment as a Colorado fishing guide and/or seek opportunities to guide throughout the world. This course will give you a leg up on the competition for securing a job as a fly-fishing professional.

Topics Covered

First Aid • CPR Certification • Drift Boat Certification • Walk and Wade Techniques • Drift Boat Fishing • Knots and Tackle • Aquatic Entomology • Fundamentals of Instruction • Client Services • Photography • and more.

Course Details

The class runs 6 days, 10 - 12 hours a day, with a cost of $1800 per person. We provide the instruction, boating equipment, life jackets and lunch daily. Students should be able to provide their own fishing equipment and fishing license. Classes are limited to 8 students, with a 2-1 student to instructor ratio, and a minimum class size of 4. A 50% deposit is required to hold your spot, with the balance due at class time.

Guide School Agenda

Day 1

  • Class Registration / Intro to Class
    • Mission Statement • Overview of Class and Overview of Cutthroat Anglers Guiding Operation
  • First Aid CPR Certification
  • Casting Instruction
  • Proper Trailer Loading and Trailer Maintenance

Day 2

  • Dry Land Demonstration on Boating Equipment • Proper Fit and Types of PFDs
  • Safety Equipment/ First Aid and Emergency Equipment
  • Rigging of Dorys and Rafts
  • Verbal Lesson on Boat maneuvering and Techniques
  • River Currents, Obstructions, Obstacles and Hazards
  • On Water Training • Oar Boat Training
  • White Water Classification • Scouting Rapids • Types and Causes of Rapids
  • Practical Experience with Rowing Techniques

Day 3

  • Continuation of On Water Oar Boat Training
  • Initiation of Fly and Float Fishing Training
    • Knots, Tippet, Leader
    • Fishing Set Ups (Dry, Dbl Dry, Dry Drop, Nymph, Streamer, etc.)
    • Rowing Strategies for Fishing
    • Handling of Boat During Fish Fights
    • Netting, Handling and Proper Release of Clients Fish
    • Reading Water and Identifying Trout Lies

Day 4

  • Continuation of On Water Oar Boat Training
  • Continuation of Fly and Float Fishing Training
    • Throw Bag Training • Rescue Procedures
    • How to React in Adverse Boating Situations
    • Service and Professionalism
    • Lunch/Meals
    • Photography
    • Entomology and Fly Selection

Day 5

  • Continuation of On Water Oar Boat Training
  • Continuation of Fly and Float Fishing Training
    • Re-enforcement of Techniques and Procedures Taught
    • Identifying Needs, Desires and Limitations of Clients
    • Client Relations

Day 6

  • Continuation of On Water Oar Boat Training
  • Completion of State Required Minimums for River Guide
  • Regulations and Laws Governing the Operation of Commercial Guiding and Outfitting

Day 7

  • River Guide Certification