© 2010 - The Sportsman, Inc. All rights reserved.

1. How much advance notice do you need for a reservation?
2. How do I make a reservation?
3. What are your booking policies?
 4. What is your cancellation policy?
5. Do you operate guide trips year-round?
6. How many people can go on a guide trip?
7. I've never fly fished. Can I go out on a trip?
8. Do you go on guide trips when it rains?
9. What should I wear?
10. What else should I bring?
11. How should I prepare for a guide trip?
12. How many fish will I catch?

Polarized sunglasses are a must for fly fishing. Not only are the optics simply better, but you can read the water and see the fish better. That's because the sun's glare upon the water is cut down with the polarization.

Here's a suggested list of other items:

● Camera
● Polarized sunglasses
● Mosquio repellant
● Sunscreen
● Sun gloves (for hot days)
● Winter gloves for the cold days (preferably the kind with a mitt that folds over
    the glove-less fingers)
 ● Fly fishing gear, if you are using your own. Otherwise, we supply rod, reel,
    line, flies, waders, wading boots and so on.

13.  Do you guarantee that I'll catch fish?
14. Can you spin or bait fish on a guided trip?
 15. Do you take food on the trip?
16. Will we see bears and other wildlife on the trip?
17. Can we keep our fish for dinner?
 18. What type of rod, reel, and line should I bring/use?
19. What flies do you recommend?
 20. When is the best time to fish the Lake City area?
21. Are the fish natural or stocked?
22. How big are the trout?
23. Are the mosquitos bad where you're at?
24. Are there other things to do in Lake City?

The Sportsman Outdoors & Fly Shop

970-944-2526

Outdoor Adventures & Gear for the Wildest Rocky Mountains
If we have openings in our schedule, you can walk-in and go on a trip that day. However if you are planning your vacation and want to fish on a specific day or set of days, then at least a two-week notice is suggested. Keep in mind that the summer months, especially July, can book up early. Our best advice we can give for making reservations is to call and book your trip as soon as you know the date or dates you want. You can always change the date with a two-week advance notice or later, if we have openings. We always try to accomodate your schedule and schedule changes if we can.
Feel free to call us (970-944-2526) or go to our online reservations page (reserve now) or email us ( info@lakecitysportsman.com ). We're open year-round, although we have reduced hours in the winter. If you don't reach us immediately, please leave a message. We normally get back to you within 24 hours.
We normally charge you half the cost of the guide trip at the time of booking as a deposit. At the end of the day of your trip, you arrive back at the store and we charge you for the remainder of the trip. We accept cash, check, Visa, Mastercard, Discover, and American Express.
If you cancel at least two weeks in advance of your trip date, we refund your deposit in full. If you cancel after the two-week deadline, we retain the deposit in full. However if you have an emergency, we try to work with you as best we can. If you simply need to change the day, we do our best to accomodate your schedule changes.
As a Colorado licensed outfitter, we offer guide trips from March 1 through October 31 of every year.
As many as you have! We take out singles all the way to large corporate groups. We never take more than three people per guide to ensure safety and quality.
Absolutely! We take ultimate beginners (those who've never picked up a rod) to seasoned fishers. For beginners, we'll have you fly casting on the same day! Keep in mind that fly fishing is a bit more difficult than spin fishing.
Yes we do. Fish don't care if they get wet and, often, fishing can be excellent during rains. However we will always take cover if we notice lightning or other dangerous weather conditions. Our goal is for you to have a fun day, rain or shine.
You're going to be fishing at altitudes around 8,765 feet and up. Mountain weather can be warm and sunny one minute and cold and snowy the next, at any time of year. For the best comfort, we recommend that you dress in layers so that you can change with the daily temperature swings. Remember that early and late season fishing can have cold days, so you'll want to wear underlayers that keep you warm yet wick (or remove) perspiration so that you don't just soak in your waders. Your waders should be breathable waders, which we'll provide if you don't have your own. Although lots of people wear jeans with waders on the water, having good underlayers for the time of year is always a more comfortable alternative.

Here's a list of the types of clothes you should wear or bring along:

● Tights, pants, or shorts that are made from microfibers
    (not cotton!). Try lightweight silk in the hotter times and
    thicker warmer fleece on the cold days.
● Rain jacket
● Fleece jacket or vest (lightweight for the summer/heavy for
    the cold days)
● Long-sleeved shirt with sleeves that roll up into a short
    sleeve shirt
● Wide-brimmed hat

If you do not have these items or can't bring them with you, don't worry. We have a 4,000 sq ft retail store filled with clothes and other gear.

You really don't need to do much of anything. We suggest that you bring the appropriate clothes and other items, like polarized sunglasses, as listed in this FAQ. Remember that we sell everything that you would need at our store, so don't worry if you don't have it. If you are using your own fly fishing tackle (which we provide if you don't have it or don't want to bring your own), consider taking a look to make sure it is in proper working order. You might want to replace worn line (or have us do it at the shop before your trip). If you're wearing your own waders, you'll want to fix any leaks. Finally consider casting the rod and reel that you plan to use before the trip just to get in a little practice.

12. How many fish will I catch?

We never guarantee the numbers of fish that you might catch. Remember our goal is always to get you into fish, but this is the natural world where guarantees don't exist. There have been clients with 50-fish days, and we rarely have had clients who get skunked.

13. Do you guarantee that I'll catch fish??

No. We guarantee that we'll provide a positive wilderness fly fishing adventure no matter what your experience level! However given the fact that we're dealing with wild fish, there's no guarantee. It's called fishing, not catching, for a reason.
14. Can you spin or bait fish on a guided trip?
We specialize in instructing and guiding fly fishing techniques. However if someone in your party prefers to spin fish, we have private areas where we can accommodate their needs.
15. Do you take food on the trip?
For full-day and multi-day guide trips, we provide a deli-style lunch for each person in your party. That includes a meat sandwich with chips, fruit, and cookies. We also provide all of the sodas and water you might want. If you have special dietary considerations, please just let us know when you reserve the trip. We'll go out of our way to make sure that you eat what your body needs!  
16. Will we see bears and other wildlife on the trip?
We often see wildlife of all types on a guide trip. Our trips take place in what is considered the wildest and most roadless county of the lower 48 states (as per the USGS). We have occasionally seen bear, coyote, mountain lion, lynx, elk, deer and moose on trips. We always give these mammals the right of way and if we ever question the safety of our situation, we move on. We also outfit our guides with all of the necessary safety gear. As for other less threatening wildlife, they are always out there. You might see deer, elk, beaver, wolverine, squirrel, marmot, sheep, and always, there will be birds, birds, and more birds.
17. Can we keep fish for dinner?
As a licensed Colorado outfitter, we are legally required to release all fish that are caught when guiding on public lands. However if you have a need for one or two fish at the dinner table, we have private areas where we can take you to accommodate your needs.
18. What type of rod, reel, and line should I bring/use?

Remember that rods, reels, and line are included in your trip fee. However if you want to bring your own, consider the following types: 

● 9  foot, #4 or #5 weight medium fast action rod. The vast majority of Lake
   City fishing is done with this rod. With a moderately stiff flex pattern, this is 
   an excellent all-purpose rod for dry flies and light nymphing . 
 ● Smaller rod, say 8 foot 3 weight, if you intend to fish the higher
   mountain streams. Anything larger would be over-kill
● Fly lines should typically be a floating "weight forward" taper. A sink
   tip line may be useful for fishing streamers, but is not necessary.
● Most flyfishers choose a reel for its simplicity and ease of use, and it is a
   matter of personal taste. Be sure that your reel has adequate backing (100
   yds) and is in good working order.

19. What flies do you recommend?
You are certainly welcome to bring your favorite patterns, and can call the shop in advance to see what might be appropriate at the time of your trip. However, all of our guides carry a full selection of the best flies for the time and water you will fish, as well as leaders. Unless you use an inordinate amount of flies on the trip, the flies are included in your trip fee.
20. When is the best time to fish the Lake City area?
In our mind, any time is a great time to fish Lake City. Each season brings unique experiences and conditions, but because we're somewhat remote, we always have less pressure than most any other area of the state. Naturally the insects are most productive in summer, but pre-runoff (in March/April) and fall fishing (August through October) can be excellent. We have a plethora of accessible water, so there is something always fishing well. If you want a particular fishery or type of fish, then there are obvious peak times. Feel free to discuss your options when you reserve the trip or meet with your guide.

If you have more questions, please feel free to call us (970-944-2526) or email us ( info@lakecitysportsman.com ) at any time. We're happy to answer all of your questions and talk with you about conditions and your trip needs!
21. Are the fish natural or stocked?
Most of our targeted rivers and streams are not stocked. This has not always been true of all of the waters, so you might catch stocked and wild fish in the same day. On the still-water side, we have several lakes in the area that are stocked several times each summer. If you want to catch only wild fish, please let us know in advance so that we go to the appropriate waters for wild fish.
22. How big are the trout?
Our waters hold trout of all types: rainbow, cutthroat, brown, and brook trout are the standard fare that you'll find in the streams. The lakes also contain mackinaw, often called lake trout. The size of the trout in the streams varies based on your elevation and size of water. An average Lake Fork trout might be in the 14 inches (20-30 cm) range. A great trout would be over 16 inches (40 cm); and an exceptional trout can be over 24 inches. (Yes we have gotten into them!) It's not unheard of to have a lake trout upwards of 38 inches.
Remember, we have many, many fish in our area waters. We're in the heart of Colorado high country fly fishing and our fish reflect their environment, facing less pressure than most other areas of the state. They are plentiful and healthy.
23. Are the mosquitoes bad where you're at?
Every year and every season is different. We've have wet seasons that can make the mosquito season long and plentiful, but that's not always the case. Just remember that mosquitoes can be annoying no matter what the season. Make sure you use repellant, but put it on at least 30 minutes before you fish and wash your hands before touching your equipment and flies. Our guides often wear clothing with repellants in the material (often referred to as Buzz-Off) so that no repellent smell is given off to the fish. We carry these clothes in our store and they are available to you for purchase.
24. Are there other things to do in Lake City?
The Lake City area is surrounded by five 14,000 foot and 26-13,000 foot mountain peaks along with four wilderness areas totaling over a million acres. Hinsdale County is 96 percent public land. We have more trails and wildlife viewing than most any other part of the country. We can recommend activities for anyone in your party. Mountain biking, whitewater rafting, horseback riding, hiking, 4x4 driving, dirt biking, wildlife viewing, shopping, and cultural events are only a few of the possibilities. If you would like information about the area, such as help with lodging or restaurant choices, please don't hesitate to ask us. We are always happy to help.
(Don't forget we have the huge July 4 celebration and the Wine & Music festival in September.)