Lead personalized Fly Fishing activities rooted in connection, safety, and a sense of place.

Smith Fork Ranch is a private, all-inclusive guest ranch set in a secluded river valley on Colorado’s Western Slope, bordered by the Gunnison National Forest and surrounded by mountain views, forests, meadows, and pristine waterways. The property includes historic log cabins and lodges, stocked trout ponds, maintained trails, open fields, a skeet and archery range, and exceptional horseback riding terrain. Because we host only one private group at a time, guides have the opportunity to lead highly personalized, small-group adventures tailored to each guest’s interests and skill level. It’s a place where outdoor knowledge, genuine hospitality, and a passion for the natural world come together to create meaningful and memorable experiences.

The Role

Tucked into some of Colorado's most stunning terrain, Smith Fork Ranch offers guides something rare: private water, diverse fisheries, and guests who are genuinely there to enjoy it. You'll design each outing around the person holding the rod — their experience, their pace, their goal — backed by access to the Smith Fork River and three stocked ponds.

Core Responsibilities

• Lead personalized fly fishing sessions on stocked ponds and select river sections, tailored to each guest's skill level, pace, and comfort.

• Teach casting, line management, knot tying, water reading, and proper fish handling.

• Rig and maintain rods, leaders, tippet, and flies — keeping gear clean, organized, and ready.

• Prioritize guest safety through clear instruction, demonstrations, and risk-aware decision-making, including supervision during wading and shoreline movement.

• Engage warmly and professionally with guests of all ages and skill levels.

• Read and respond to changing conditions — weather, insect activity, and fish behavior — and adjust instruction accordingly.

• Share knowledge about local wildlife, trout species, hatch cycles, water conditions, and the surrounding mountain environment.

• Manage pond and river access areas, including setup, staging, and cleanup.

• Collaborate with ranch departments to plan, adjust, and personalize each experience for private groups.

• Capture guest moments through photography to enhance personal connection and memory.

• Support stewardship by modeling responsible outdoor ethics and conservation principles.

• Assist with general ranch operations as needed throughout the season.

Qualifications

• Previous fly fishing guide experience, or strong personal proficiency paired with a demonstrated ability to teach.

• Working knowledge of trout species, local hatch cycles, and seasonal water conditions.

• Competency in both stillwater and moving-water techniques.

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills; comfort interacting with luxury clientele.

• Professional appearance and demeanor with strong organizational and multitasking abilities.

• Ability to work outdoors in varied terrain and weather conditions, including lifting moderate weight and sustained physical activity.

• CPR certification required; Wilderness First Aid or WFR preferred.