Rio Epic Float & Wade Fly Fishing Adventures in Southwest Colorado & the San Juan River.
For over 25 years Rio Epic has been sharing epic fly fishing experiences with our guests throughout the Southwest. Our custom guided trips are safe, educational and a blast. From the world famous San Juan River in northern New Mexico to the Animas, Rio Grande, Dolores, Pine and regional lakes we have a trip for you.
If your vacation is near the amazing towns of Durango, Creede, South Fork, Silverton, Dolores, Pagosa, Bayfield and Navajo Dam New Mexico we will get you on the water.
rio
rēō (spanish for riv·er) | - noun
large natural stream of water flowing in a channel to the sea, a lake, or another such stream.
epic
ˈepik | - adjective
heroic or grand in scale or character: an epic journey to the best fly waters in southwest Colorado and northern New Mexico.
It's going to be epic!
Summer Fly Fishing News & Notes
Report August 3 2026
It has been a fantastic summer despite warm temps and low flows. Rains have taken break but forcasted to ramp up next week. Top locations are the San Juan River in northern New Mexico, Pine, mountain streams as well as Electra and Vallecito Lake.
quick click - guide reports
August photos: 1. Colorado views 2. Miles and miles walked to find this one 3. Backcountry circle of life 4. Light rods big rewards
Rio Epic Celebrating 26 Epic Years
We have been at it for a long time making Rio Epic guides some of the best in the fly-fishing and outdoor education industry. From float or wade adventures in southwest Colorado on the Animas, Rio Grande, Dolores, Pine, mountain streams, regional lakes to the legendary San Juan River below Navajo Dam we have you covered.
Your Adventure
Rookies to Experienced Pros
Rio Epic offers an ego-free guide experience for anyone regardless of experience. We are family friendly as well as the perfect outing for women's groups, corporate team building, couples & fishing buddies.
From the world-famous San Juan River in northern New Mexico to the epic dry fly fishing on the Rio Grande to small mountain creeks to stunning private waters and beyond, we have a special trip for you.
quick click - guide trips
About Rio Epic
Years of experience
Rio Epic was established in the winter of 1999 by Will Blanchard. Will already had 7 years of guiding under his belt at that point. Rio Epic is an independent family owned and operated guide service based in southwest Colorado.
Rio Epic does not have a storefront, our focus is building the best custom guide trip for you and your group. Our passion for guiding and fly fishing is unmatched. It's going to be epic!
quick click - about us
Our Guide Season
Fishing Year-round 365 days
Rio Epic offers year-round guided float or wade fly fishing trips on the amazing waters of the southwest. Regardless of the season or time of year we have the perfect trip for you.
Rio Epic guides have been guiding and fishing for years on our local waters. Each is a top-rated professional ensuring your guide trip will be safe, educational and a lot of fun. Year-round fly fishing on the best waters.
quick click - trip details
"Some of the most diverse fishing in the West,
and maybe in the entire US. As for the guides they are the friendliest and best out there."
Mark Mason, Dallas Texas
photography
We tell a lot of our story through photography. All the images you see on the site or in galleries are taken on our local waters either on guide trips or on "guides days off". Click away!
durango | creede | south fork | pagosa springs
navajo dam | silverton | dolores
