Upcoming Events:

Calendar

Telluride Mushroom Festival 8/22/08-8/24/08

Telluride Film Festival 8/31/08-9/3/08

Blues and Brews Festival 9/14/08-9/16/08

20th Annual Ouray Jeep Jamboree 9/15/08-9/16/08

Fall Equinox 9/22/08

Bill Brueggeman -Senior Guide

Home Town:

Colorado

Years Guiding:

22

Biography:

I was born and raised here in Colorado and have been fly fishing for a bit more than 45 years. My father insisted that we fish with flies, having 3 boys and a girl, it was too much trouble to be hooking worms on our lines all day and a single fly would last a couple of hours at least!
Much to my fathers delight my graduate work was in fisheries biology at Western State College in Gunnison Colorado (some of the worlds best fly fishing!). He would be visiting me at school most weekends during the Salmon Fly hatch in late May and early June.
I retired from Colorado State Parks as a parks resource technician in 2002 and now at RIGS I teach the advanced tactics clinics, and guide occasionally.

Tim Patterson - Co Owner

Home Town:

Colorado

Years Guiding:

15

Biography:

Patterson has led fly fishing, rafting and eco-tours throughout Central America, Mexico and the Southwestern U. S. since 1991. Patterson's degree in Recreation Management from Prescott College set the stage for a career in adventure guiding and a passion for keeping tight lines on his home waters. "It's not just about the fishing, it's about the people," Patterson says. "Our activities are kind of a metaphor for life. They can teach patience, strategy, versatility and adapting to conditions."

Bill Sheppard - Co Owner

Home Town:

Colorado

Years Guiding:

22

Biography:

Sheppard was raised in Oregon on the McKenzie River where his father was a pioneer outfitter. He has been guiding rafting and fishing trips in Oregon and throughout the west since 1984. By 1988 he had become an outfitter and owner of a fly fishing guide business on the Deschutes and McKenzie rivers. "I still go back and forth between Oregon and Colorado," said Sheppard, who has been fishing in Colorado since 1992. "It's that moment of peace when you take a minute to reflect and enjoy the beauty that surrounds you," says Sheppard.

Tim Kenney - Head Guide (Fly Fishing)

Home Town:

Montrose, Colorado

Years Guiding:

6

Biography:

"TK" has been with the RIGS team for many years and continues to maintain a great reputation for his outstanding customer service and ability to put clients into fish! Tim has fly fished all over the country and specializes in guiding in the Gunnison Gorge. In addition, Tim is the land owner of one of our premier, exclusive private water fisheries at Double Diamond Ranch. In the off season, Tim continues to guide our waterfowl hunts and winter fly fishing trips.

Derek Hicks - Guide (Fly Fishing)

Home Town:

New York

Years Guiding:

1

Biography:

I started off guiding last season at the Smith Fork Ranch in Crawford, CO. This is my first season with RIGS and I'm really looking forward to it. I attended the Sweetwater Guide School in October of 2006 where I gained even more thirst for guiding and sharing my knowledge with others. I started fly fishing 4 years ago in New York and look forward to many more years out on the water here in Colorado.

Dan Haesche - Guide (Fly Fishing)

Home Town:

Colorado

Years Guiding:

5

Biography:

I was born in Connecticut thirty years ago into a family of talented fishermen - none of whom fly fished. When I finally discovered the art-form in 1998 it was an instant realization of the new direction my life would take. Here in the San Juan Mountains I continue to develop my skills, knowledge and keen awareness of this sport. In sharing the passion & enjoyment fly fishing gives me I am able to create a fun atmosphere for learning with the most experienced anglers as well as the beginners.

Evan Koster - Guide (Rafting)

Home Town:

Colorado

Years Guiding:

1

Biography:

I was born and raised in Glenwood Springs, CO where I learned at a young age to enjoy and appreciate the outdoors. Last year I relocated to Telluride, CO where I worked in a local ski shop. This summer I am looking forward to a great time with rafting and guiding here at RIGS.

Fern Tahja - Guide (Rafting)

Home Town:

California

Years Guiding:

1

Biography:

I was born and raised in Northern California, I moved to Colorado in January of 2007 and to Telluride in December of 2007. This is my first season on the river and I am looking forward to many great experiences with fellow guides and clients!

Troy Leedy - Guide (Fly fishing)

Home Town:

Colorado

Years Guiding:

6

Biography:

I began guiding outdoor adventures in Europe for the US Military. From Vermont to Australia, mountains to the ocean, the outdoors is a lifetime passion. I look forward to showing you this unique area of the world.

Chrissy Cook - Guide (Fly Fishing)

Home Town:

Colorado

Years Guiding:

2

Biography:

Born and raised in Colorado my father, a dry fly purist, instilled a passion for hunting and fishing in me at an early age. After attending Colorado State University for a few years I moved to Silverton Colorado. For the past few years I have been in persuit of beautiful wild fish who take only flies with reckless abandonment. This is my second season guiding for Rigs.