Co-owners Tim Patterson and Bill Sheppard started the business to provide the highest quality guided recreational activities in the region. Both Patterson and Sheppard have extensive national and international guiding experience. 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. 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." Ridgway Independent Guide Service (RIGS) recognizes that water and access to water are the most important resources for the business. With this in mind RIGS received the first permit for guided fishing on the Uncompahgre River. Additionally, we have acquired exclusive access to private water on the Cimarron & Uncompahgre River, as well as the regions finest stillwater fly fishing at Spring Valley Ranch and Double Diamond River Ranch. Begineers to Experienced Anglers have a wide range of quality waters to pick from with year-round access and diverse rivers, streams, creeks and stillwaters to choose from. Our Whitewater Rafting & Inflatable Kayak Trips are one of a kind adventure and another "first of its kind" trip for the region! RIGS is the only Rafting Outfiter on the Uncompahgre River and maintains quality permits on unique sections on the Gunnison River. Our Certified Professional Whitewater Guide Training Course is taught by some of the states top instructors and offers our guide staff the most qualified and intensive training in the region. In addition, our guides are required to be certified as Swiftwater Rescue Techs (SRT), which is the standard for saftey in the rafting industry. So, bring the family and friends and let the RIGS Team show you why Adventure in Southwest Colorado begins at RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service! WITH OVER 40 YEARS COMBINED GUIDING & OUTFITTING EXPERIENCE, RIGS OFFERS YOU QUALITY FLY FISHING & WHITEWATER RAFTING ADVENTURES IN SOUTHWEST COLORADO.
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