Learn from seasoned guides with diverse international guiding experience and hone your fishing and guiding skills.
Eleven Angling Guide School is a unique opportunity to hone the skill set needed to pursue your career as a professional fly fishing guide. Seasoned instructors, exceptional access, and an all-inclusive course will provide you with a well-rounded and well-respected foundation. Because the market is saturated and competitive, taking the first steps can be a daunting task. With Eleven Angling, you’ll build strong connections, master your skills, and enter the industry with specialized training so that you are equipped to start your career confidently.
Eleven Angling’s instructors are highly experienced fly fishing guides that have worked with clients in a number of international settings. They possess a diversity of skills, experiences, and industry knowledge that is invaluable for you to learn on your way to becoming a competent asset to a guide team. We will focus on a wide range of skills, including rowing western rivers in drift boats and rafts, boat and trailer maintenance, jet boat functionality, fly casting instruction, building your book of business, job application assistance, CPR/First Aid, fly tying, knot tying and photography. Upon course completion, students will be equipped with the following: an extensive list of outfitters for employment referrals, a certificate of completion, sample resume and cover letter, along with a number of tangible resources to kickstart your career.
Price and Dates
May 14th-20th, 2023
$1875
$2200
Inclusions
- Highly experienced Instructors with experience guiding international destinations
- Certificate of Completion
- Extensive list of Outfitters for employment referrals
- River Log
- Room and Board in Crested Butte for all 7 days
- Detailed packing list will be provided upon registration
How to Book
Please call our office at 970-349-5430 or email us at [email protected]
Guide School Details
Eleven Angling Guide School will take place in the Gunnison/Crested Butte Valley, which offers a diversity of exposure to distinct fisheries, as well as access to Crested Butte’s fun local scene. Students and instructors will be on the Taylor and Gunnison Rivers, as well as Tomichi Creek and surrounding lakes. Our guide school offers an all-encompassing experience that equips students with everything they need to focus on building their expertise. Accommodations and food are included, as well as the ability to rent gear.
Notable Course Instructors
Brian O’Keefe – Brian is an FFE Master Certified Casting Instructor, as well as an accomplished fly fishing photographer. His shots have been featured on the cover of Catch Magazine, Field & Stream, Outdoor Life, Fly Fisherman, Outside Magazine, Men’s Journal, and more.
Cameron Davenport – Cameron’s fly fishing career has included an extensive assortment of prominent positions, including Operations and Outfitting Manager at Henry’s Fork Lodge, Chief Operating Office and General Manager at Turneffe Flats Resort in Belize, Sales Director at Yellow Dog Fly Fishing Adventures in Belize and Guatemala, and Eleven Angling’s Global Sales and Operations.
What to Bring
May is a fickle time of year in Colorado and it is important to be prepared for both warm and cold days on the water. Students will need to bring their own fishing gear or rent the necessary gear from Eleven Angling. A detailed packing list will be provided upon registration.
Course Material
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CPR/First Aid
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Casting Instruction with Brian O’Keefe
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Entomology and Matching the Hatch
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Rafts 101 and Rowing Drift Boats
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Boat and Trailer Maintenance
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Business of Being a Guide: Résumés, Cover Letters, and Business Professionalism
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Fly Tying
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Knot Tying
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Photography and Fish Handling with Brian O’Keefe
Accommodations
Accommodations and food will be included in the total cost of the course. Housing will be centrally located in Crested Butte, Colorado. Please let the office know if you will not need housing so you will be charged the correct rate.
The Rivers
Students will learn on both the Taylor and Gunnison Rivers, as well as Tomichi Creek and the surrounding lakes. The course will cover wade fishing and guiding from a drift boat or raft.
