Our guides are experienced instructors, friendly people, and knowlegeable about northern New Mexico. You're invited to drop by the store and meet the guide staff.

Even beginners can enjoy fly fishing successfully. With the personalized help of a professional guide, the basic skills to enjoy fly fishing may be acquired by a novice in a short time. More experienced fly fishers can enjoy improving techniques, and exploring New Mexico waters with confidence.

Catch and release fly fishing is strongly encouraged. High Desert Angler supports conservation of wild fish by returning them to the water.

We offer guide trips throughout the year—if you are planning a cold-season trip (late September through early May), having the proper clothing is especially important.

Rates. A full-day guide trip includes lunch, beverages, terminal tackle, and any rental equipment needed.
Public Land one person wade trip: $300; Two for $350
San Juan River trips (3-1/2 hours from Santa Fe): please inquire.
Half-day trips are available: please inquire.
Children under 12 years old must be accompanied by an adult.

A valid New Mexico fishing license is required. A one-day non-resident license costs $22.00.

Guided access to private property may be arranged in advance at an additional premium.

About your guide. Our guides are personable, experienced and knowledgeable about fly fishing, the outdoors, and the Santa Fe area. They are all certified in first aid and CPR. Should you have any questions, or particular desires for your day, please ask your guide.

As with other service providers, tipping your guide 15-20% is customary if service meets your expectations.

Southwest Fly Fishers is an equal opportunity service provider operating under permits from the USDA Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management.

Reserve a guided trip in advance by calling High Desert Angler, 988-7688 Please allow at least 72 hours advance notice to assure availability.

Meet the guide at High Desert Angler. Guides normally meet clients at 8 am. Introductions, outfitting with the proper rental equipment, including waders and boots, purchasing fishing licenses and getting an orientation for the day’s activities may take up to an hour.

Travel to the fishing destination. Destinations are chosen by the guide based on fishability and weather conditions, as well as on the client’s stream type preference. Travel time is 1–2 hours. Client transportation by client’s own vehicle is strongly encouraged. The guide will transport fishing equipment, supplies, spare outdoor clothing, first aid kit and lunch supplies.

Prepare to fish. The guide will get all the equipment ready for the day while clients put on their fishing gear. A casting lesson will follow if necessary.

Fish! Your guide will provide whatever fishing supplies and attention you should need to enjoy your fishing day. Beginners will learn basic skills and how to “read” water to locate fish, abilities necessary to become a successful fly fisher.

Eat lunch. Lunch and drinks will be provided by your guide. A picnic lunch by the water is one of the most relaxing parts of a fly fishing excursion. Lunches are not provided on half-day trips. (If you have special dietary restrictions, please mention them when making your reservations.)

Fish more! Your guide can provide more advanced fly fishing instruction if you wish, or simply direct you to the “fishy” spots. Your guide is an experienced outdoor professional who can point out other features of interest, giving you the opportunity for a personalized introduction to New Mexico’s diverse environments.

Return to High Desert Angler. At the end of the day, it’s time to pack up and head back to the shop. Payment for the day is usually made at High Desert Angler at the beginning of the day. We accept MasterCard, Visa, Discover, American Express and personal checks. You also may wish to browse the store for items for your outdoor excursions!

Although this describes a typical day, we are happy to customize a trip to your own needs. Please feel free to call, visit or e-mail with questions about what we can do for you.

The following is a list of strongly recommended items for your safety and comfort.

Guide Request Form

If you would like to request guided service, completing the following form will help streamline the process.

THIS IS NOT A CONFIRMED RESERVATION until we have spoken with you by telephone.

We will try to contact you within 48 hours during or after our normal shop hours.

If you are requesting guide service within 72 hours, please telephone the store during business hours (tel number and hours listed).

Name:
Address:
City:
State:
Zipcode:
E-mail:
Daytime telephone:
Evening telephone:
Cell phone:
When is best to call?
Time zone:
We prefer to chat with you by telephone about the details of your request. Please tell us where and when we can call you:
Preferred day of week:	Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday Choose
Preferred date:
Number of clients:
(Parties of more than three require additional guides)
Where would you like to fish? (select one)	San Juan (3-1/2hours from Santa Fe)
	Local   (closer to Santa Fe
What else would you like us to know for your trip?

Exclusive High Desert Angler Guides

Click on a Guide to find out who they are