Packraft Fly fishing: Learning How to Paddle & Fly Fish From a 2-Person Packraft on the Dolores River (above town)
Learn to packraft Fly Fish on the Animas River
Course Overview
Learn how to paddle a two-person packraft, the Alpacka Forager, and how to fly fish from that boat with one of Colorado’s best fly fishing guides, Thad Ferrell. Thad is also a Level 4 American Canoe Association packrafting instructor.
What will you learn? Over two days, Thad will teach you how to paddle your Forager like a drift boat and how to drift float fly fish on the Animas River, Durango, Colorado. You’ll also learn: basic paddle strokes, tandem paddling, solo paddling with an angler in front, reading the water from the boat for optimal fishing, how to find optimal fishing spots, bug etymology, rod storage and accessibility, packraft care and maintenance and trip planning.
Price: $800-$1300
A 50% deposit is required within 90 days of the course to hold your spot. And we will need the remaining balance 30 days prior to your course. If you are registering inside of the 30 day window, the remaining balance is due immediately.
Please review our cancellation policy, which you will find on our Terms, Conditions & Cancellation Policy Page.
What's included
PFDs, paddles, a 2-person Alpacka Raft Forager, flies and rods. You just need to purchase a Colorado Fishing License from the DOW. You can do this the day before, online or we can hit the fly shop before heading out.
We can likely provide waders and boots, but we need to know your shoe size and weight a couple days before the trip starts.
what's not included
This course does not include food, lodging or shuttling.
Instructor
Thad Ferrell
Thad is an outdoor enthusiasts through and through. Fishing and nature have always been in his blood. Thad decided to leave the world of construction to become a full time fishing and outdoor recreation guide in 2020. We are super grateful to have him on board as one of our premier fly fishing guides. His love of nature and people is unparalled. You will never have a bad day with Thad.
Thad is also a Level 4 American Canoe Association Packraft Instructor. An early adopter of packrafting and life-long cyclist and bikepacker, Thad has accomplished some ground-breaking, multi-week climb-bike-packraft adventures in the desert Southwest. He is also an expert fly fishing guide.
