San Juan River Guide Service from Rainbow Lodge Customer Feedback

"...I have had my share of guides on the San Juan River over the past five years, but none compare to Chris Guikema at Resolution Guide Service. Not only was he extremely patient with a first time fisherman I brought along, but he showed us spots I never knew existed. After 2 days and over 40 big fish, I am sold and will look no further than Resolution Guide Service for my next fly fishing trip..." Nick D'Ambrosio, CA Managing Director BGG Search Group
"Chris, I had a lot of fun fishing the San Juan for my 8th birthday. I learned a lot of things about fly fishing - how to cast those little flies out, what flies work the best, how to set the hook without losing the fish, how to get the fish in, and how to let them go. I caught some of the big fish that I could see. My favorite fly was the Dark Flesh S.J. Worm. Thanks for being so patient and nice to me! I would like to go again soon. Today was the best time fishing we've ever had. Mom and Dad had a great time too. Kelby Erickson (note from Dad) - Thanks so much, you have created a fly fishing fan. Next time maybe I will catch half as many fish as Kelby. Your knowledge of the river coupled with your enthusiasm made for a memorable day. We'll be back on the river soon!!!"
"Just wanted to thank you for taking such good care of me on my first trip to the San Juan. From "Texas hole" down, I learned more about nymph fishing in 2 days than I have in two years. You know every rock, riffle and seam on that river. I didn't expect it to produce so well in February, but with your help it exceeded all my expectations. No way would I have done as well without you. Next time I come down we'll go back for the "one that got away". Still kicking myself about that fish. If anyone wants a reference just send them to steveoh@bestweb.net For those of you looking for an "ace-in- holes" on the San Juan, make sure you go out with this guy." Steve Ohman Ossining, NY
"Chris, I just wanted to drop you a note and thank you for the outstanding time we had on the San Juan River. It was by far the greatest fishing I have ever been on, bar none... As far as our group goes, we would especially like to extend our appreciation for the extra time you guys spent to make sure we learned the proper approach for each situation we came up upon. The two wading trips we went on were no less than stellar. My fishing skills increased at least two fold and we look forward to taking our skills to another level here in Michigan and next summer on the Bighorn in Montana… Good Fishing and Go State!" Tim Ward
"One of the greatest fly fishing adventures I've ever been on. Resolution Guide Service knows how to get the fish when no one else can." Lyle Davis, CA President Davco Enterprises Inc.
"Hey Chris, Just wanted to say thanks for a great time. Lisa really enjoyed the float trips. On sat am, we went to the area you suggested and I had a great time. I landed a couple nice ones (18-20"), and lost a fair number. Most of them were caught site fishing (once the sun came up over the ridge). Some were in really shallow water (the riffle and flat below the metal object)actually the first one looked like a shark w/ its back out of the water. He really moved for the fly and I actually stuck him twice before finally getting a solid hook set. It was bit more difficult for Lisa, but we worked on a few fish and she stuck a few, but they got off. It was definitely good for her to practice the more technical stuff. We were the first ones out there, but that didn't last too long. After lunch, we headed down to the riffle above the take out and the baetis hatch came off around 1-2, along with the rain. There were fish popping all over the place - it was great! Lisa did very well (right by the tree you recommended). She landed a fair number (6?) and lost three times that. I was too busy taking care of her, that I didn't get too many myself (maybe 5 landed), but I was happy to see her doing so well. Let me know what your schedule is like for the Bighorn in July. If it works out (I have to find out if I'm heading to Alaska), I would probably be interested in 2 days of fishing. Thanks again! Cheers!" Lawrence Honma
"The pictures sum it up, but the memories are better. Thanks to Craig, we had a great introduction to the river and fly fishing in general." John Bleck Melissa Underwood
"Chris, A big THANK YOU for the guided trips with Jeff Massey on Saturday and you on Sunday. I had only fly fished once in my life before this trip, so I was a real novice. But, you and Jeff immediately put me on fish. In fact, in the first five minutes of Saturday morning, after some casting instruction from Jeff, I hooked and landed a 20" cutbow, my largest fish of the trip. At the end of Saturday, I had landed well over a dozen fish, all in the 16" - 20" range. On Sunday, you put my fishing partner and me on 8 brown trout, before we even left the Texas Hole!! We probably boated 30 fish during the day (and we could have had 80 if we could have hooked up with all the strikes). Unbelievable!! It is truly amazing that you can take a river like the Juan that receives an incredible amount of pressure, and yet you took a rank amateur like me and I was able to catch fish. I'll definitely be back and your guide service will be the first phone call I make. Thanks for an awesome trip." Larry D. Laughter Amarillo, TX
"Chis, I just wanted to follow up and thank you again for the outstanding trip that you guided on the San Juan for Cathy and me. We had a fantastic time fishing with you, catching big trout, learning fly-fishing techniques, understanding the geology and biology of the river, and getting aquainted with you personally. Your fishing expertise was evident and your stories about outfitting throughout the West were fascinating. Congratulations on your marriage. We wish you the best with your new bride and your business." Tom Franklin, Wildlife Policy Director The Wildlife Society
"Just wanted to drop you a line about last weeks trip on the Juan. We realize 3 rookies are a real handful for any guide, but Mike appeared to pull it off with ease. His ability to teach the nuances of this river are greatly appreciated. This was our first guided fishing trip and certainly will not be our last with Resolution. Really impressed with the fishing the nymphing and dries are both addictive.. Pass my e-mail address and phone no. onto Mike. If he ever visits his family here in Oregon, we have some white-water with his name on it, as well as a few Deschutes Redsides... Thanks for a great experience" Mark Rettmann
"Chris, Just wanted to let you know how much I enjoyed my "virgin" trip to the juan. Although I didn't get to meet you or your wife personally I really appreciate the way I was treated while I was booking my trip. It's nice to do business with people who give your type of service to people they never even see. I can't say enough how much I enjoyed JEFF. He got me "hooked to some bows" quickly and I knew I was in for a good day. He was not only an excellent guide but a good guy. He made my first experience with a guide a memorable one and we shared more than just a fishing trip. His knowledge and personality were instrumental for an exceptional day on the juan. If I would have landed every fish he hooked me on I would have had better than fourty for the day!! The experience and camraderie he shared with me will always be remembered. I look forward to fishing with him again someday. So I send a "TEXAS THANKS" to you with hopes that I may even meet and fish with you one day but if not you can feel comfortable that I will always remember that my first trip was a resolution. I hope I can send some more clients your way -- until then take care and tight lines." Sid Hutter
*"Hello Chris:* Charles Stanley emailing you. I wanted to drop a line and let you know my trip with Mike was a success. I had a great time. We caught some nice fish, that fried chicken lunch was the ticket. I am from the south and we eat fried chicken a lot, and that was some pretty good chicken if I must say so myself. Mike did a great job. I like his approach to the job. He was very professional, patient and helpful. He is a dearth of information and does a good job of sharing his knowledge. He has a good delivery, meaning that he is good at providing instruction to the client and gives me the impression that he is a people person. That is the key to being good guide. I wanted another day on the river but it just was not in the cards. I had to get back, plus I was sore from fishing and some other things I had to do on Thursday. Anyway, take care and keep up the good work." Charles Stanley
"Chris, We wanted to send you a note of thanks. Our experience on the San Juan with you was beyond our wildest fishing dreams. The extra time and patience that you took with us was truly professional and appreciated. We liked the experience so much that we bought some property just north of Pagosa Springs. We may get to hunt ducks together after all. Once the last kid is out of high school, in about 3 years, we plan to build a place out there. We are already planning next years trip out to see you again next year, and we think that we'll bring friends. Chris thanks so much for sharing the "Juan" with us..." Keith and Maryanne Hoffman

To book your complete trip with Resolution Guide Service and Rainbow Lodge on the San Juan River, contact us at info@sanjuanfishing.com or call toll free 1-888-328-1858.

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Special USDA Forest Service permit to operate in the San Juan National Forest (Pagosa District)

All guided fishing trips are run and managed by Resolution Guide Service LLC, a company operated by the owner of Rainbow Lodge on the San Juan River LLC.