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On The Water Fly Fishing

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 Vail, 81657

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About

On The Water Fly Fishing is a Vail guide service run by owner Tom Rushlow, who has guided professionally since 2013 and taught at a university in Thailand before that. The teaching background shapes the business: along with standard guided trips, OTW offers classroom-plus-river instruction for anglers who want to get better, not just be put on fish.

It suits first-timers who want patient teaching, experienced anglers who want to work on one skill, and small groups. Rushlow is candid that he cannot promise a lot of fish, only that you will leave a better angler.

Guided wade and float trips

Walk-and-wade trips run as half, three-quarter or full days, with lunch included on the full day. Float trips carry two anglers per boat and are run through a third-party company. A private-water option is available for an added rod fee. OTW recommends starting with a half day, since a trip can be extended.

Instruction trips

The instruction trips start in a classroom and finish on the water. The beginner trip teaches you to tie nymph, dry fly and dry-dropper rigs yourself. The intermediate trip goes deeper into entomology, reading water and rigging. On the Angler's Choice trip you pick the focus, from euro nymphing and pocket water to winter fishing or small streams, including Gore Creek.

Collegiate fly fishing school

For university outdoor education programs, OTW runs a three-day beginner school for groups of up to six students, with loaner rods, boots and waders and a chest pack of tackle each student keeps.

Booking

Book through the contact form or by phone. A trip is confirmed only after OTW speaks with you and payment is made through a secure link. Everyone 16 and older needs a Colorado fishing license. Prices and trip lengths are in the FAQ below.

Sources: On The Water Fly Fishing, About, Wade and float trips, Instruction trips, Contact, Collegiate school. Checked September 24, 2026.

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Company Name
On The Water Fly Fishing
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Location
2958 S Frontage Rd W
Vail, 81657

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About On The Water Fly Fishing

Quick answer: On The Water Fly Fishing is a guide service at 2958 S Frontage Rd W, Vail, CO 81657. Vail fly fishing guide Tom Rushlow runs wade and float trips plus classroom-and-river instruction for beginners and improving anglers.

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On The Water Fly Fishing is a Vail guide service run by owner Tom Rushlow, who has guided professionally since 2013 and taught at a university in Thailand before that. The teaching background shapes the business: along with standard guided trips, OTW offers classroom-plus-river instruction for anglers who want to get better, not just be put on fish.

It suits first-timers who want patient teaching, experienced anglers who want to work on one skill, and small groups. Rushlow is candid that he cannot promise a lot of fish, only that you will leave a better angler.

Guided wade and float trips

Walk-and-wade trips run as half, three-quarter or full days, with lunch included on the full day. Float trips carry two anglers per boat and are run through a third-party company. A private-water option is available for an added rod fee. OTW recommends starting with a half day, since a trip can be extended.

Instruction trips

The instruction trips start in a classroom and finish on the water. The beginner trip teaches you to tie nymph, dry fly and dry-dropper rigs yourself. The intermediate trip goes deeper into entomology, reading water and rigging. On the Angler's Choice trip you pick the focus, from euro nymphing and pocket water to winter fishing or small streams, including Gore Creek.

Collegiate fly fishing school

For university outdoor education programs, OTW runs a three-day beginner school for groups of up to six students, with loaner rods, boots and waders and a chest pack of tackle each student keeps.

Booking

Book through the contact form or by phone. A trip is confirmed only after OTW speaks with you and payment is made through a secure link. Everyone 16 and older needs a Colorado fishing license. Prices and trip lengths are in the FAQ below.

Sources: On The Water Fly Fishing, About, Wade and float trips, Instruction trips, Contact, Collegiate school. Checked September 24, 2026.

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Amenities at On The Water Fly Fishing

  • Guided wade trips
  • Guided float trips
  • Fly-fishing instruction
  • Private-water option
  • Lunch on full-day trips

Frequently Asked Questions

What trips does On The Water Fly Fishing offer?
Guided walk-and-wade trips, float trips, instruction-based wade trips (Beginner, Intermediate and Angler's Choice) that start in a classroom and finish on the water, and a three-day collegiate beginner school for university outdoor education programs. Owner Tom Rushlow has guided professionally since 2013; his stated promise is that you will leave a better angler, not a guaranteed catch.
How much does a wade trip cost?
As listed in October 2026: half day (4 hours) $375 for one angler, $450 for two, $650 for three; three-quarter day (6 hours) $475, $550 or $750; full day (8 hours, lunch included) $575, $650 or $850. OTW recommends starting with a half day, since the day can be extended. For groups of four or more, contact OTW for pricing, as published rates run to three anglers.
How much does a float trip cost?
Per boat, for up to two anglers: half day (4 hours) $550, three-quarter day (6 hours) $650, full day (8 hours, lunch included) $800. Float trips are currently run through a third-party company holding an official River Outfitter License.
What do the instruction trips cost, and what do they teach?
The 4-hour Beginner and Angler's Choice trips are $375 for one angler, $450 for two and $650 for three; the 6-hour Intermediate trip is $475, $550 or $750. All three start in a classroom and finish on the water. The Beginner trip teaches you to tie nymph, dry fly and dry-dropper rigs yourself. The Intermediate trip goes deeper into entomology, reading water and rigging. On Angler's Choice you pick the focus, from entomology, reading water and euro nymphing to pocket water, winter fishing, or small streams, including Gore Creek.
I have never fly fished. Can I book, and which trip should I choose?
Yes. Standard wade trips are built around learning the basics of fooling trout, and the Beginner instruction trip is recommended for anglers with zero to some experience. OTW suggests starting with a half-day trip, which can be extended on the day. The Intermediate instruction trip asks for at least a year of regular fishing, and Angler's Choice is aimed at anglers with two or more years.
Can I fish private water?
Yes. Private water is available for an extra rod fee of $125 to $200 per angler on top of the trip price. Note "yes" in the booking form, or mention it when you call, if you want the private-water option.
What is included in the price?
Lunch is included on full-day wade and float trips (8 hours). Your fishing license is never included. The OTW website does not publish a gear list for standard trips, so confirm what rods, waders and flies are provided when you book; for the collegiate school, loaner rods, boots and waders are included.
Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. It is mandatory for every client aged 16 and older to have a Colorado fishing license, and it is not included in any trip price. Collegiate students buy theirs through the Colorado Parks and Wildlife website.
Who is the collegiate school for, and what does it cost?
University and college outdoor education programs. The three-day beginner school takes a group of six students from complete beginner to self-sufficient angler: classroom work on gear, knots, entomology and reading water, then time on the water each day. Total cost for six students is $5,900, including guide fees, classroom rental, land use fees, coursebook, boots, waders, rods and reels rental, and a chest pack of terminal tackle and flies that each student keeps. Fishing licenses and lodging are not included.
How do I book, and what are the cancellation terms?
Fill out the contact form on otwflyfishing.com, call (512) 745-6883 or email [email protected]. OTW will contact you by phone, email or text to confirm the date, then send a secure payment link; your trip is not confirmed until you have spoken with OTW and payment is made. OTW does not publish cancellation or refund terms on its website, so ask about them when you book.

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