Seizing the Opportunity to Wet a Line During a Business Trip
Redux by Derrek Stewart, 12/1/25
Anglers can enhance a business trip by making time for a
local fishing excursion. It’s a great way to explore local fishing culture and
discover new fishing venues. With a bit of thoughtful planning, you can create
the opportunity to expand your fishing horizons and make lasting memories.
Prelude
During a business convention and my first visit to Denver,
Colorado, I included free time in my travel itinerary to wet a line. Denver is
flush with fishing opportunities; lakes, rivers, and streams are abundant
throughout the region. However, a few considerations shaped my angling choices:
I wasn’t familiar with the area, I didn’t have time for trial and error, and I
didn’t want to travel with gear that might or might not suit the angling
pursuit I’d eventually find myself in.
Accelerating the Learning Curve
My first step was to Google local Tackle shops, look at
their websites, read reviews, and choose one for a visit. The staff at tackle
shops will have expert qualifications. They’ll know the hot bite, and they can
recommend a fishing guide that is well-suited for the angling adventure you’re
after. The guide will also have top-rated fishing equipment rigged and ready
for your use.
The friendly staff and owner of Discount Fishing Tackle
were excellent at answering my questions and directing me to a highly
experienced guide, who could accommodate my schedule. Enter Dan Guaydacan, a local
flyfishing guide. I called Dan, and he asked a few questions about my
goals, time frame, my experience, and hiking abilities, and a plan was
made.
Hiking
the trail with expert Flyfishing Guide, Dan Guaydacan.
Cheesman Canyon, Colorado – with Dan Guaydacan at the South
Platte River near Deckers, CO, is a stunning spot perfect for a memorable fishing
adventure.
On
the trail, looking down at the South Platte River, with its deep blue surface and
surrounding rugged, snowcapped, beautiful landscape.
A
fruitful-looking pool created by the eddy and rocks to the left of the
faster-moving water, showcasing the scenic river landscape.
A
super nice rainbow, on the fly. I’m no stranger to flyfishing, but it’s not my
comfort zone, which made this journey rewarding!
Dan’s
fly box and the excellent gear provided highlight the quality that
contributed to the successful fishing experience.
A closer look at the successful fly of the day on the rod’s hook
keeper.
Another
promising pool, notice the calm and the fast water, indications of depth.
Cheesman
Canyon is beautiful. I’m thrilled for the opportunity to visit and fish
here, thank you, Dan!
If you find yourself in the Denver area looking for a
guided flyfishing adventure, call Dan. Dan was very friendly and skilled, which
made the entire experience feel welcoming and trustworthy. The hike wasn’t
easy, nor difficult, and Dan asked how much I was willing to take on
beforehand. The gear provided was top-of-the-line, which enhanced comfort.
As I said, flyfishing isn’t my mainstay. Dan is an
excellent guide and did a fabulous job coaching me to catch rainbow trout.
During the approximately one-hour drive to and from the canyon, Dan also served
as a travel guide, highlighting several noteworthy locations along the way.
Thank you, Dan, for a very special day, and for making my business visit to
Denver extremely better.
