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Matt McCannel
Fly Fishing Guide and Fly Designer in Ridgway, Colorado
With an abiding passion for fly fishing, teaching and conservation, Matt McCannel is a premier fly fishing guide in Western Colorado.
His personal, hands-on approach to teaching and deep knowledge of the local waters, local insects and local fish populations have made him one of the most sought-after guides in the region. He is a fixture of the local fly fishing scene — making media appearances in Fly Fisherman magazine, This is Fly magazine, The Venturing Angler and The Telluride Daily Planet. He also gives lectures and talks at fly shops and community events throughout the state. His mission? To help others step up their game and enjoy fishing the breathtaking beauty of the Gunnison Gorge more than ever before.
Matt has made a career out of helping beginner fishermen and experienced anglers alike have their perfect day on Colorado's finest waters. In particular, Matt is a sight fishing expert. He delights in helping guide anglers to fish that they'll measure in pounds, not inches. He enjoys little more than getting one of his clients into the big, rare and difficult fish they've never caught before. Notorious in the fishing community for bringing a step ladder on walking trips — to see the fish better, and position his clients for maximum success — Matt McCannel is able to spot your dream fish and guide you into the ideal position for a strike.
Whether you want to perfect your technique or hunt for the biggest trout you've ever laid eyes on, Matt McCannell will expand your horizons, push your abilities and — most importantly of all — teach you something new about the wide world of fly fishing.


Who Is Matt McCannel?
Matt is the head fishing guide at RIGS Fly Shop & Guide Service in the Western Colorado town of Ridgway, located just minutes from his home hatch in the Uncompahgre River tailwater in the Gunnison Gorge. He's also an ambassador for the Sage and SIMMS fly fishing gear manufacturers and a royalty fly tier for Umpqua Feather Merchants. His beautiful, diverse and effective fly designs have received industry praise for their remarkable ability to tempt brown, rainbow and cutthroat trout.
Sponsors
Aside from being one of the most saught after guides in the country he is a royalty fly tier for Umpqua Feather Merchants and is on several Ambassador/ Pro Teams for the industries best company’s including – Sage, Simms, FishPond, Costa, and Scientific Anglers. Matt guides exclusively for RIGS Fly Shop and lives in Ridgway Colorado with his wife.