Local Business Spotlight:
ArkAnglers
Meet ArkAnglers!
ArkAngers is a fly fishing shop and guide service with locations in both Salida and Buena Vista. They have been providing the Arkansas Valley with fishing gear, guidance, and service since 1994! Keep reading to learn more!
The Spotlight
Rod Patch, Owner
Tell us a little about your background and who you are.
ArkAnglers is owned and operated by Rod Patch, Greg Felt, and Braden Baker.
About Rod Patch
Rod Patch started the Arkansas River Fly Shop, now known as ArkAnglers, in Salida in 1994. A Colorado native, Patch currently splits his time between Salida and Montrose, where you can find him hard at work on his cattle ranch. Patch has two children and recently celebrated his youngest's graduation from Salida High School.
About Greg Felt
Greg Felt founded the guide service component of ArkAnglers with Rod Patch in 1998 and managed logistics full-time until 2016. Felt currently serves as Chaffee County Commissioner, Board Chairman, where he continues his long work with water. He additionally serves as Director of the Upper Arkansas and Southeastern Colorado Water Conservancy Districts, is a member of the Arkansas Basin Round Table, and on the Colorado board of the Trust for Public Land. He still provides daily oversight at ArkAnglers and guides a reduced schedule of float-fishing trips. Felt currently resides in Salida with his wife and has two children.
Owner Greg Felt and his wife, Susan
Owner Braden Baker with his wife and son
About Braden Baker
Braden Baker's love of the mountains and cold, clear water led him from the finance world in Dallas to Colorado in 2012. Most days you'll find Baker serving as General Manager out of the ArkAnglers Salida location, or volunteering his time as an angling representative on the AHRA Citizens Task Force. He currently resides in Buena Vista with his wife and young son.
What is ArkAnglers’ mission/vision statement?
To provide the most professional guided trips, offer the most comprehensive selection of fly fishing gear, and supply the most timely, accurate, and reliable information.
How long have you been operating?
ArkAnglers has operated in the Arkansas River Valley since 1994. Our flagship store, the Arkansas River Fly Shop, is located at 7500 W Hwy 50 in Salida, Colorado. Our Buena Vista location opened in 1998 and is located at 517 Hwy 24 S, directly across from City Market. The shops and guide service have been consistently recognized by state and national organizations for exemplary outfitting, education efforts, promotion of the fishery, quality of information, championing small business, and excellent service.
What motivated you to start your own business?
Both Rod and Greg saw a need and opportunity to provide anglers and the community at large with the best possible gear, guidance, and service on the Arkansas River.
Please describe the services you offer.
We offer a wide range of guided fly fishing including wade, float, high alpine, reservoir, and custom trip options, as well as the largest selection of fly fishing gear in the Valley. We also offer instructional courses in angling and conservation, as well as whitewater rowing, and the most timely, accurate, and reliable information.
What makes your business stand out from other businesses offering similar services or products?
Our 25+ years experience in the Arkansas River Valley, and our knowledgeable guide staff truly set us apart.
What are your customers saying about you? What keeps them coming back?
Both our guide staff and shops are consistently recognized for their knowledge, expertise, and selection, and they are the reason people come back year after year. A recent customer review from Google reviewer Cody J., "Best fly shop on the Ark hands down. If you want to catch nice fish, and get the right fly for the hatch with honest answers. Best guides in Chaffee County and the state!"
Have you won any awards or had any special recognition or acknowledgment of your business?
The shops and guide service have been consistently recognized by state and national organizations for exemplary outfitting, education efforts, promotion of the fishery, quality of information, championing small business, and excellent service. In 2018, we were recognized by Colorado Trout Unlimited with the Exemplary Guide and Outfitter Award, a unique recognition not given annually.
What are your plans for the future of your business?
With the continued growth in the sport of fly fishing, we are eager to continue providing excellent service and gear for our guests as we welcome the 2021 season and beyond.
Greg Felt and Braden Baker with the Colorado Trout Unlimited Exemplary Guide and Outfitter Award.
Is there anything special you would like to feature about your business?
Our shops and guide service have been consistently recognized by state and national organizations for exemplary outfitting, educational efforts, promotion of the fishery, quality of information, championing small business, and excellent service.
Do you have any upcoming events or specials that you would like to share with us?
We just completed our fifth Fly Fishing 101 course for the season. Due to high attendance and even higher demand, an additional course may be hosted later in the season, dates TBD. Please call 719-539-4223 if you are interested in signing up. Private instruction is also available.
Please tell us one of your favorite things about being a part of our community.
What's not to love about Chaffee County and the Arkansas River Valley? We are proud to continue to call this community home after more than 25+ years!
What are your hours of operation? Do you have seasonal hours?
We currently operate Monday through Saturday, 8:00-6:00, and Sundays, 8:00-5:00, at both locations. Our hours are generally reduced seasonally from November-February, dependent on a variety of conditions.
GET IN TOUCH
ArkAnglers | Salida
7500 US Highway 50, Salida, CO 81201
719-539-4223
ArkAnglers | Buena Vista
517 South Highway 24, Buena Vista, CO 81211
719-395-1796
CONNECT WITH ARKANGLERS!
www.arkanglers.com
Follow ArkAnglers on Facebook
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A special thanks to Braden Baker, of ArkAnglers, for taking the time to answer our questions!
Your business brings so much to the communities of Salida and Buena Vista!
