Growler Fork Hunting Alliance/Courtesy Guide
Since its founding in 2014, the Roaring Fork Fishing Guide Alliance (RFFGA) has been the driving force for guides and anglers alike in the Roaring Fork area, pledging dedication to protecting and preserving local fisheries.
In keeping with its mission, recent initiatives of the RFFGA have resulted in significant improvements for the local fishing community.
The organization has led several projects aimed at improving accessibility and safety for all users. This includes the recently installed phasing signs and parking docks at the Carbondale Boat Ramp.
In a collaborative effort, about 30 volunteers from RFFGA, the City of Carbondale, Roaring Fork Conservancy, and Colorado Parks and Wildlife participated in clearing the brush and creating additional boat anchoring spots along the bank.
Another notable project undertaken by the Coalition was at Iron Bridge, where they joined forces with the Roaring Fork Fishing Club to lay 42 tons of roadbed. This intervention was crucial to cover large and sharp boulders, which caused damage to equipment and hindered activities on the slope.
“We want to continue to grow regionally and try to get people from this whole region to come out and join us,” said Kyle Holt, President and Founder of RFFGA.
Highlighting the Iron Bridge initiative, Holt described the region’s post-runoff situation as challenging.
“After the run-off, that area was almost like an impassable state with giant boulders everywhere, and we thought we had to do something,” he said.
Although Colorado Parks and Wildlife was unable to provide funding for these projects, the RFFGA took the lead with its approval. In addition to these activities, the coalition has also begun to improve a sailboat ramp on the Colorado River.
RFFGA has grown, both in terms of its projects and its stature. Recently, the alliance achieved a significant milestone, achieving 501C3 non-profit status. This development, according to Holt, will enable the organization to gather more resources to maintain the river and make further improvements.
Reflecting on the essence of the RFFGA’s mission, Holt emphasized the passion of the local fishing community.
“There are a lot of anglers and guides in the valley who really care about protecting our waters and this wonderful place that we have the opportunity to call home,” Holt said. “We invite everyone to come and visit us if they are interested.”
RFFGA currently has over 100 members, and welcomes new members. Guides can join for $20 per year, associate membership is $25 per year and outfitters can be part of an alliance for $250 per year.
For more details or to explore membership options, interested parties can visit the RFFGA’s Facebook page page.