Tipping a Guide Without Being Weird About It

Some anglers hate clear water.
Others live for it — that split-second flash of gold in a tailout, that suspended swirl that gives you away.

Let’s talk about the awkward part of booking a guided trip in Colorado: tipping.

No one wants to under-tip and feel cheap. No one wants to over-tip and feel like a tourist throwing money around. And most outfitters? They rarely give you a straight answer.

So here’s the truth about tipping your fly fishing guide—what’s fair, when it matters, and how to do it without making it weird.

Listen to the Podcast!

Why Tip at All?

Because guiding isn’t just rowing the boat or pointing at fish.

It’s showing up early, driving long hours, prepping gear, tying flies, keeping you safe, coaching without condescension, untangling bird’s nests, netting fish, and making sure the day feels like yours—not theirs.

Guides hustle. And tips are a real part of their income.

What’s Standard in Colorado?

• 15–20% of the trip cost is the norm
• More if the guide went above and beyond
• Less if something went wrong and wasn’t handled

If the trip cost $600, a $100–120 tip is generous. $90 is solid. $50 is light but appreciated. No tip? Only if the experience truly missed the mark.

Do You Tip the Shop or the Guide?

Always tip the guide directly. They’re the one rowing, teaching, and troubleshooting all day.

If you’re paying at the shop, you can hand the tip over there and ask it to go to the guide—but cash in hand or Venmo after the trip is cleaner and more appreciated.

What About Float vs. Wade?

Same rule. The guide’s effort doesn’t change just because you’re in a boat or on foot.

That said, floats are often longer and more gear-intensive, so if they worked hard to get you into fish on a tough float, lean toward the upper end.

What If the Fishing Was Slow?

Good question.

Tipping isn’t just about the number of fish. It’s about the guide’s effort, attitude, and professionalism.

Did they scout, adjust, communicate, and put in real work? Then they earned the tip—even if the fish didn’t eat.

If the trip was phoned in, different story. But most working guides know when it’s tough and still show up 100%.

What If You Can’t Afford a Big Tip?

Tip what you can—and say something honest and respectful.

Most guides would rather get $60 and a sincere “Thank you for a hell of a day” than nothing and a ghost.

And if you can’t tip at all, don’t disappear. Write a thoughtful review, refer a friend, or book them again later.

Don’t Overthink It—But Don’t Skip It

This isn’t a hotel bellhop situation. It’s not just for good manners.

Tipping is part of the culture because good guides give more than the day requires. They teach. They care. And they keep showing up.

So don’t be weird about it. Be grateful, be fair, and when in doubt—just ask.

Fall in Colorado means one thing: the rivers go see-through, and the trout get PhDs in human behavior.
If you’ve ever felt a fish look at you and say no, this one’s for you.