Telluride Flyfishers has been recognized as the Orvis Endorsed Guide Service of the Year for 2005.

"To become an Orvis endorsed guide or outfitter, one must already have reached the highest level of excellence in knowledge of guiding and commitment to customer service," said Brian Long, Senior Manager of Orvis Sporting Traditions. "These guides and businesses represent the very best of the best in their field."

Orvis selected Telluride Flyfishers from over a hundred of its endorsed guides, using direct feedback from Orvis customers who used their services in 2005. According to Orvis, annual winners have "consistently proven to excel in customer service and surpassed their clients' expectations." The Orvis Company has been endorsing fly fishing operations since 1986.

Telluride Flyfishers has been an Orvis Endorsed Guide Service for 15 years. Owner/guide Eric Reeser, who has been fishing for almost 40 years, credits the fact that all of his guides have been trained in instruction technique and that the majority have over 15 years guiding experience for their high level of customer service.

Going out with a guide is of benefit to everyone, he says. "The guides know where, what and how. They have lots of local knowledge." If nothing else, that knowledge saves lots of time, but at its best "it will help anyone become a better fisherman," Reeser promises.

In fact, Reeser goes on to make a guarantee. "When you go out with us we make sure you see fish or you get a free fish." That guarantee, he explains, means that although they can't guarantee everyone will catch a fish due to level of expertise, they find fish for everyone or will take them out again for free.

How is the year shaping up? "The fishing is excellent right now," says Reeser. "The water has dropped, rafting ended early and the bugs are active, so we are seeing Brown, Rainbow, Cutthroat and Brook Trout already."

Local favorites Midnite Scholtes, Pat Daley, Marty Wilcox and Tom Richards are just a few of the award-winning staff. Telluride Flyfishers is located at Paragon Sports on Oak Street by the gondola plaza and can be reached at 728-4440 or 800/294-9269.