OUR TALENT
TAD SHANNON
head guide
(641) 660-6745
Tad grew up bow-hunting, musket hunting, and fishing with his grandpappy in the woodlands of central Iowa, which is why he is a natural to be our Head Guide. The South Platte River and Puma Hills of South Park are Tad's home grounds now. He is invaluable on the Dream Stream and is a master at Pike Hunting in Spinney.
KYLE TYBOROSKI
(719) 331-2915
Kyle is one of our region's most sought after guides. He grew up here with multiple generations of Lake George fishing people. He graduated Frying Pan Angler's Guide School and is experienced in fly fishing the Front Range, most especially the South Platte River. The Abell River Ranch private water on the South Platte River is his specialty.
MARY MANKA
tenkara
(303) 829-0406
Mary Manka is a retired Police Officer having spent her career in Boulder, CO. She teaches Tenkara all over our region and knows where to take you to catch a variety of species of trout on foot or floating in an inflatable kick boat. She is also VP of Colorado Women Fly Fisheres.
GEORGE MINGUS
reserve
George is absolutely focused. He is focused on hunting, fishing, police work, and family. He guided for 4 years with Tumbling Trout before graduating Police Academy and being hired by Park County as a Deputy. When I asked him if he migth still guide for us and he said, "I just limited out on ducks so I guess I can." We are fortunate to have him.
AMANDA WILLSHIRE
reserve
Amanda is a river woman and a fine welded metal artist. She guides with competence and gets people on fish with an appreciation for the beauty of the experience.
COLE GRAY
reserve
Cole was personally recommended to us by Landon Mayer. He's worked in our shop for 4 years as a clerk, tying custom flies, and guiding while he went to local High School where he also placed in Wrestling Championships rating him in the top 5 in the State of Colorado. He is a college student now at Western State with a full paid athletic scholarship. He still guides for us when he's on break.
MELANIE CINKLE
reserve
Melanie is a Colorado Local. She's been teaching fly fishing in our region for Casting for Recovery - an organization devoted to enhancing the quality of life of women with breast cancer. Melanie is also an active member of Colorado Women on the Fly in Denver.
MICHELE WHITE
owner
(720) 363-2092
Certified Professional Fly Fishing Guide – Certified Tenkara guide - Certified Boat Handler, VP Education Pikes Peak Trout Unlimited.
I own Tumbling Trout. I am a retired geologist and a published author.
I've been rowing a dory and fly fishing for over 20 years with my husband on the Great Riversr of the West. I learned the Tenkara method of fly fishing from Tim Hill and Mark Cole through the certification program at Colorado Mountain College in Leadville. I am also on the Board of Directors for Pikes Peak Trout Unlimited.
SPECIALTY TRIP IDEAS
Abell River Ranch Private Access
Enjoy one of South Park’s finest fisheries with abundant large rainbow trout. The Abell River Ranch was held in private ranching hands for more than a century until recently. Now, this 295 acre parcel offers 4 miles of private fishing on the South Platte River, surrounded by the Tarryall Mountains.
Pike Hunt Spinney Reservoir
Tad will get you onto pike - possibly one of the trophy pike -- that inhabit the shallow weedy water of Spinney Reservoir – book our Master Pike Hunter, Tad Shannon.
A Grand Slam Tour of South Park
Mark off your bucket list! We have the access to waters that can offer a 4-species trout day. You fish the Headwaters of the Upper Middle Fork of the South Platte, Tarryall River Valley, and beyond! All within scenic South Park! You’ll finally be able to capture a brookie, cutthroat, rainbow and brown – ALL IN ONE DAY! Plus, you’ll Have COVID compliant lunch in either historic Fairplay or Hartsel.
Inflatable Float Fishing South Park
Ever wondered about the mystique of inflatable boats you see on lakes? We’d love to guide you float-fishing trip in one of these at Spinney, Antero, or Tarryall reservoirs.
CHANNEL 9 NEWS FLOATING FISHING WITH US!
Tenkara (Japanese) Fishing
Tenkara is a must-do for both seasoned or novice anglers. The difference between Tenkara and traditional fly fishing is no reel, no casting! The rod extends telescopically from a handle of about 15 - 26 inches out to 8 to over 14 feet long.
The method is to approach the river with knowledge of trout lairs. Use the action of the fly to trigger the trout, like playing the string game with a cat. The line is (for the most part) not on the water, so there is no drag. Ideally, you have a significant amount of drag-free time to play with the trout.
We are a Tenkara USA dealer:
Traditional Wade Fishing Streamside
Wade fishing means walking along the stream looking at the river and casting to trout lairs. We focus on presentation and acquisition of fly fishing skills, such as casting, mending, setting the hook, and handling the fish. Your instructor will assist with any difficult aspects, like tying the flies on and spotting the trout. This is a great step in becoming self-sufficient.
Ice Fishing
If this style of fishing sounds intriguing but scary, let me tell you: We will put you in a heated hut in a chair and you will be safe safe safe. Bring your friends, this is meant to be a hoot and it is AWESOME BEAUTIFUL!!!