Bucking Rainbow Outfitters — Local services in Steamboat Springs

I was assaulted at the twin bridges take out ramp by a Bucking Rainbow guide. I reported the incident to the BLM river permitting authority and law enforcement. The incident will affect Bucking Rainbows river permitting renewal. Unfortunately a vehicle in our group got stuck on the boat ramp just as a large Bucking Rainbow guided trip arrived. There were a number of guides that attempted to help which I politely declined as I had a plan to pull the vehicle with my truck and didn't want anyone to get hurt. One guide from Bucking Rainbow blocked me from hooking up my truck to the stuck vehicle, verbally assaulted me, and physical assaulted me when he grabbed me in an aggressive and hostile manor 2 times. He finally backed off when I put up my hands, backed away, and advised him I'd call the police if he touched me or my property again. Although he backed off he continued his verbal assault along with other Bucking Rainbow guides and continued to enter my personal space. I hooked up and got out of there immediately. We only blocked the ramp briefly. Our group was a private trip of experienced river runners. There were 3 families with 6 kids present. It's unfortunate my children had to witness this incident but they learned a valuable lesson on how to stand your ground to a bully. Everybody has bad days but this man scared me. He assaulted me for no fathomable reason. To make matters worse he carries a huge knife in plane view right on his shoulder. I could understand and forget about it if the guide apologized but he shows no remorse for his actions. It's been three days and Bucking Rainbow intends to do nothing empowering this guide to continue this violent behavior. Proceed...

These guys are shysters. I have been flyfishing for over 30 years and have booked guides at fly shops all over the U.S., in New Zealand, Canada and Chile. A friend and I booked 3 days of fall fly-fishing with these guys and flew in from the Midwest. We were somewhat flexible on September dates.

What the Bucking Rainbow crew did not tell me when I booked was that they hold an annual fishing tourney for their existing clients and buddies each fall. All of their best guides work that event. Since we were booked for the same weekend, they had set aside all of the best water in the area for their tournament. Unbelievably, on our first day they put us on a piece of private water that was so low it could not support a trout population. Obviously, the trout had dropped out of that creek into the river. We left after two hours to fish public waters

Our thought is that Bucking Rainbow folks thought we were two inexperienced fisherman and that they could get away with taking advantage of us. They could have taken the high road and told us to come another weekend, but they decided to pocket our money instead. Only when we politely but strongly complained to the owner did they offer a refund for half of one of our days.

If I go back to Steamboat, I will choose...

These guys are the best!! The guides are uber knowledgeable, super friendly, expert rafters. No experience needed...our family of 8 (ages 8-63) all had a wonderful time!! Very clean and well cared for, good condition equipment. They provided everything - floatation vests, helmets, water shoes, wet suits, dry jackets. Alfred did a great job taking pictures with our camera and holding our keys. I forget her name, but the lady at the beginning provided a very thorough safety speech. Before we put in, they taught us the proper way to row, safety signals, and how to react if someone went in the water. Logan, Marcus, and Georgie were hands down the BEST!! Can't say enough good words about this crew and company. Decent prices for a 6 mile class 3 "float" with lots of dips and turns on the beautiful Elk River. This company is the only one with access to this beautiful river and they know every rock, turn, and hazard along the way....