Full Day Trout Fishing with Spencer Seim
Private Trip
Flats/Shallows Fishing
Fullday trout fishing with professional guide Spencer SeimAll flies, leaders, tippets and lunch includedSmall group experience accommodating up to three guests
Picture this: a full day on pristine waters with one of the most respected guides in the business, chasing some of the healthiest rainbow and cutthroat trout populations around. That's exactly what you get when you book a whole day trip with Spencer Seim through Ziafly. This isn't your average guided fishing trip – Spencer knows these local waters better than his own backyard, and he's got the patience and expertise to put even first-time fly fishers onto fish. With all your flies, leaders, and tippets included, plus a solid lunch to keep you fueled, all you need to bring is your fishing license and the desire to land some beautiful trout. At just three anglers max, you'll get the personal attention that makes all the difference between a good day and a legendary one.
Spencer runs a tight ship, but don't expect military precision – this is all about enjoying the rhythm of the water and the hunt for willing fish. Your day starts early, usually around sunrise when the trout are most active and the water's got that perfect morning calm. Spencer will size up your experience level right away and adjust his approach accordingly. New to fly fishing? He'll start you with basic casting techniques and help you read the water. Been swinging flies for years? He'll take you to his secret spots where the bigger fish hold. The beauty of these local waters is the variety – you might be working pocket water in the morning, then switch to deeper pools or undercut banks as the day progresses. Spencer's boat is set up for comfort and efficiency, with plenty of room to work your line and all the gear organized so you spend more time fishing and less time fumbling around. Expect to move several times throughout the day as Spencer follows the bite and adjusts to changing conditions.
One of the best parts about fishing with Spencer is that he's constantly dialed into what's working. Your trip includes a full selection of proven flies – everything from classic dry patterns like Adams and Elk Hair Caddis to subsurface producers like Pheasant Tails and Prince Nymphs. Spencer ties many of his own patterns specifically for these waters, and he's always happy to share what he's learned about matching the hatch. You'll be fishing with quality leaders and tippets that Spencer provides, typically ranging from 4X to 6X depending on conditions and fish behavior. The tackle setup varies with the season and target zones, but expect to work with 4 to 6 weight rods that handle beautifully in these waters. Spencer's approach combines traditional techniques with modern insights – he might have you dead-drifting nymphs through a promising run in the morning, then switching to streamers when the afternoon shadows start stretching across the water. His instruction style is hands-on but never overwhelming, and he's got a knack for making complex techniques feel natural.
Rainbow trout are the stars of these waters, and for good reason. These fish are absolutely gorgeous – think chrome sides with that classic pink stripe that seems to glow underwater. Local rainbows typically run anywhere from 12 to 18 inches, with some real bruisers pushing into the 20-inch range if you know where to look. Spring through fall offers the most consistent action, but these fish stay active even when temperatures drop. What makes rainbows so exciting is their fight – they're aerial acrobats that will test your drag and your nerves with explosive runs and spectacular jumps. Spencer knows exactly where they stage during different parts of the season, from shallow spawning areas in spring to deeper summer holds where they wait out the heat.
Cutthroat trout bring a different kind of excitement to your day. These native beauties are distinguished by those distinctive red slashes under their jaws, and they're often more willing to take a fly than their rainbow cousins. Cutthroats in these waters average slightly smaller than the rainbows, usually in the 10 to 16-inch range, but they make up for size with attitude. They're aggressive feeders, especially during insect hatches, and they'll often hit patterns that rainbows might refuse. Peak season for cutthroats runs from late spring through early fall, with some of the best action happening during overcast days when they feel comfortable moving into shallower water. What really gets Spencer excited about targeting cutthroats is their willingness to hit dry flies – there's nothing quite like watching one rise to sip your perfectly presented Adams off the surface.
This is the kind of fishing experience that reminds you why you fell in love with the sport in the first place. Spencer's combination of local knowledge, quality equipment, and genuine passion for putting his clients on fish makes every trip feel special. Whether you're looking to improve your technique, explore new water, or just spend a perfect day chasing trout with someone who truly knows what he's doing, this whole day adventure delivers exactly what serious anglers are looking for. The three-angler limit means you'll never feel rushed or overlooked, and with lunch included, you can focus entirely on fishing instead of logistics. Spencer's calendar fills up fast, especially during prime season, so don't wait too long to secure your dates. These local waters produce year-round, but the best action happens when you've got the right guide showing you the ropes – and Spencer Seim is as good as they get.
Oncorhynchus ClarkiiCutthroats are our native beauties with that distinctive red slash under their jaw that gives them their name. Size varies a lot depending on where you hook into them - stream fish run 8-12 inches while lake dwellers can hit 3-5 pounds. Look for them in clear, cold water with rocky or gravel bottoms, especially near vegetation and undercut banks. They're less spooky than other trout, making them great for beginners, but still put up a solid scrap. Spring through fall offers the best action when water temps are right. These fish are eager feeders and will hit dry flies, nymphs, and small spinners. Pro tip: try a gold bead prince nymph drifted along the bottom near structure - cutthroats can't resist them.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout are the bread and butter of our local waters, running anywhere from 12-18 inches with some bruisers pushing 20+. These fish love cold, clean water with good current - you'll find them holding near undercut banks, below riffles, and around structure like fallen logs. They're active feeders during cooler parts of the day, especially early morning and evening when insects are hatching. What makes them special is their fighting spirit - they'll jump, run, and give you a real workout on light tackle. The pink flesh makes for excellent eating too. My go-to tip: watch for rising fish and match whatever bugs are coming off the water. A size 16 elk hair caddis or Adams dry fly will fool them when they're surface feeding.
Taos, NM