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Derek Ems



guide / captain





Derek Ems is flat out one of the nicest guys (guides) on the water. He guides with an easy-going but also with a hard working and fun approach. From rookies to experts he will deliver a great day on the water day in and day out.

No matter the type of water he is dialed. From small waters in the mountains to the tricky trout on the San Juan to float trips on the Rio Grande he is the guy for the job.

Derek also enjoys traveling in pursuit of redfish, tarpon, bonefish, permit and steelhead.

As for Redfish, Captain Derek offers guided charters of the coast of Louisiana. From November through February he is available for amazing flats trips in the marsh for bull reds. More booking details soon!

In the fall Derek typically spends time tracking elk throughout the Southwest and steelhead in the wilds of BC. In the winter Derek is either off the cost of Texas, Louisiana or in the tropics chasing other saltwater species. When he is in Durango can be found tying flies for the upcoming season. He also enjoys sliding down ski slopes as well as chasing trout.

derek's IG

















More than an a sport . . . fly fishing is life.





"My days on the water with Derek are some of my best of the
year. Thanks for the great times."





- Jen S, Sante Fe NM



Southwest Fly Fishing Guide Service



durango | creede | southfork | silverton | navajo dam | pagosa springs | dolores
Rio Epic: 970-259-0484
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