Master the Details
Learn how rigging, depth, weight, tippet, fly choice and subtle presentation changes can turn a difficult tailwater situation into a productive one.
Meet Your Blue Quill Guide
Pat Dorsey
Co-Owner / Head Guide
Colorado native, nationally recognized author, fly designer and veteran guide whose technical approach to tailwater fishing has influenced generations of anglers.
Experience
Nearly 30 Years Guiding
Specialty
Technical Tailwater Fishing
Leadership
BQA Head Guide & Co-Owner
Known For
Author, Educator & Fly Designer
About Pat
A Career Built on Colorado Trout Water
A Colorado native, Pat Dorsey has spent nearly three decades guiding anglers of every ability level. He is on the water more than 200 days in a typical year, combining guide trips, hosted destination travel and personal fishing.
As Head Guide and co-owner of The Blue Quill Angler, Pat helps set the standard for the entire guide operation. He oversees and trains a large professional guide staff, emphasizing integrity, preparation, technical knowledge and a genuine commitment to giving each client the best possible day on the river.
Pat is best known for his expertise on Colorado's tailwaters and the South Platte system. His approach combines careful observation, precise presentation, detailed knowledge of trout food and an ability to explain technical fishing in a way that makes anglers better long after the guided day is over.
Few anglers have spent more time studying the South Platte—and even fewer have
shared that knowledge as widely as Pat.
Fishing With Pat
Technical Fishing Made Understandable
Pat's reputation was built on difficult trout and demanding water, but his teaching style is practical and approachable. The day is adapted to the angler, not the other way around.
Understand the River
Pat teaches anglers to recognize feeding lanes, current seams, holding water, hatch clues and trout behavior instead of relying on trial and error.
Build Lasting Skills
Whether you are new to fly fishing or already experienced, the goal is to leave with techniques and decision-making skills you can apply on your own.
A Life in Fly Fishing
On the Water, at the Vise & Teaching Anglers
Author • Fly Designer • Educator
Pat Has Literally Written the Books
Pat is the author of major works on tailwaters, South Platte fishing, guide flies and fly tying. He is also the creator of widely used patterns including the Mercury series, Top Secret Midge, Medallion Midge and Black Beauty.
He has been a nationally known speaker and educator for years, sharing his approach to technical trout fishing with anglers throughout the country.
Pat's Books & Flies
Explore Pat's books, signature fly patterns and other resources available from
The Blue Quill Angler.
Beyond the Front Range
From Colorado Tailwaters to Destination Fisheries
Pat's experience extends far beyond his home water. He has spent years hosting destination travel and sharing fisheries around the world with Blue Quill anglers. That broader perspective adds another dimension to his guiding and teaching at home.
Pat and his wife Kim are both passionate anglers. Fly fishing is not simply Pat's profession—it is the thread running through his guiding, writing, fly design, travel and conservation work.
Guest Experiences
What Guests Say About Pat
Read reviews from anglers who have spent a day on the water with Pat.
Fish With The Blue Quill Angler
Put Decades of Experience to Work on Your Next Trip
Explore Blue Quill Angler guided trips and let our team help match you with the right guide, water and trip for your experience level and goals.