Meet the Blue Quill Team
John Keefover
Fly Fishing Guide
A Colorado native and longtime South Platte specialist, John combines thousands of days on the water with careful observation, detailed preparation, and a guide philosophy that keeps the focus squarely on the client.
About John
John is a Colorado native who began fly fishing at age 14. Growing up near Pine, the South Platte became his home water early and has remained at the center of his fishing life ever since.
He jokes that his education came from “Deckers College,” followed by a master's degree from the “Dream Stream Institute” and a Ph.D. from the “University of Cheesman Canyon.” Behind the humor is a serious amount of time spent learning some of Colorado's most technical trout water.
At The Blue Quill
John has guided professionally through The Blue Quill Angler since 2005, learning along the way from Pat Dorsey and many of the experienced guides who have helped shape the shop's guiding tradition.
His preparation, attention to detail, and ability to adjust a day around each client's experience and goals have made him a trusted part of the Blue Quill guide team for more than two decades.
200+ Days a Year on the Water
John spends more than 200 days each year on the water. Even when he is not guiding, he is often fishing what he calls “research and development.”
He keeps detailed records of weather, streamflows, hatches, productive flies, and seasonal trends. That disciplined approach helps him maintain an unusually current picture of what is happening across the South Platte system and throughout the season.
Fishing With John
John believes a guide day should be about the guest, not the guide. His goal is to put anglers in a position where they understand what is happening, have confidence in the approach, and have the opportunity to succeed on their own terms.
Before and during a trip, he pays close attention to skill level, expectations, learning goals, river conditions, and the small details that can turn a good day into a memorable one.
John on the Water
Meet John
Hear John describe his approach to guiding and the time he spends studying Colorado trout water throughout the year.
“It's not about how good a fisherman I am, but putting my guests in a good place with the confidence to succeed.”
Fish With John
Whether you are new to fly fishing or looking to sharpen your approach on technical South Platte water, John brings preparation, current river knowledge, and a genuinely client-focused approach to every trip.