Meet the Blue Quill Team
Pat Dorsey
Co-Owner & Head Guide
Pat Dorsey is a Colorado native, nationally recognized author, fly designer, educator, and veteran guide whose technical approach to tailwater fishing has influenced generations of anglers. As co-owner and Head Guide, he helps set the standard for the entire Blue Quill guide operation.
About Pat
Pat has spent nearly three decades guiding anglers of every ability level and is on the water more than 200 days in a typical year through guide trips, hosted destination travel, and personal fishing. Few anglers have devoted more time to studying 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 demanding technical fishing in practical terms. A day with Pat is not simply about catching fish; it is an opportunity to understand why trout are where they are and how to make better decisions independently.
At The Blue Quill
As Head Guide, Pat oversees and trains Blue Quill's professional guide staff, emphasizing integrity, preparation, technical knowledge, and a genuine commitment to giving every client the best possible day on the river.
Pat's reputation was built on difficult trout and demanding water, but his teaching style is approachable and tailored to the angler. He helps guests refine rigging, depth, weight, tippet, fly choice, and presentation while learning to recognize feeding lanes, holding water, hatch clues, and trout behavior. The goal is to leave with skills that transfer to future days.
Author, Fly Designer & Educator
Pat is the author of major works covering tailwaters, the South Platte, guide flies, and fly tying. He has also taught anglers across the country through presentations, seminars, articles, and hands-on instruction.
His widely used fly patterns include the Mercury series, Top Secret Midge, Medallion Midge, and Black Beauty. Each reflects the same observation and attention to detail that define his guiding and teaching.
Pat's Books & Flies
Explore Pat's books, signature patterns, and other resources available from The Blue Quill Angler.
Beyond the Shop
Pat's experience extends far beyond his home waters. He has spent years hosting destination travel and sharing fisheries around the world with Blue Quill anglers. Fly fishing is not simply his profession; it is the thread connecting his guiding, writing, fly design, travel, teaching, and conservation work.
Few anglers have studied the South Platte as deeply as Pat Dorsey, and even fewer have shared that
knowledge so generously with other anglers.