Public vs Private…Is There Really a Difference?

July 2019

A client releasing a fish caught on a private water guide trip.

When looking to book a walk/wade guide trip with North Park Anglers, you have the option of fishing public water or private water. We often get the question of whether or not there is actually a difference between the waters and what that difference is. Below are the top three key differences between public and private water trips.

1.) Fishing Quality

We look after and manage our private water fisheries very closely, which in turn promotes greater fishing quality than public waters. Although we have great access on some of the same rivers as our private water, we have no way of managing the amount of pressure that is put on the public water.

2.) Seclusion

When you go on a private water trip, your group will be the only people on the water all day. You won’t have to worry about someone getting to the water before you or marching in after you. Every single hole will be available to you and your group and you’ll be able to move about freely on the river without having to worry about other groups. 

3.) Access 

Although we do have private water stretches on many of the same rivers that public water stretches are available, we also have private water access to rivers in which there is no public access here in the valley. This is great for anglers who are looking for a truly unique experience on a river that you otherwise would not be able to experience on your own.

If you’ve fished a lot of public water and are looking for extreme seclusion, or are just looking for an incredible experience on well-managed waters, a private water guide trip with North Park Anglers is for you. If you have questions about our guided trips or would like to check for availability, call the shop at 970-723-4215.