Rod Fees – Why Do We Charge Them?

June 2019

One of our many private leased waters.

At North Park Anglers we offer two different styles of walk/wade trips for the public. One is on public water ($450 for two anglers) and the other is on private water ($700 for two anglers). We often get asked why we charge a $125 rod fee per angler when you select the private water option. Some may assume that it is direct profit for the company, or that we do it just to be greedy. Today we are here to explain why we charge the rod fee and where that money actually goes. 

When you go on a private water trip with us, you are getting guided access to well-managed water that we lease from different ranchers in the valley. That extra $125 rod fee per angler goes directly to the rancher from which we are leasing the water that you fish on. The rod fee directly correlates to the conservation and management of the water that you fish on. By leasing water from local ranchers, we are able to help them further understand the amazing resource they have, which encourages additional efforts to protect and conserve that water. We take great precautions to make sure we give ample rest to the private waters we fish to ensure that they are not over pressured or overused. By working in unison with the ranchers we lease water from and ensuring to pay them a fair usage fee, the entire valley is able to better protect, conserve, and manage such a valuable resource that is enjoyed for both sport and livelihood. 

When you book a private water guide trip with us, you can feel good about where that extra rod fee is going and have your own hand in the conservation of The North Platte Valley.