About

At Desert River Anglers, we are proud to be your premier fly fishing outfitter in the heart of Colorado's Rocky Mountains. Our primary goal is to provide you with an exceptional, unforgettable lifetime experience amid the stunning landscapes of the picturesque Rocky Mountains of Colorado. We warmly invite you to give us a call, send a text, or reach out to us via email to discuss your personalized and customized fly fishing adventure, tailored to suit your specific preferences and interests.

Angler holding a brown trout near a river, wearing sunglasses and fishing gear.

Al Sanchez, who was born and raised in the vibrant region of south-central Texas, developed a lifelong passion for the great outdoors at an early age. This deep-rooted passion was inspired by his father, grandfather, and uncles, who instilled in him a profound appreciation for nature and a heartfelt respect for the environment. Frequent travels to local lakes and picturesque destinations along the Texas coast served as fuel for Al’s enthusiastic pursuit of a diverse array of both freshwater and saltwater species, further enriching his love for fishing and the natural world surrounding him.

Ultimately, the relentless pursuit for something new and exciting eventually landed Al in the breathtakingly beautiful Colorado Rocky Mountains. In 2013, Al took a significant step in his career by attending and earning his accreditations at a reputable local guide school, and he became a full-time fly fishing guide soon thereafter. Since then, Al has had the privilege of guiding and teaching his enthusiastic clients on some of Colorado’s legendary gold medal waters, such as the iconic Frying Pan, Roaring Fork, and numerous sections of the Colorado River. This includes several rewarding years spent guiding in and around the stunning landscapes of Rocky Mountain National Park, where nature and adventure meet.

Person holding a rainbow trout in a river with a fishing net and rocky background.

In 2024, after years of dedicated service guiding for some of Colorado’s premier fly shops, Al took the significant step of founding Desert River Anglers. His unwavering quest to educate, instruct, and share his extensive fishing knowledge is what consistently drives Al to deliver exceptional and personalized service to all of his clients.

When he is not guiding eager anglers, Al devotes the majority of his time to his amazing son, fostering their bond and creating lasting memories. In addition to family time, he also finds joy in exploring Colorado’s endless hiking trails, indulging in thrilling mountain biking adventures, and enjoying leisurely floating excursions on Colorado’s beautiful rivers.

Man holding a trout by a river with trees and cloudy sky in the background.
Person holding a large brown trout in a river

Cameron Villa,

Originally from the wide-open prairies of South Dakota, I made the move to Colorado in 2017 to find clear waters and wilder terrain. My guiding roots run deep starting in my teens, leading upland bird and waterfowl hunts for high-end lodges back home. That early introduction to world-class hospitality and fieldcraft laid the foundation for the guide I am today.

Now, as a full-time Colorado fly fishing guide, I bring that same level of professionalism, patience, and respect to every day on the river. Whether we’re floating a remote stretch or wading into a classic tailwater, safety is always my top priority though closely followed by creating a memorable, skill-building experience for anglers of all levels.

I pride myself on being well-versed in all fly fishing techniques, intimately familiar with Colorado’s waterways, wildlife, and public lands, and always ready with a local fact or two to enrich the day. Off the water, I’m constantly in the field; scouting for big game, foraging wild edibles, shooting my bow, or just soaking in the incredible beauty of the West.

For me, guiding isn’t just a job, it’s a lifestyle rooted in stewardship, adventure, and sharing the thrill of the outdoors with others.