The Giannetti and Harcourt family have shared a long, symbiotic relationship rooted in a mutual love for the outdoors.

Their connection dates back to the 1950s, when John Harcourt and his family would trade the Giannetti’s a five-gallon jug of fresh maple syrup for a week of fishing on Spring Creeks Ranch in Carbondale. Seventy years later, Harcourt Fly Fishing 3G is bringing in guests from all over the world to fish on the breathtaking land. Spring Creeks Ranch requires a small rod fee to ensure conservation of the gorgeous area.

“I always call it fishing at the country club,” Dustin Harcourt, owner of Harcourt Fly Fishing 3G, said about the land nestled underneath Mount Sopris. 

Dustin, John’s son, has guided fly fishing tours for over 30 years and couldn’t imagine himself spending his life any other way. He spent two decades as an award-winning fishing guide at Roaring Fork Anglers before launching Harcourt Fly Fishing 3G in 2014. 

The “3G” stands for the three generations of Harcourt’s who feel most at peace on the water: John (“Big G”), Dustin (“Middle G”), and Dustin’s son Drake (“Lil G”). Though Dustin’s younger brother and Drake’s older brother also love the sport, the core trio lives for the time spent with a fly rod in hand.

Harcourt Fly Fishing 3G offers float and wading trips throughout the entire year, though are tussling with run-off season. The snow that is rushing off peaks and into the streams that eventually feed the Colorado River is bringing muck and dirt along for the ride, making fishers’ lives much more difficult. 

“My rule of thumb is you need at least a foot of visibility to fish,” Dustin Harcourt said. Dustin said you’ll find better fly fishing at the higher altitude you get to, but would be ultimately wasting time by trying to fish higher waters during run-off season. 

The Giannetti and Harcourt’s relationship helps counter the struggle of run-off by letting them bring tours onto the land that the Giannetti’s have owned since the 1900s. With many different streams and ponds — being fed by both the Crystal and Roaring Fork rivers and added spring water — the ranch maintains cool, clear water that supports large brown and rainbow trout — even during runoff.

Dustin moved to the Roaring Fork Valley in the late 1980s to attend Colorado Mountain College Spring Valley. After gaining his associates degree, he obtained his bachelors at Western Colorado University in Gunnison. 

“I was just looking for places where I could fish and snowboard,” he joked. After Dustin graduated as a Mountaineer, he moved back to the Roaring Fork Valley, and began guiding at Roaring Fork Anglers in 1993. 

John Harcourt, originally from Denver, said the Roaring Fork Valley remains special because of its access to diverse fishing options. Within 40 miles of Glenwood Springs, anglers can choose from five rivers, plus countless lakes, streams and reservoirs. With more than 2.3 million acres of public land in the White River National Forest and nearby BLM areas, it’s no surprise Field & Stream once named Glenwood Springs the top fishing town in America.

“People travel from all over the world for a chance to fish here, we are so blessed,” John said. He added that he never set out to pass on his obsession with fishing but is glad his family shares the passion.

“Water is our lifeblood,” John said. “It is the essence of life. Anything that draws you to the river is a good thing.”

Dustin reiterated “Big G’s” sentiment. 

“Creek, lake, river, or ocean, it doesn’t matter, they are the most beautiful places on the planet,” he said. “Some people will call me Doctor Dave at the end of the day. They will come down from Denver with big executive jobs and have so much stress, but after a day spent by the water, catching fish, they will tell me ‘That was the best day of my life.’ They are always much better off after a day of fishing.”

The three generations of Harcourts’ passion for fishing are deeply infectious and make time fly by through countless inside jokes and an immediately comforting environment. They make fly fishing so fun and easy that anyone who books a trip with Harcourt Fly Fishing 3G will hook and net a big one within minutes of being on the water. 

For more information about how to book a day with Harcourt Fly Fishing 3G, visit their website, or reach them by phone at (970) 404-1339.