By Caitlin Switzer

MONTROSE—With regular rafting trips now departing from Downtown Montrose, locals and travelers alike have one more thing to do on a hot summer day. And for the Main Street business district, the growing number of businesses that cater to a river-based economy offer some cool relief. Potomoi Anglers Fly Shop (1246 East Main St.) has had a strong summer, said owner Paul Nogueira said, despite drought -year flows in the Uncompahgre.

“We’re trying to provide a good service for the community,” Nogueira said, “the water is low, and while we haven’t seen high numbers of tourists, local support has been really strong.”

Potomoi Anglers is open from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Sundays.

Toad’s Guide Service, 309 East Main Street, has been running not only guided fly fishing tours, but rafting trips down the Uncompahgre.

“We just took five people down the river,” said Emily Kenney, whose father, Tim Kenney owns and operates Toad’s Guide Service, on a recent afternoon. “We spent two hours on the river, and we had tons of fun! They said they’re coming back next year for sure.”

Toad’s has been averaging about four trips a week so far this season, said Guide James Pulfer, and business is growing increasingly steady.

“It’s a beautiful river,” Pulfer said. “We get the biggest fish in the area, and we’re consistent!”

Toad’s Guide Shop can be reached at 970 -249-0408.