Photo: The Rocky Mountain Outfitters and Bait Shop Grill staff (from left to right): Josie Gasner, Jorden Broze, Trent Moffat, Jalen Gasner, Julie Munoz, Jim Gasner and Julie Gasner.     Photo by Michael Turner

It has been nearly a year since Jim and Julie Gasner moved their family and business from Grand Lake to the town of Hot Sulphur Springs, where they opened Rocky Mountain Outfitters and the Bait Shop Grill.

Hot Sulphur Springs offered the Gasner’s a better location from which to offer guided fishing trips on William’s Fork Reservoir and the Colorado River. It also gave residents and visitors another much-needed dining option in town.

In early March, the Gasner’s moved their operation a block north to the former Glory Hole building, which had been vacant since last fall. “We had been negotiating with the owners of the property we originally moved to, but weren’t getting to where we needed to be with that”, said owner, Julie Gasner. “The Glory Hole is a much larger space than we needed, but we are excited to make it work.”

The Gasner’s son, Jalen, and daughter, Josie, both help out wherever needed and a few talented locals round out the staff.

The multi-faceted business is open daily from 6:30 am – 9 pm and is the only place in Grand County where you can have breakfast, purchase a fishing license and book a guided fishing trip.

The Bait Shop Grill serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and has daily menu specials such as crab-stuffed salmon and also hosts themed dinner specials, like Asian night. “A new menu will be coming out April 1”, said Gasner.

The Gasner’s also plan to submit an application for a restaurant beer and wine license soon. They plan to offer craft beers and wines that pair well with their menu options. “We aren’t interested in operating a bar. We are not trying to step on our neighbors down the street at the Dean Public House”, said Gasner, adding, “all drink orders will need to be accompanied by a food order”.

The new location has allowed the business to expand organically. The food is priced reasonably and the service is great. Next time you venture west, be sure to stop in and see for yourself.