Fly Fishing Adventures with St. Peter's Fly Shop - Fort Collins - Fort Collins

Fly Fishing Adventures with St. Peter's Fly Shop - Fort Collins

Fort Collinsmoderate

Difficulty

moderate

Duration

Half-day to full-day trips

Fitness Level

Moderate fitness needed for wading, casting, and occasional hiking to and from river access points.

Overview

St. Peter’s Fly Shop in Fort Collins delivers expert guides, tailored gear, and memorable fishing on Colorado and Wyoming waters. Discover how their local knowledge elevates every angler’s experience.

Details

Situated in the foothills-front city of Fort Collins, Colorado, St. Peter's Fly Shop - South stands as a cornerstone for anglers seeking authentic fly fishing experiences across Northern Colorado and neighboring Wyoming waters. More than a retail space, this shop is a hub of expertise, equipment, and guided adventure that feeds the passion of beginners and seasoned anglers alike.

Fort Collins provides easy access to some of the West’s most productive rivers, including the Cache la Poudre and North Platte Rivers, where St. Peter’s guides have carved a strong reputation. Clients recount memorable floats on the North Platte near Saratoga, WY, where guides Ryan and Luke Barrick adapt techniques in changing water and temperature conditions to keep rods bending. From rainbows to browns measuring up to 19 inches, the catch stories are matched by stories of river safety—even navigating through sudden thunderstorms.

Inside the shop, the knowledgeable team, praised for honest and tailored gear advice, welcomes novices with an aim to build confidence without pushing pricey equipment. Diagrams of rigs, tips for winter fishing, and hands-on service ensure you leave ready for the water.

St. Peter’s Blend of guided float trips, shore lunches, and local insights create an outdoor experience grounded firmly in river ecology, fish behavior, and community. The shop’s commitment to customer education and hands-on guidance extends beyond gear—making a fly fishing trip here as much about engaging with the environment as landing fish.

Whether you’re stepping into fly fishing for the first time or chasing new personal bests in trout country, St. Peter’s Fly Shop offers a dependable, genuine foothold in the region’s outdoor lifestyle. Their presence enriches Fort Collins’ reputation as a gateway to some of Colorado’s and Wyoming’s best cold-water fisheries.

Adventure Tips

Adapt to Changing Water Conditions

River flows and temperatures can shift rapidly; rely on your guide’s knowledge for best rig adjustments and lane selection.

Pack Layered Clothing

Weather near rivers can swing from warm to cold quickly—dress in layers to stay comfortable throughout your trip.

Practice Proper Fish Handling

Wet your hands before releasing trout to protect their slime coating and ensure healthy returns.

Prepare for Weather Changes

Thunderstorms can appear suddenly; stay alert and follow guide instructions carefully for safety on the water.

Local Insights

Hidden Gems

  • Small off-river ponds near Fort Collins with rising trout
  • Quiet backwater runs on the North Platte not frequented by large groups

Wildlife

  • River otters
  • Great blue herons

History

The Cache la Poudre River holds significance as one of Colorado’s early irrigation canals and was designated a National Wild and Scenic River in 1986.

Conservation

St. Peter's Fly Shop supports local habitat restoration and encourages catch-and-release to preserve fish stocks in fragile river ecosystems.

Frequently Asked Questions

Photography Tips

Best Times

Golden hour
Early morning
Late afternoon

Best Viewpoints

  • North Platte River stretches near Saratoga
  • Cache la Poudre access points outside Fort Collins
  • River banks offering reflections and trout activity

What to Photograph

Trout in clear water
Fly anglers mid-cast
Storm-cloud dramatic skies over rivers

Recommended Gear

Fly Rod and Reel Combo

Essential

A quality setup matched to trout fishing is crucial for handling local waters effectively.

Wading Boots with Felt or Rubber Soles

Essential

Provide traction and stability on slippery riverbeds common in Northern Colorado rivers.

Layered Moisture-Wicking Clothing

Essential

Keep dry and temperature-regulated throughout changing weather on the water.

all specific

Polarized Sunglasses

Essential

Essential for reducing glare and spotting fish beneath the surface.

all specific

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