First Time Fly Fishing in Estes Park

What to Expect on Your First Guided Fly Fishing Trip in Estes Park

Everything you need to know before casting your first fly. If you’re planning your first fly fishing trip in Estes Park, welcome to one of the most scenic and trout-rich destinations in Colorado. Whether you’ve never held a rod or you’re switching from spin fishing, a guided fly fishing trip is the best way to get started. At Scot’s Sporting Goods, we specialize in creating approachable, exciting, and beginner-friendly trips. Here’s exactly what to expect — and how to make the most of your day on the water.

1. You Don’t Need Experience (Or Gear)

Many first-timers worry about not having the right equipment or skills. The good news? We’ve got you covered.

We provide:

Fly Fishing Gear Included In your Guided Trip

Fly rods & reels (perfectly balanced for Estes Park waters)

Wading boots, flies, and lines

Snacks, drinks, and lunch for a full day trip

You bring:

Colorado Fishing License (Available online at: https://www.cpwshop.com/ or at Scot’s Sporting Goods).

Rocky Mountain Park Pass (if your adventure is to fish inside the National Park boundaries.

Sunglasses (polarized preferred)

Hat, sunscreen, and layered clothing

Sense of adventure

2. You’ll Fish Scenic, Accessible Waters

Our guides choose the best water for the conditions and your skill level. You might find yourself along:

The Big Thompson River below Lake Estes — easy walk-in access and steady action

Fall River or Moraine Park in RMNP — scenic meadow streams great for dry-fly fishing

Hidden alpine waters for full-day adventurers

We match the river to your ability, weather, and even your hiking interest.

3. Learn to Fly Fish in Colorado

Guided fly fishing is part lesson, part exploration. You’ll learn:

How to cast (no prior experience needed)

How to read the river

How to identify hatches and choose flies

How to safely land and release a trout

We teach you the “why” behind each move — so you can fish confidently on your own in the future.

4. You’ll Catch (and Release) Colorado Trout

Estes Park rivers are home to:

Wild brown trout

Feisty rainbow trout

Native greenback cutthroat trout

Vibrant brook trout

Most are in the 8–16″ range, but what they lack in size they make up for in beauty, power, and personality. When you are fly fishing you are more connected to the fish and the fight is more pronounced as you work to successfully land your trout. These trout will make you think you are landing a massive fish no matter their size. This is part of the allure to fly fishing over other types of fishing.

5. You’ll Choose a Trip That Fits Your Schedule

Tips for First Time Fly Fishing in Estes Park

We offer 3 main guided fly fishing trip types:

Half‑Day (4 hr) Morning or afternoon First-timers, families. Book Here!
3/4‑Day (6 hr) Mid-morning to mid-afternoon Slightly longer adventure. Book Here!
Evening Hatch (2 hr) Dusk Quick bites during peak hatches. Book Here!

Your guide will suggest the right option for your group and goals.

6. You’ll Feel Taken Care Of

First-timers often leave glowing reviews because they feel safe, empowered, and thrilled by their first catch.

“It was my first time fly fishing, and our guide made it so easy. I caught two trout and learned so much!” – Josh M.

“They provided everything. I was nervous going in, but now I want to come back every year.” – Kelly S.

FAQs for First-Time Fly Fishers

Do I need a fishing license?
Yes. You can purchase your fishing license while you are getting out fitted at Scot’s. Park access will need to be purchased prior to the day of your fishing trip.

Will I be with a group?
No. All trips are private, so it’s just your group and your guide.

Is fly fishing physically demanding?
Not at all! We choose locations based on your comfort level. You’ll be standing and casting, but we offer breaks and snacks.

What if I don’t catch anything?
You probably will — but even if you don’t, you’ll leave with skills and memories. And we always fish water that’s active.

Ready to Book Your First Fly Fishing Trip?
You don’t have to guess your way through fly fishing. With Scot’s Sporting Goods, you’ll gain knowledge, skill, and a deeper love for the outdoors — all in one unforgettable trip.

Book your first fly fishing trip here or call us at (970) 586-2877.

Let’s make your first cast count.