Fly Fishing Horsetooth Reservoir During Runoff with St. Peter’s Fly Shop
Fly Fishing Horsetooth Reservoir During Runoff with St. Peter’s Fly Shop
Fly Fishing at Horsetooth Reservoir — A Springtime Escape
Experience the Best of Northern Colorado Fly Fishing for
Smallmouth Bass, Trout, Walleye, Carp & More
When the Poudre River swells with cold, muddy snowmelt during spring runoff, many anglers hang up their rods and wait it out. But just west of Fort Collins, a hidden gem keeps the bite going strong: Horsetooth Reservoir. This dynamic and scenic fishery is a local treasure—and when rivers are high and murky during runoff, Horsetooth lights up. With clear water, stable conditions, and aggressive warmwater and coldwater species, it’s the ultimate runoff alternative.
Just minutes from downtown Fort Collins and nestled between town and Lory State Park, Horsetooth offers a dramatic and productive setting for fly anglers year-round. But during runoff, it truly shines. While the rivers are blown out, smallmouth bass explode on topwater flies, carp cruise the shallows, and the action stays hot. Our guided fly fishing trips on Horsetooth are tailored for all levels—from curious first-timers to seasoned bass junkies looking for a topwater thrill.
Smallmouth on Poppers: Explosive Strikes
Make no mistake: the main attraction at Horsetooth is the smallmouth bass, and spring is when they really come alive. These fish don’t just eat—they attack. Watching a smallmouth rocket up from the depths to inhale a popper is one of the most exhilarating experiences in fly fishing. When water temps rise and fish push shallow, we target them with our favorite surface bugs—especially Poppers and custom Covert Missions—for the kind of visual eats that keep you casting long after your arm is tired.
Expect fast-paced fishing along rocky banks, coves, and drop-offs where bass prowl in ambush. If you’re looking for fun topwater action and an alternative due to runoff, this is the trip for you!
Carp, Trout, and Walleye Fly Opportunities
Beyond the bass, Horsetooth holds a surprising variety of species that add depth to every outing. In the back bays and shallows, carp offer a technical and visual game—perfect for those who enjoy stalking wary fish with stealth and accuracy.
Rainbow trout, stocked regularly, provide a fun change of pace, especially in spring and fall when water temps are perfect. Walleye, while less common on the fly, are a real prize. We target them by hopping Clouser Minnows or bouncing flies deep, like Jawbreakers and Meat Whistles along shelves, sunken structure, or drop-offs in 8–12 feet of water. A sink tip line and a little finesse can turn a slow strip into a big reward.
Runoff Doesn’t Have to Mean “Off the Water”
When local rivers like the Poudre are running high and murky, Horsetooth stays fishable, clean, and consistent. While others wait weeks for rivers to clear, you can be out chasing bass crushing poppers and sight-fishing for carp under bluebird skies. Runoff time is when warmwater fishing is at its peak and the bite is unbeatable.
What’s Included in a Guided Trip
Our 6-hour guided trips are run by friendly, experienced local guides who know Horsetooth like their home water—because it is. We fish from fully equipped boats to access more structure, cover more water, and increase your odds of hooking up.
All gear is provided as well as snacks and beverages.
Just bring a valid Colorado fishing license, weather-appropriate clothing, and a sense of adventure—we take care of the rest.
Gear That Gets It Done
For fishing Horsetooth effectively, we recommend a stout 6 or 7 weight fly rod—our shop favorites are the Scott Centric and Sage R8 Core. These rods offer the power and responsiveness needed to cast into wind, pop surface flies, and control strong fish in open water.
Pair them with a floating line like Scientific Anglers Titan Long or RIO Gold Max for topwater presentations. When going deep for walleye or bouncing flies off and around structure, a sink tip line like the SA Sonar Stillwater Camo or RIO Premier Sink Tip 24’ gives you the depth and control needed to fish breaks and structure effectively.
If you really want to experience everything Horsetooth has to offer, the must-have piece of equipment is a raft or float tube. Being able to move easily from the main lake to hidden coves, from rocky points to deep drop-offs, is the key to finding the most active and eager fish.
For float tube anglers, we highly recommend the Fish Cat Cruzer and Fish Cat 4 — two premium options designed to get you into waters that shore anglers can only dream of reaching.
Looking for something bigger? For those who want versatility on both rivers and lakes, we have a few standout rafts that deliver performance and reliability. The Outcast Pac 1400 is a shop favorite, perfect for everything from thrilling whitewater runs to secluded backwater exploration. Other exceptional choices include the NRS Slipstream Boats and the Approach 120, both engineered to excel across multiple types of water.
Investing in a high-quality raft or float tube doesn't just help you cover more ground — it dramatically increases your chances of finding fish that make every day on the water unforgettable. This season, gear up and fish smarter!
Why Book with St. Peter’s?
Because we live and breathe this fishery. Our guides are Fort Collins locals who know every contour, cove, and tree on Horsetooth Reservoir. We are 100% fly fishing-focused, and our trips are built to be fun, educational, and full of memorable moments.
We’re also conservation-minded, family-friendly, and passionate about sharing this incredible fishery with our community and visitors alike. Whether you’re brand new to fly fishing or a lifelong angler, our goal is the same: to show you a great time on the water and help you become a better angler.
Ready to Book Your Horsetooth Adventure?
Don’t sit on the sidelines during runoff—get on the water and experience some of the most exciting fly fishing of the season. Smallmouth are eating on top, the weather is warming up, and Horsetooth is calling. Book your guided trip with St. Peter’s Fly Shop today, and let us show you why this reservoir is one of Colorado’s best-kept fly fishing secrets.
Horsetooth Guided Fly Fishing
Horsetooth Reservoir (6 Hours )----------$500
Join us for our local warmwater trips on Horsetooth Reservoir, just minutes from our door in Old Town Fort Collins, where you can broaden your angling horizons and discover new species. These excursions are centered around targeting Smallmouth bass, utilizing boats to navigate and explore the structures along the reservoir's edges.
-Float trip prices are for one boat with 2 anglers per boat.
St. Peter's Fly Shop Guide Service
A day on the water with a professional guide from St. Peter’s is designed to maximize your enjoyment. All guide trips are tailored to the instructional needs of each individual. Each trip will build fundamental fly fishing skills, expand your understanding of local rivers and help perfect your fly presentation. We are ready and willing to provide comprehensive instruction on casting, bug selection, rigging and fly fishing techniques. Our overall goal is to increase your fly fishing knowledge and skills, all while having a pleasurable experience on the water.