Experience the Best of Northern Colorado Fly Fishing for
Smallmouth Bass, Trout, Walleye, Carp & More
Looking for a unique fly fishing experience in Fort Collins?
Horsetooth Reservoir is one of Northern Colorado’s hidden gems—a scenic and diverse fishery just minutes from town. Whether you're after hard-hitting smallmouth bass, the challenge of carp on the fly, or fooling a finicky walleye, our guided fly fishing trips are tailored to anglers of all skill levels. Let us take you on a personalized adventure where you’ll learn new techniques and enjoy a peaceful day on the water surrounded by beautiful foothills scenery.
Nestled along the western edge of Fort Collins, Horsetooth Reservoir sits between town and Lory State Park, and offers year-round angling opportunities for both warmwater and coldwater species. From crystal-clear coves to rocky drop-offs and deep channels, this lake is a playground for fly anglers who enjoy both warmwater and coldwater species. Its easy access and stunning setting make it one of Colorado’s most underrated fisheries. Whether you're casting from shore or fishing from a boat, the opportunities for action are endless.
During spring runoff, when the Poudre River runs high, cold, and muddy, Horsetooth Reservoir becomes an ideal alternative for fly anglers looking to stay on the water. While local rivers swell with snowmelt and become nearly unfishable, Horsetooth offers clear water, stable conditions, and consistently active fish. This makes it a perfect destination during those challenging weeks of runoff season. Whether you’re targeting smallmouth bass along the rocky shorelines or sight-fishing for carp in the back bays, you’ll find exciting opportunities here when high water is rolling through. If the Poudre is blown out, don’t worry—Horsetooth still delivers.
During our trips, you’ll have the chance to target a wide range of species. Smallmouth bass are the main draw here—aggressive and abundant, they hit flies ferociously and fight even harder. We especially look forward to and love targeting these fish using Poppers and Covert Missions for unbeatable topwater strikes. Rainbow trout are stocked regularly, offering fun action especially in spring and fall. Walleye, while less common on the fly, are present and catchable with the right technique, mainly hopping Clouser Minnows down rocky shelves or off sunken trees in 8-10 feet of water. Carp offer a challenging and visual fly fishing experience, cruising shallow bays and requiring stealth and precision.
Our guided fly fishing trips on Horsetooth Reservoir run 6 hours. All trips include top-quality gear—rods, reels, flies, and terminal tackle—as well as instruction and insight from a seasoned local guide. We’ll be fishing from boats to cover and explore more of the reservoir to find happy hungry fish and we welcome anglers of all levels, including complete beginners.
Just bring your Colorado fishing license, some snacks, weather appropriate clothing, and a sense of adventure—we’ll take care of the rest.
The ideal gear for fishing Horsetooth is a stout 6 or 7 weight fly rod, shop favorites include the Scott Centric and Sage R8 Core. Paired up with a punchy floating line like a Titan Long by Scientific Anglers or Rio Gold Max fly line. For sink lines, a full intermediate SA Sonar Stillwater Camo line or 24' Rio Premier Sink Tip line are perfect for targeting deeper fish on breaklines and structure while hopping a Clouser Minnow, jig thin mint or jawbreaker along..
So, why book a trip with us? You’ll get a friendly, local guide who knows the reservoir inside and out. We’re conservation-minded, family-friendly, and all about making fly fishing fun, accessible, and exciting for everyone.
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.
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.