Fort Collins Fly Fishing: Testimonial

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I have been fly fishing for quite a while, but I wanted to start off the season on the right foot and try to improve my casting. Mark spent 3 hours working with me on basic casts as well as more advanced skills. He was able to point out the little mistakes, such as wrist and arm angles and timing, that were causing me problems. He also covered some drills and techniques I can practice on my own. Whether you are novice or experienced angler, I would highly recommend First Cast Fly Fishing for casting instruction.

R. Broome.  Fort Collins, CO. 

Call or Email Mark

USA: +1 603-315-8800 (Colorado, MST)

Fort Collins Fly Fishing: Testimonial

Today's Blog Post

I visited my son during CSU homecoming weekend.  My son and I signed up for the intro 1X on-land casting class with Mark. We have taken classes with other instructors; however, Mark's clinic was by far the most informative and enjoyable. Mark is incredibly knowledgeable and makes learning fun. We are definitely looking forward to the next class.

Great experience!

B. Kepner. Lancaster, PA.

Fort Collins Fly Fishing: Testimonial

 Today's Blog Post

I took a casting class with Mark. He did an excellent job. I had taken basic fly fishing classes before and knew some simple casts. I used these casts on the river, but I knew I wasn't doing them correctly. Mark set up a course for me and corrected my problems, plus he gave me exercises to do. I'm doing much better now on the river thanks to Mark.

A. Silva.  Fort Collins, CO.

Fort Collins Fly Fishing: Testimonial

 Today's Blog Post

10 stars for First Cast and Andrew!  Simply the best guide, friendly, knowledgeable, and so helpful to this old broad! His patience and sense of humor made for an even better experience.  And we caught 9 trout! Pretty good for a first timer.

S. Gannett.  Fort Collins, CO.

Fort Collins Fly Fishing: Spring Fishing

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Welcome to the 2024/25 Colorado Fly Fishing Season

If you ain't dragging - you ain't bragging

It's spring in Colorado - high elevation snow, low elevation rain, and warmer temps = RUNOFF.  In most Colorado rivers, runoff creates challenging fishing conditions for anglers. What's the very best way to catch fish during runoff?   Options: A) Fish ponds and lakes, or B) Learn how to deep water nymph fish.  

Want to learn how to drag nymphs and catch tons of fish - in any condition?  

Click link: Colorado Guiding

Fort Collins Fly Fishing: Testimonial

 Today's Blog Post

So grateful for the time I spent with Sean. I sent in for a rather last minute trip, Mark quickly connected me with Sean who worked with my schedule. He helped me gain knowledge for reading the river and he shared his expertise. Throughout our time together, he helped me with perfecting my cast, mending the line, and setting the hook for consistently landing fish. I walked away fulfilled with gratitude, a new connection, and confidence. 

S. LaMonica. 

Fort Collins Fly Fishing: Testimonial

 Today's Blog Post

Thank you so much, we had such a blast out there and really appreciated all your help and instruction. We had a great experience with you, and will definitely be spreading positive words to anyone looking for fly fishing lessons :) 

H. Wiser.  Fort Collins, CO.

Fort Collins Fly Fishing: Testimonial

 Today's Blog Post

A Remarkable Fly Fishing Adventure with Mark Foley.

My son and nephew recently embarked on a remarkable fly fishing journey under the expert guidance of Mark. Although I wasn't present, their enthusiastic accounts of the experience painted a vivid picture of an exceptional day on the water.

Mark's expertise as a fly fishing instructor shone through as he patiently guided my son through the intricacies of casting techniques. His tailored approach, considering their different skill levels, ensured both felt at ease and confident. Mark's skillful teaching empowered my son, who was a novice, enabling him to catch his first fish using a fly—a milestone moment that left a lasting impression.

Mark's friendly and approachable demeanor made the experience even more enjoyable. His genuine passion for fly fishing created a relaxed atmosphere, fostering camaraderie and genuine enjoyment throughout the day.

Mark's attention to detail was evident, from selecting the right flies to imparting valuable insights about fish behavior. His dedication to ensuring a top-notch experience was appreciated, allowing my son and nephew to gain a deeper understanding of the sport.

Mark's exceptional skills as a fly fishing guide, coupled with his warm and friendly personality, made for an unforgettable experience for my son and nephew. I wholeheartedly recommend Mark to anyone seeking a knowledgeable and personable guide for an enriching fly fishing adventure.

T. Rooney. Sarasota, FL.

Fort Collins Fly Fishing Lessons & Guiding: Beginners

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Fall Anglers

September and October weather and fishing has been outstanding.  The below photos are of Option B1 - Beginner Walk-Wade clients. 

No experience needed.  Longer travel time, with 10-40 minutes of moderate hike-in access.  Combines on-land casting lessons and guiding (e.g., one hour on-land lesson, followed by in-water instruction and guiding).  In-water instruction may include nymphing, dry fly, and wet fly techniques, fly selection and presentation, rigging and knots, hook set and landing fish, best C.P.R. fish photo techniques, and lots more.

Dad visiting UNC daughter

CSU freshman

Weekend visitor from TN

Weekend visitor from TN

Client from Denver

Mom visiting CSU freshman

CSU freshman

Call/Text 603-315-8800 

Email: mfoley68@gmail.com 

Fort Collins Fly Fishing Lessons & Guiding

 Today's Blog Post

August Anglers 

Good Stuff in Wyoming

More Good Stuff in Wyoming

Wyoming +/- 24"

Pre-Marriage fun day for Kelsey and Glen

Newbies caught approximately 10 trout each and had a blast!

Colorado Brook Trout

Wild Colorado Brown Trout

Wild Colorado Brown Trout

Father and son from Texas 

Father and son from Texas

September and October offer great weather for lessons and guiding!

Call/Text 603-315-8800 

Email: mfoley68@gmail.com 

Fort Collins Fly Fishing: Testimonial

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I had a fantastic trip!  This was my first experience with fresh water fly fishing, and it lived up to everything I hoped for...my guide was awesome...patient and very knowledgeable of the water we were fishing.  He helped show me what to do, where the fish would be, and seemed to be as excited as I was when we landed fish!  I can't wait to go back and do it again!

Thanks so much for the great trip!  Can't recommend enough!

J. Henderson. Edinburg, TX

Fort Collins Fly Fishing Lessons: Testimonial

 Today's Blog Post

The experience Mark offers is second to none. His instruction was clear and effective. He took us to a beautiful secluded spot where we fished all day and landed some whales. This was my first time fly fishing and I never thought that we would be so successful. I would absolutely recommend Mark for any skill level and I look forward to fishing with him again. Thanks Mark!!

Kari and Darren.  Longmont, CO.

Fort Collins Fly Fishing Lesson: Testimonial

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I took my first casting lesson with absolutely no knowledge about fly fishing. I had a great time and learned a ton in a short amount of time. I'm hooked and can't wait to get out on the river!

S. Everblue. Fort Collins, CO.

Fort Collins Fly Fishing Lessons: Testimonial

 Today's Blog Post

Sought out Mark's service for a one-day guided outing. Was looking to sharpen my skills as a fly angler, and that's exactly what I got out of the experience. Mark is a truly expert instructor who offers a no-nonsense, yet laid-back approach that just works.

T. Perry.  Fort Collins, CO.

Fort Collins Fly Fishing Lessons: Testimonial

 Today's Blog Post

Mark was an awesome instructor!  He was able to break down the steps of the cast in a way that was easy to understand and then reinforced with the practical application.  Highly recommended for the beginner or someone who needs help dialing in their technique.

A.Conner.  Fort Collins, CO.

For more information please visit:

USA Lessons

USA Guiding

Fort Collins Fly Fishing Lessons: Testimonial

 Today's Blog Post

Do you remember the movie, The Karate Kid?  If so, do you remember the wax on wax off instruction Mr. Miyagi gave Daniel?  Mark does something similar, and it works.  For example, midway through the class everything, without thought, started working.  By the end of the class we could easily cast a fly into a hula hoop at 30/40/50 feet.  

Excellent class and excellent teacher - highly recommend!

S. Paine. Monterey, CA.

Fly Fishing the Upper North Fork of the Poudre River

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We offer lessons and guiding on the upper North Fork of the Poudre River.

Q: I hear the walk in/out of the NFP (North Fork of the Poudre) is tough?

A: If you are in moderate shape, with little or no health issues, it's an easy downhill hike.  The hike backout (uphill), after a day of fishing, could be challenging (i.e., moderate/heavy uphill breathing - but plenty of clients have done it and it's worth it).

Q: How do you rank/compare the NFP?

A:  It's our favorite northern Colorado river.  

Q: Why is it your favorite?

A: No road/traffic noise.  Little or no people.  Beautiful scenery, wildlife, and the river is filled with wild trout.  

 

16 year old beginner, catching wild trout on the North Fork of the Poudre River

Q: About how many fish can I expect to catch, and what is the size range?

A: Depending on skill level, and length of time fishing, we've had clients catch up to 30 fish, and the average size range is 10"-14", with a few up to 20".

Q: What techniques will we use?

A: Nearly all techniques work.  Using fly rods 2wt-5wt, we regularly use tight-line and drop-shot nymphing, dry flies, dry-dropper, and downstream wet-fly swings.

Q: We might stay in Fort Collins or Loveland area - can we do a fly casting lesson one day, and then hire you to guide us the next day?

A: Yes.  We highly recommend the combination of fly casting lessons and guiding.  In fact, we can customize a fly fishing program for you, e.g. 1-2 hours casting instruction, followed by 2-6 hours of guiding (catching fish), on the same day or multiple days. 

Q: How long is a day of guiding and what are your prices?

A: We offer four, six, and eight hours per day.  Please see pricing information in the link below. 

Thank you for reading, and for more information on lessons and guiding:

USA Lessons

USA Guiding

Fort Collins Fly Fishing: Poudre River Qs & As

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We offer lessons and guiding on the Poudre River - lower, middle, and upper sections.

Q: In May and June, we are visiting Fort Collins - how's the fishing on the Poudre?

A: Good News: For a state that desperately needs water, we have lots of H2O.  Bad News: We have lots of H2O.  During the months of May and June, we had 1) a combination of snow/rain at higher elevations, and 2) along the front range, we had a good amount of rain.  Add extra H2O to seasonal runoff, and you get the following conditions seen in the below photos - we have had these conditions for the past + 45 days and it could be another +/- 2 weeks before the river settles - please contact us for current conditions.

Poudre River

Poudre River 

Q: When the water is high, can you still fish the Poudre - what do you recommend?

A: Yes, but even for experts, it's challenging - until conditions improve, we sincerely recommend spending time and money doing something else outside, e.g. our on-land casting lesson, rafting, golf, hiking, biking, etc.

Gateway Natural Area

Q: I hear when the Poudre is high and ugly, the fishing in the Gateway Natural Area can be good?

A: Yes, and typically true; however, conditions are even worse.  Water levels are horribly low, at about 5-6 CFS.  It can be fished, but expect very spooky fish, and lots of pressure from local anglers.

The North Fork of the Poudre River

Q: Do you have other river options in the Fort Collins area?

A: Yes.  One of the best options is the North Fork of the Poudre, and conditions are near perfect right now.  Due to its location, you can expect to see little or no people, experience fantastic scenery and wildlife, and catch lots of very wild fish. 

Q: We might stay in Fort Collins or Loveland area - can we do a fly casting lesson one day, and then hire you to guide us the next day?

A: Yes.  We highly recommend the combination of fly casting lessons and guiding.  In fact, we can customize a fly fishing program for you, e.g. 1-2 hours casting instruction, followed by 2-6 hours of guiding (catching fish), on the same day or multiple days. 

Thank you for reading, and for more information on lessons and guiding:

USA Lessons

USA Guiding

Fort Collins Fly Fishing Lessons: Testimonial

Today's Blog Post

When I moved to the Fort Collins area, I took a beginner fly fishing class from a local fly shop.  The class had 10-12 people, and it was taught in a dirt parking lot, next to a busy road.  It was inexpensive and I thought it was a good class, but now that I have taken Mark's 1X class, I wish to share the following:

- Mark's class was a superior educational experience.

- By the end, I could consistently cast a fly into a hula hoop at 50ft! 

- I loved the small class size and the 1:1 instruction.

- His teaching techniques allow for quick learning.

- Class location was superb (i.e., safe, no road traffic).

- I learned more in three hours vs. an all day fly shop class.

Mark's classes offer tremendous value, and I highly recommend his services.

K. Davie. Timnath, CO.

Fort Collins Fly Fishing Lessons: Testimonial

Today's Blog Post

Recently, FCFF had a special request - teach the 3X class in Wyoming. 

I am a busy self-employed father.  My free time with my son is priceless, and as much as possible, I create outdoor activities for us, e.g. camping, hunting, boating, and fishing.  

With conventional tackle, we fish Colorado lakes and neighborhood ponds for bass and other warm water species.  We have tried fly fishing, but never for trout in a river. 

For two days, we camped and fished with Mark at the Miracle Mile North Platte River, located in Wyoming.  We had it all - sun, rain, snow, freezing night temps, and +20 mph wind gusts - evidently, not ideal conditions for beginners. 

In Mark's 3X class, he taught us how to fish the weather and river conditions - swinging streamers with a two hand switch rod, and nymph fishing with and without a bobber.  We caught large trout, and landed a few for the camera.  

Mark's 3X class is the perfect opportunity to safely learn while doing.  He is thoughtful, creative, funny, and makes fly fishing easy to understand.  I am in the training/education business - Mark is one of the best instructors I have ever met, and I highly recommend his services. 

C, Wright. Louisville, CO