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

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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

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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

Fly Fishing Poudre River: Lessons and Guiding

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We offer lessons and guide services on the upper, middle, and lower Poudre River.  

Born in Rocky Mountain National Park (Poudre Lake), the Poudre runs undammed for 126 miles, before joining the South Platte River, in Greeley, CO.  The river runs along highway 14, and offers whitewater rafting, rock climbing, day hikes, camping, swimming,fantastic scenery and wildlife, and great food/beverage/concerts at the Mishawaka, and lots wild fish.  Species: Brown and Rainbow Trout, up to 22"  Fly Rods: 2wt-5wt.  From top to bottom, the river has lots of structure, and is perfect for nymphing, dry fly, dry-dropper, and wet fly techniques.  On warm days, wet wading is best.  Season: 365 days per year.

Q: Which section is better?

A: All sections are good, and produce lots of healthy wild trout - but it depends on current weather conditions, spring snow run-off, spring rain, and water flows (e.g., upper section elevation is +/- 8,000 feet vs. lower section +/-5,500 feet - two different eco-systems/weather conditions).  The lower section is easy access, less drive time, and makes for a great 3-6 hour day of fishing. 

Q: We might stay in the Fort Collins 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

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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: Wet Wading

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It's that time of year -- it's very hot, UV rays are intense, water is low, warm, and clear.  IMHO, it's a tough time to catch fish, but it can be done.  Typically, we wet-wade, while sight fishing -- with temps in the 90s, wet-wading is a great way to cool off and have fun.

4X Class In-Water

Combines technical casting and fishing instruction.  100% customized to water conditions and what you want to learn.  

Why FCFF -- BEST Learning Experience

 

 ➤ Small class size

 ➤ (1-4) students only
 ➤ One on one attention
 ➤ Expert instruction
 ➤ (3) hours max time
 ➤ Learn more in less time

NOTE: Class time more than (3-4) hours is too much for human brain and body.

In four hours, we landed four fish in the 10" - 16" range, and lost a dozen more (i.e., we fish with barbless hooks).  The above 14" fish was caught and was released on the ???? on July 18, 2021.

Pick your class here Fly Fishing Lessons

Fort Collins Fly Fishing Lessons: Testimonial

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My Husband and I recently took Mark's 1x Fly Casting Class. We had an amazing time and plan on taking another class later this summer. The technique Mark uses to teach, relies on fundamentals that grow and adapt to all fly fishing situations. I had never attempted casting in my entire life and only came along to keep my husband company. Now however, we may have a little family competition going on because the Fly has me HOOKED. Thanks Mark

Ashley and Aaron, Fort Collins, CO

Pick your class here Fort Collins Fly Fishing Lessons

Fort Collins Beginner Fly Fishing Lessons

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1X Fly Casting Class

We focus on roll/vertical/horizontal casting, and brain-body mechanics.  Ideal for true beginners or intermediate anglers looking to fix bad casting habits.

We offer a great shared learning experience for friends and family -- think birthday-holiday gifts, and...

 ⬅ Husband and wife celebrating wedding anniversary.

Why FCFF -- BEST Learning Experience

 ➤ Small class size
 ➤ (1-4) students only
 ➤ One on one attention
 ➤ Expert instruction
 ➤ (3) hours max time
 ➤ Learn more in less time


Note: Class time more than (3) hours is too much for human brain and body.

Location: City Park -- easy access, free parking, public bathrooms, and tree shade.

Pick your class here Fort Collins Fly Fishing Lessons

Fort Collins Fly Fishing Lessons: Advance Level

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3X Class: In River Fly Casting

Our most advance casting class offers H2O fishing conditions, such as currents, wind, and trees.  We focus on the following casting techniques:

• PULD, Vertical and Horizontal Plane, Static Roll and Dynamic Roll, Roll-Pick-up, Tension and Water Haul, Reach Mend, Wiggle, Pile and more.

Why FCFF -- BEST Learning Experience

 ➤ Small class size
 ➤ (1-4) students only
 ➤ One on one attention
 ➤ Expert instruction
 ➤ (3) hours max time
 ➤ Learn more in less time


Note: Class time more than (3) hours is too much for human brain and body.

Location: Poudre River -- easy safe access, free parking, public bathrooms, with or without waders.

Pick your class here Fort Collins Fly Fishing Lessons

Fort Collins Fly Fishing Lessons

Today's Blog Post

BEST Learning Experience

➤ Small class size
➤ (1-4) students only
➤ One on one attention
➤ Expert instruction
➤ (3) hours max time (>3 hours is too much for human brain and body)



Locations: City Park, local ponds, and Poudre River.  

The on-land class at City Park offers easy access, free parking, bathrooms, water fountains, kiddo-family friendly space, and lots of valuable tree shade!

Pick your class here Fort Collins Fly Fishing Lessons

Thank you