ROCKY MT. FLY FISHING RETREATS

A unique vacation experience, offering relaxation

balanced with learning adventures in the Rocky Mountains.

Catering to independent & solo travelers or small groups.

Fly fishing for Beginners

Beginners' Lessons

May to October
Location: Estes Park area and the Rocky Mt. National Park
and, lower Colorado, near Pagosa Springs and San Juan River
and, the Colorado River Tributaries near Kremmling,
Or the north, bordering Wyoming
See below for more options

Books and Lessons make Great Gift Items

serenefish

Learn all the basics, like roll cast, pickup, lay down cast, false cast, shooting line. Plus, learn about the equipment, dry-fly action, equipment selection, knots, where the trout live, insects that trout feed on, fly selection, and more. Our guides are especially picked for their patience, knowledge and friendliness. The excitement of the catch usually overrides the schooling. If you're determined that you want to learn everything about flyfishing, and/or possibly teach it to others, then you'll want to take the clinic.

Beginners are defined as (1) never fished (2) fished many years ago (3) never fished Colorado waters, (4) don't feel confident in your fishing abilities (5) want to expand on your fishing knowledge and techniques.

Location of Fly-fishing Lessons:

mtn-fishing Depending on the water condition and temperature, you'll be doing all this in the spectacular Rocky Mt. National Park (alternative, Big Thompson River).

Options: Go far into the forest in lower Colorado to find excellent fishing streams of the San Juan River. Or, escape to the Fishermen's Paradise of the Colorado Tributaries. Or, head north for some great river fishing and possible tubing. (Many trips are for experienced fishers only, particularly the "floats"; please inquire).

Best Time to Fish:

In the spring, the fish are condensed in the deeper runs, due to cold water, and you fish a larger concentration of fish. Winter: Colorado often has fair weather in the winter, with little snow on the east side of the mountains, enabling fishing in thin ice waters. Some damns allow release of warmer lower waters. In the autumn, the crowds are gone, and the fish aren't hiding. Peak season to many regular anglers is June or July to September or October. Much of this depends on the snowfall for the year.

Colorado River tributary for fishing

PHOTO: to right is the crystal clear Colorado River and brilliant blue skies. Most trips take place in and around the Rocky Mt. National Park, including mountain lakes, ponds and streams.

Detailed Lessons:
Fishing Clinic: This clinic will cover everything you could possibility want to know before you get out on a lake or rapid river. By the end of the day, you will be fishing and catching fish in the river. This goes beyond the "walk and wade" trip. The full day clinic is for serious anglers and those who eventually want to teach. (see below for details).

Details on Basic "Walk and Fish" Trip

One to three day Fishing "Walk and Wade" (including lessons).
The "Guide" is called that because they can show you the best places to fish, and what's biting today. They will also give you fly-fishing lessons throughout the day, and in particular how to fish Colorado waters.
(These prices are updated every spring, if necessary)

Full Day "Walk and Fish": guide & lessons, incl. cold non-alcoholic beverages, and box lunch 8am-4pm
one person $240 ($225); 2 people $305 ($290)
(price in parenthesis is an easy $15discount if deposit paid within ten days of first email or phone inquiry).
Three or four people require Two guides.

Half Day "Walk and Fish": guide and lessons, including cold non-alcoholic beverages
1 person $150 ($135); 2 people: $215 ($200)
(price in parenthesis is a $15 discount if deposit paid within ten days of first email or phone inquiry).

See below for details about Clinic.

Payment Requirements: 50% deposit due upon reservation (incl. registration); check with us for final figure. Balance due in full two weeks before the trip. Most major charge cards can be used. In general there is no refund for a cancelled trip; check with us with your questions. (This does not include the tip or additional flies or equipment rental.)

Extra Costs: Per person = One-day Fishing license $9.00. Rocky Mt. National Park entrance fee$20.00. Tip for guide ($10-50). If you don't have good waders or rods, you can rent our top-quality equipment: rods $5 half day, $10 full; waders $5 half day, $10 full. Extra flies $1.95 each to be paid on the day of the trip (the first couple of flies are usually included in price, and often that is all that is needed). Please email or call us to reserve the trip.

Note, if you call us on very short notice, prices may fluctuate.

Group Discounts: Discounts are available for groups. Final calculation is dependent on many factors, such as length of stay and location. We have luxury packages including lodging; or simple one day trips. Either will require advance notice, and are usually not available in winter.

Gift Certificates: We often supply Gift Certificates for a trully "lifetime gift" to your loved one(s). Please inquire for more details. You pay for it now, with the option of them chosing the date later.

Equipment: You can rent both your rod/reel and waders for a small daily fee. We also have an extensive collection of very fine products for you to purchase. By prior notice, your guide can help you pick the right one. You can also put in an order for a handmade bamboo rod, to be delivered in about a year. Mike Clark's famous precise one-of-a-kind bamboo rods are made in nearby Lyons.

Children: It is very popular for an adult to bring their child on the trip, and for them to share the learning experience together. (All anglers pay full price)

Helpful Tips: Upon confirmation, you will receive a "tips" list, including such things as clothing, weather, where to get a license, etc. plus a map. This is part of our strong personal service that we give our clients.

caught a big one

**While our rates rarely change (or are raised),
and we try to keep our rates on these pages up to date,
on rare occasions, things like weather, change of guides or location,
water level, etc. can make rates fluctuate.
Please, check with us for this year's schedule and prices.

"Thank you so much for all your help and encouragement. This has been something I have always wanted to do, but like most people, there was always something else to take care of, and I didn't get around to it. Now, thanks to you and your group...you have put together a package that was super." Nancy Flannigan 2005

Beginners Clinic

This is offered on the Big Thompson River, about three miles outside Estes Park, Colorado. Minimum two students per class (write us with your questions). Cost: $115 plus $15 service fee. This is very extensive, and the day ends with you on the river and catching fish. It is best followed up with at least one, or two additional days on the river "walk and wade," where the lessons will continue, and your skills fine tuned. (Service fee waived if you reserve additional days on river.) Our teachers are excellent, highly skilled, and patient.

Lessons include casting (learn to forward cast, false cast, roll cast, mend line and present the fly to fish); knots, reading the water, and fishing techniques (hook, catch, release trout).

Group Beginners' Clinic at Lodge (near Buena Vista):

Learn to tie several popular flies, then try out your new weapons on the Arkansas River, near Buena Vista, or roam the 23 pinion covered acres and watch for the mule deer family. There's one-third mile of virtually exclusive river frontage. At the day's end, return to the lodge's huge great room with 25 foot ceilings and a massive rock fireplace, or to the Jacuzzi tubs to warm and relax yourself with. Or, go to town for a refreshing drink (which is only a mile away). This will be very casual (not an intensive individual session), and in the fall there are few tourists around. Write us for dates and prices. State the number of days you desire, your fishing skills, and the number in your party. Prices run approximately $100 per day off-season, and $150 in-season, double occupancy, queen bed, private bath, full mountain breakfast. The group clinic will be taught by veteran instructor B. J. Lester. A restful weekend. Check for current year's rates.

First Class Trip:
fish dinner fly fish on private water Stay at an Orvis certified Private Lodge. Long days filled with fresh air, and nights spent in front of the fireplace discussing the day's catch. Private guides every day on miles of private waters (the long-time guides will be there to welcome you back each year). Shop talk about the latest rods, breathable waders, and more. You can "test fish" any of the Orvis rods. And, gourmet dining. (CLICK link above for more details)

The Less Expensive Route:
Stay in the small town of Kremmling. We'll hook you up with a Cordland certified store who's owner's knowledge and tips will spin your brain! You can fish at a different spot every day of the week, and be delighted with your catch. We'll include some bait, your license, maps, and tips on how to get to some gold water and quality water locations; as well as a list of spectacular Scenic Byways, including the Rocky Mt. National Park, where you can add to your week's pleasures. Accommodations can be inexpensively found at a local 1904 boardinghouse. Seven days: $695 (includes bait, fishing license, room and breakfast; and tips on locations). Prices subject to change.

Return to Main Fishing Page

Drop us a note about your individual requirements!

E-mail to: Fish @RockyMtRetreats. ...com

Permanent price freeze.
Friendly staff.

Know a friend without a computer?
We can send them a brochure:

Rocky Mt. Fly-fishing Retreats
Retreats for the Mind & Spirit
P. O. Box 512
Lyons, CO 80540-8108

For the most up-to-date information, be sure to visit this site.
THANKS! See you soon.
Date last modified: May 3, 2008 9:00 AM

Disclaimer – Copyright 1998-2008: All logos, photos, and original and html text are Copyright © by Kathleen Spring. All Rights Reserved. Reproduction or use is prohibited without written permission from owner. – All prices, dates and itineraries are subject to change at the discretion of the owner.