Loveland, CO 80538
Gear Colorado Fly Fishing operates from Loveland, Colorado — a city most travelers pass through en route to Rocky Mountain National Park but that sits at the gateway to some of the most productive mid-elevation trout water on the Front Range. The Big Thompson River, which carves its canyon west from Lake Estes through Loveland before joining the South Platte near Greeley, is a freestone fishery of genuine character: nine regulated catch-and-release miles below Estes Park, a sustainable brown and rainbow population, and the kind of accessible public-land access that makes Northern Colorado fly fishing feel democratic rather than exclusive.
Gear Colorado's model reflects the DIY spirit of the waters it serves — lean, knowledgeable, guide-forward. They run wade trips and casting instruction with a particular focus on introducing newcomers to the sport alongside seasoned anglers seeking time on technical tenkara water. Northern Colorado's Big Thompson, Thompson River tributaries, and tailwater options within the Cache la Poudre drainage are all within their operational range. The shop's approachable ethos and strong community ties make it a reliable local resource for real-time conditions reports and honest assessments of where the fish are, and where they aren't.
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, Brook Trout
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat Trout
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Brook Trout
“Booked a guided half-day on the Big Thompson through Loveland and the guide was exceptional — completely dialed in to what the fish were doing. We hit a great PMD hatch mid-morning on a section of regulated water I wouldn't have found on my own. The guide's knowledge of access points and public/private boundaries was thorough and saved me from trespassing in an area where the line isn't obvious.”
“Did the beginner tenkara instruction and it completely changed how I approach small stream fishing. The instructor was patient, funny, and technically sharp. We spent the first hour on technique and the second actually fishing a section of a Loveland creek — caught four browns. Can't recommend this shop enough for people intimidated by traditional fly fishing setups.”
“Good local shop with real knowledge of the Big Thompson and Northern Colorado waters. The staff are genuinely helpful — not the least bit condescending, even when I showed up with very basic questions. Gear selection is more focused than a big shop but that means the staff actually know every product they carry.”
