311 S Main St, Breckenridge, CO 80424
Mountain Angler anchors itself in the heart of Breckenridge, Colorado, where the Blue River exits Dillon Reservoir and begins its descent toward the Colorado River confluence. This is reservoir-tailwater country, where cold, nutrient-rich flows create exceptional midge and BWO fishing year-round even at 9,600 feet elevation. Founded in 1985 by fly fishing legend Jackson Streit, Mountain Angler is Summit County's original and most experienced fly shop — over four decades of institutional knowledge compressed into a storefront on South Main Street that locals and visiting anglers alike treat as headquarters.
The shop guides on five major river systems within a 60-mile radius: the Blue, Eagle, upper Colorado, Arkansas, and South Platte. The retail operation on Main Street is built for serious anglers — tight editorial curation across rods, reels, waders, and flies rather than the sprawl of a big-box outdoor store. They run guided wade and float trips throughout the season, with particular depth of experience on the Blue River's technical midge and Baetis fishery that rewards patient, precise presentation over brute-force casting.
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
“Jackson knows the Blue River better than anyone alive. Booked a full-day guided wade trip in late October and the technical midge fishing below the dam was unlike anything I've experienced. We caught and released over a dozen fish on size 22 Mercury Midges and Black Beauties. The shop is well-stocked and the staff matched me to the right rod setup without trying to upsell me on anything I didn't need.”
“First time fly fishing and my guide was endlessly patient. We worked a stretch of the Blue just below Silverthorne and I caught my first trout on a dry fly — a 14-inch rainbow that crushed a size 16 elk hair caddis. The staff's local knowledge extends well beyond the Blue River; they gave me a full rundown on Eagle River access points before I left.”
“Solid shop with experienced staff and good gear selection. The Blue River is tricky — thin tippets, small flies, long leaders — and the guides here understand it intimately. My only note is that it gets crowded on Main Street in ski season so parking can be a hassle. Worth it.”