Learn beginner fly fishing basics with hands-on coaching in Estes Park
2hours
Gear, snacks, drinks
Build confidence on the water with an introductory fly fishing lesson designed for little to no prior experience. Learn core skills like casting, knot tying, and reading water in a relaxed setting.
You do not need a fishing license for lessons. This experience is for ages 16+.
24hrs notice is needed for a full refund. Severe weather can hinder safety and schedule tours may need to be delayed, or rescheduled for hazardous snow/rain or high winds.
No. You do not need a fishing license for lessons.
Bring sunglasses, a hat, a jacket, sunscreen, a long-sleeve shirt, pants, and any personal medications you need. Bring water (2L/66oz) or a water bottle (32oz minimum) with water. Wear hiking boots or supportive shoes (no open-toe sandals). Avoid denim.
Your lesson includes rods, tackle, all necessary fishing gear, snacks, water, brewed coffee/tea/hot chocolate, bug spray, sunscreen, and a group photo.
Estes Park Visitor Center 500 Big Thompson Ave, Estes Park, CO 80517
Thomas is the heart of this operation, and it shows in nearly every review. Guides here are licensed, insured, bonded, and certified as wilderness responders, which gives solo travelers and families alike a real sense of security on the trail. Thomas has a knack for reading his groups, adjusting pace and difficulty to match fitness levels, and steering people toward trails they might never find on their own. The little extras are what people keep talking about. Hot chocolate at a frozen lakeside, gear like trekking poles and boot spikes provided for icy conditions, helping with surprise proposals, even assisting guests with car trouble after the tour. Thomas clearly treats each outing as more than just a walk in the park. His knowledge of RMNP history, wildlife, and local recommendations adds real depth to the experience. Reviews span all seasons and tour types, from sunrise winter hikes to stargazing nights to family snowshoe trips, and the enthusiasm holds steady across all of them. If you're visiting Rocky Mountain National Park and want a guide who genuinely personalizes the experience rather than running a cookie-cutter tour, this is a solid choice.
Estes Park Tour Guides made my first Rocky Mountain “solo” hikes truly memorable! I took in magnificent sites with Thomas from the Guides on April 21, and again on April 22, 2026. I picked the Guides primarily because their hike leaders are all licensed, insured and bonded as well as medically certified wilderness responders. Thomas picked trails for our hikes that were spot-on for me. He was always aware, alert and attentive to how I was doing. As a result, I felt completely confident and joyful on our hikes. I really enjoyed that the hikes moderately challenged my outdoor experience and fitness level. I walked securely and safely on many snowy/icy/slushy trail parts using the boot spikes and trekking poles with baskets the Guides provided. Thomas’ enthusiasm for the outdoors made my perception of our trail time pass quickly. The hiking pace he set for us was perfect. I got to take in the stunning scenery deeply. I watched wildlife like mule deer, wild turkeys, and elk. His stories about the outdoors were informative and integral to my amazing experience in RMNP. Thomas "went the extra mile" for several parts of the hikes. This amplified my RMNP trail hiking memories. He brought along hot cocoa for us to enjoy at our break on the shores of Lake Bierstadt. He suggested photo ops along the way and took pictures so all my photos wouldn’t be phone selfies. Thomas listened carefully to what I shared about myself during our hikes. He suggested other fun and interesting places and events to include in my Colorado vacay given the interests I told him I had. Thomas helped me feel joyful during our hikes. Thomas’ guiding me through the stunningly beautiful scenery in the Rocky Mountains left me wanting the hikes to not end. All this made my first RMNP hiking experiences unforgettable, deep and personal. I would definitely hike in the Rockies with Estes Park Tour Guides again!
Norma McOmber
April 24, 2026
Estes Park Tour Guides made my first Rocky Mountain “solo” hikes truly memorable! I took in magnificent sites with Thomas from the Guides on April 21, and again on April 22, 2026. I picked the Guides primarily because their hike leaders are all licensed, insured and bonded as well as medically certified wilderness responders. Thomas picked trails for our hikes that were spot-on for me. He was always aware, alert and attentive to how I was doing. As a result, I felt completely confident and joyful on our hikes. I really enjoyed that the hikes moderately challenged my outdoor experience and fitness level. I walked securely and safely on many snowy/icy/slushy trail parts using the boot spikes and trekking poles with baskets the Guides provided. Thomas’ enthusiasm for the outdoors made my perception of our trail time pass quickly. The hiking pace he set for us was perfect. I got to take in the stunning scenery deeply. I watched wildlife like mule deer, wild turkeys, and elk. His stories about the outdoors were informative and integral to my amazing experience in RMNP. Thomas "went the extra mile" for several parts of the hikes. This amplified my RMNP trail hiking memories. He brought along hot cocoa for us to enjoy at our break on the shores of Lake Bierstadt. He suggested photo ops along the way and took pictures so all my photos wouldn’t be phone selfies. Thomas listened carefully to what I shared about myself during our hikes. He suggested other fun and interesting places and events to include in my Colorado vacay given the interests I told him I had. Thomas helped me feel joyful during our hikes. Thomas’ guiding me through the stunningly beautiful scenery in the Rocky Mountains left me wanting the hikes to not end. All this made my first RMNP hiking experiences unforgettable, deep and personal. I would definitely hike in the Rockies with Estes Park Tour Guides again!
Norma McOmber
April 24, 2026