The number one rule of fly-fishing: Go to the local fly shop before hitting the water. The pros at these outlets know more about nearby water and what the fish have been eating than any guidebook ever could.

(Read Our Beginner’s Guide To Fly-Fishing In Colorado)

Angler’s Covey, Colorado Springs

ArkAnglers, Buena Vista and Salida

Ascent Fly Fishing, Denver

Blue Quill Angler, Evergreen

Charlie’s FlyBox, Arvada

Dragonfly Anglers, Crested Butte

Elkhorn Fly Rod & Reel, Loveland

Flies & Lies, Deckers

Front Range Anglers, Boulder

Kirks Fly Shop, Estes Park

Laughing Grizzly Fly Shop, Loveland

Minturn Anglers, Minturn, Vail, and Denver

Rio Grande Angler, Creede

Taylor Creek Fly Shop, Basalt

St. Peter’s Fly Shop, Fort Collins

Steamboat Flyfisher, Steamboat Springs

The Colorado Angler, Silverthorne

Trouts Fly Fishing, Denver