No trip to Fort Collins is complete without getting into nature. One of our favorite ways to do this is by breaking out the rod and heading out to do some fishing. If you're itching to do the same, whether in Fort Collins or elsewhere, St. Peter's Fly Shop is a must stop! Two locations in the city make it accessible wherever your visit takes you. St. Peter's has been helping anglers catch for over thirty years. More than just a place to grab a few flies, St. Peter's provides guiding services, classes and events, and even fishing reports on their website.
We spoke with Thomas Wurster, manager at St. Peter's Fly Shop to learn more about this Fort Collins staple.
What do you love about Fort Collins?
Fort Collins has a lot to love about it, but some things that we find unique is the atmosphere that northern Colorado brings. It has feelings of a big city, while remaining relatively small compared to some of the other parts of the state. There are so many different activities to do around town and supports a diverse number of different activities and cultures, all blended into a beautiful town with so much to do. You could live here a lifetime and still not be able to explore every facet to this city. Not to mention it’s rich outdoors spaces that allows a multitude of different outdoor recreational activities, including our favorite, Fly Fishing. The people are always friendly and nice, and there is just a great vibe around this town that set’s it aside from anywhere else in the state, and country. We love the ability to be situated in the northern portion of the state, with roaming grassy prairies to the east, and some of the most beautiful peaks and mountains to the west. Truly the best of both worlds when thinking about geographical locations.
What are your top 3 favorite activities to do in Fort Collins?
- We’d be biased to say that our number one favorite activity to do in Fort Collins would be fly fishing. With some water to fish, there are ample opportunities for both Stillwater lake fishing, and a plethora of different rivers nearby. You don’t have to travel far to find fish.
- The second favorite thing we love to do in fort Collins is explore the vast amount of locally breweries and restaurants. There is always something good to eat, and something new to help wash it down.
- Thirdly, we would have to say that it’s the music scene here in Fort Collins. There are so many different music venues including our favorite, The Mishawaka, and many more throughout Old Town Fort Collins ranging from small venues, all the way up to the big stages.
What "can't miss" activity/restaurant/place would you tell a first-time visitor to go?
A “can’t miss” opportunity here in Fort Collins would be a trip into the Cache La Poudre River canyon just west of Fort Collins. It is Colorado’s only Wild & Scenic river which boast a ton of different attributes. It has some of the best views in town and feels like you are taking a step back into a different world. A narrow highway leads you up and over Cameron Pass, with tons of wildlife, fishable water, and incredible views along the way. Want to get out on the water and try your luck at some fishing? Feel free to book a trip with one of our professional guides that would be happy to help you learn the “ropes” and connect with some of the beautiful trout that reside in its waters. Including the Native Greenback Cutthroat trout.
What makes the St. Peter's Fly Shop unique?
Something that makes St. Peter’s Fly Shop unique is the historical building at that the Old Town shop operates out of. Built in the late 1800’s with deep red sandstone walls and that classic old town look, you’d be hard pressed to find another flying shop in the world with this kind of character. With ties to the historical register, there is no doubt that the building makes this location incredibly unique. At one point, it was the Mayor of Fort Collins residence, along with many other stories to be told from these walls. For the last 35+ years, it has been a fly shop. It is a full retail location, but acts as our guiding storefront where clients come to meet with there
How did St. Peter's get its start?
Our owner Grant Houx moved to Fort Collins in 2001 to pursue his bachelor’s degrees at Colorado State University. While attending school, he spent my summers working as a fly fishing guide, combining his passion for the outdoors with his love of sharing the experience with others. After graduating, becoming a full-time fly fishing guide felt like a natural next step. He worked with several shops, including St. Peter’s Fly Shop. In 2007, while still guiding for St. Peter’s, the previous owner approached him about stepping away from the business. With his passion for fly fishing, enjoyment of entrepreneurship, and desire to make Fort Collins a permanent home, his family decided to invest and take ownership. In 2011, he expanded by opening a second location on the southside of Fort Collins. With two locations, we were able to better serve anglers throughout the growing Northern Colorado communities.
What do you want visitors to experience at St. Peter's?
One thing that sets St. Peter’s Fly Shop aside from other businesses in our industry is our commitment to great customer service. Our staff are eager and willing to help customers of all skill levels help find enjoyment in the sport. Whether you are just thinking about getting into Fly Fishing, or a seasoned veteran, we want to help provide a great experience for our customers. We want folks to walk out of our building feeling confident and excited to hit the water, and we will strive to help ever single person who walks through our doors leave with that feel good, “I got this”, mentality. From exceptional customer service and question answering, to detailed classes designed to help you get the most of your days on the water, to incredible guided trip options, St. Peter’s Fly Shop has it all. Come say hello and let us help you get “hooked up”!
(Photos provided by St. Peter's Fly Shop)
St. Peter's Fly Shop
Address: 202 Remington Street (Old Town); 2008 E Harmony Road (South Shop)
Hours: October - March: 10am to 6pm. April - September: 9am to 6pm.
Phone: (970) 498-8968 (Old Town); (970) 377-3785 (South Shop)
Email: shop@stpetes.com
Website: https://stpetes.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StPetersFlyShop
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/stpetesflyshop
