Kirks Fly Shop

Are you kidding me only 23 reviews. This place is an absolute 5 star. The people are great. Selection is incredible. I live 40 minutes from them an wish they were closer. Great shop, great guides, great selection and you can bring you dogs in the shop. What more do you want? When in Estes a must stop.

Beware… I am an avid saltwater fisherman but knew nothing about fly fishing until I learned it the hard way with Kirks fly shop.
I went in and explained to them that I knew nothing, after minimal help and me picking out a combo rod by myself that they’d put together, the supposed professionals, I walked out of the store after dropping almost $ 500 with a 5-​way rod and a ¾ reel.
I later found out after using all of my leader, that I needed to use tippit in order to save the leader. Whichthey failed to address at all. After learning about the tippet it really showed me just how useless these people are.
I just left the store after speaking with the owners wife which was futile, She pawned me off on the useless guy that didn’t help me in the first place. I asked her point blank if there was any reason that there would be a rod combo that has a mismatch of reel and rod and she told me no, and then I explained to her that I came in here and bought one from her and then the backpedaling began.
Save yourself some time and money and just go to Cabelas where are the employees give a damn and answer any questions with well informed answers. and the fly fishing section is much better anyway. The owners and employees of Kirk fly shop could care less about their mistakes and offered no resolution or apology.

I’ve grown up hunting and fishing in Texas, but I had never gone fly fishing until now. My 73 year old father and I booked a 4 hr trip, and it was amazing. The guide, Jim, made the difference. He was patient, positive, and supportive of our efforts. He taught us the basics and helped us the whole time! He made our vacation truly memorable!

Absolutely the best fishing experience I’ve ever had. Husband and I took our 8 year old grandson on a guided float fishing trip. Kirk was our guide. Along with his sweet dog Kelly. From the time we went into the shop the day before to do paper work (our choice) to our visit a few days later to buy some supplies to fish on our own; EVERY person we encountered was friendly and helpful. Kirk went above and beyond to make sure our grandson had a great experience. Kirk also took time to give my husband tips and advice for future fishing on our own. Lunch was delicious, conversation with Kirk was nice, scenery and wildlife coming and going was beautiful. We were a bit intimidated when we learned how long the day would be, however we didn’t even realize how much time had passed as we floated and fished. Even the late afternoon drive back was no inconvenience. We plan to bring our 21 year old daughter back next year. She and my husband will repeat this same float trip.

No words could describe how amazing and friendly everyone was at Kirk’s. My best friend and I were looking for something fun to do on our trip to Colorado, aside from hiking.
A few days before we left I was checking livingsocial and groupon, finding a deal for Kirk’s. Since it was last minute I wanted to make sure they had availability before I purchased the deal. The lady on the phone was incredibly sweet and helpful. She answered all my questions, no matter how silly.
From the minute we showed up we were greeted with a smile. We were introduced to our guide Jeremy Weinsinger and the guys at the shop fitted us for our boots and waders. Since the river was running fast and high we opted to pay for access to a private run that Kirk’s leases. I am so happy with our decision.
Once properly fitted, we hopped in Jeremy’s truck. Jeremy’s beat up pickup truck (sorry Jeremy) only added to the whole fishing experience. So B-​A-​N-​A-​N-​A-​S. He first took us to the same fishing hole as the others. As he was stringing my pole he was explaining the river, the foundation of fly fishing, the do and not to dos. He was incredibly informative and a great guide. Using his guidance I caught a fish within the first few minutes of fishing. He talked me through the hooking/​reeling process and I was able to successfully pull in 3 fish while at that fishing spot. He never once yelled, got frustrated or upset at us. After we picked up the basics, we loaded in the truck and headed to that private fishing hole.
At the second spot, Jeremy restrung our lines and set me up in my spot. I wasn’t as successful, but my best friend caught three substantial rainbow trout. Overall a pretty successful fishing day.
One thing I could appreciate was that despite this being a fly fishing trip, Jeremy explained that this was our trip and it’s his goal for us to have the best day. If we wanted our day to consist of fishing for 5 min and the other portion sitting on a rock… It was cool with him. Both Ashley and I were marveling at the beauty of the Rockies. We kept on saying how B-​A-​N-​A-​N-​A-​S it all was, which made Jeremy laugh (guess it reminded him of that Gwen Stefani song). Jeremy mentioned what we were seeing was nothing and if we wanted he could take us up into the Rocky Mountain National Park. After fishing we went up in the park. I can’t even describe how pretty it all was and how appreciative I was of Jeremy for taking us. During our ascent and descent Jeremy was pointing out animal, giving us great history and showing us the different peaks.
You can tell everyone that works at Kirk’s is there because they love their job, love what they do and enjoy working with people. Never once did I feel that I was just another person passing through the door.

Had a great experience from beginning to end. The people in the store were friendly and knowledgeable. They were willing to assist and make recommendations.
We booked a 6 hour trip and it was absolutely great. My 11 year old son and I were complete novices but our guide (Jim) was very patient and did an excellent job. I would recommend asking for him.
This was truly the highlight of our trip for my 11 year old who is still talking about his first fly fish caught in CO.

Just went on my first ever Fly Fishing trip. Theses folks pros. Our guide was Christopher and he was excellent between the three of us we we caught 8

Kirks is where to go for great fly fishing guided tours in Estes Park. Each tour includes all the rental equipment you’ll need to fly fish including waders, boots, fly rods and flies. I have been to Kirks 3 – 4 times and have always had great experiences. They often offer Groupon or Living Social deals during off peak seasons which is a steal and a great way to be introduced to fly fishing. However, if you want really great fishing (in terms of volume/​quality of fish) it’s worthwhile to pay the full price during the peak season. It’s a bit pricey but a really worthwhile experience.
My guide of choice is Nick DelVecchio. He is highly knowledge, patient and made the guided tour incredibly fun for a newcomer and beginner.

Excellent ¾ day trip with Christopher. He put us on fish and was an excellent instructor for the beginners. Shop is right in town with attentive staff. We will be back!

Simply amazing experience. The whole staff was helpful and friendly. Kennedy was my guide and he was passionate and knowledgeable. Highly recommend requesting him!
It’s fun to learn something new with smart individuals who know how to show you a great time. I’m coming back soon with my wife!
I also got this as a Groupon for a birthday gift and the staff didn’t treat me any differently being a «discount» customer. Great job and an overall successful day!

Very friendly customer service. If you need fishing gear this is the spot to be! Although, we were there for sleds and they got those too.

I traveled to Estes Park from Dallas as I did in 2009 to go fly fishing. I used Kirk’s in 2009 and used them again this trip. Great fly fishing store, but more importantly the guides are awesome. My first day Duane took me the Rocky Mountain National Park where we fished the Big Thompson River and Glacier Creek. Duane showed me many areas to fish and taught me how to fly fish in streams with trees around. The next day I fished with Jerry. I asked to fish in a lake but Jerry had a better idea. He knows all the best spots. He is very technical in his knowledge of the area, the water, temperature, entomology (study of insects), and where the pockets of fish are. He taught me soo much and I caught several trout that ranged from 12″ to 18″ in length. Great guide. I will be using him again.
Bob

On a weekend get-​away for «adults only» we wanted to try some fly fishing. We drove into town and were not able to check into our hotel at The Stanley yet so we drove into town and stopped at the local fly fishing tour shops. (Kirks). We asked about catching the next tour and initially were told that we needed to have reservations. I explained that I had sent in my inquiry through the website but I had not received any response.
The guy running the store made a couple phone calls and was able to get a guide to take us out. We were fitted with all the necessary gear. I was allowed to use their restroom no problems there.
We headed out — Jerry taught us about fly fishing, the process and more than I ever wanted to know about bugs :0)
We both caught several fish.
Only thing that I feel would make it better is to be able to keep at least a couple fish.
Sport fishing when you are not paying for it is fun and when you pay this kind of money you would expect to at least get to keep one or two fish.
Thanks again — definitely a highlight of our trip!

Stopped here to rent snowshoes on the way to RMNP. It was fast and the equipment worked well. Cheaper than renting them from Sports Authority and better service. Staff showed us how to clip them on, and off we went!

went to colorado for a 2 week rv vacation with husband and two sons, 12 and 8. they had fly fished in utah and loved it so we decided to do it again and i was all in to give it a try! kirks was the place that seemed to stand out among all the other companies… so husband called, got us a 4 hour trip and so glad we did it!
we had the guide, ryan come and get us from our rv campground since the taxi never showed, yes we were late for our 8am start but they were very relaxed and laid back and never showed any rushing to get going.
both guides, ryan and chris, were very experience, full of knowledge and patience. we went to a stream, caught several trout, learned about dry fly fishing and just enjoyed the beauty of the rocky mountains, the peace and sound of the stream.
4 hours flew by, even my 8 year old loved every minute and never asked to go home.
my husband thoroughly loved just getting away, relaxing and letting everything go.
the shop is awesome, full of flys and all were very friendly!
i highly recommend going here if you are in the area, you will get your money worth… great little spot!

My fiancée and I went on a trip with Jerry — it was AWESOME! I would recommend doing the upgrade to private waters. We fished for 4 hours and caught many fish, with no one else in sight. Very serene, and Jerry was very knowledgeable. Would definitely go again if I have the chance.

I’ve only been in the shop a few times to pick up camping gear. Both times, it’s just been little things that I’ve forgotten on the way to Rocky Mtn Nat Park.
I have really been impressed with the service and friendliness of the folks who run the shop. It’s just pleasant walking in here and asking for something. I don’t know about the fishing trips, however, but if I ever did was to learn to fish, I’d probably ask them.
The last time I came in was after stopping at another outdoor store on that main road in Estes. Mistake. The guy there didn’t know what he was talking about and when he found the item I was looking for, it was pretty overpriced. We walked out and went to Kirk’s, where we should have gone in the first place. They had the part we needed at the normal price. In and out in a few minutes… well, after dragging the bf away from the fishing stuff.

We have been out with 5 different guide services over the last 3 years, and the guide we fished with on two half-​days (Will) was by far the best guided experience we’ve had to date.
My husband and I caught about 35 fish between the two of us, and not only did the guide take us to some spectacular fishing holes, he also coached us and helped us improve our fly fishing technique and understanding of the water. I learned two new casts and a bunch of tips… and really improved my skill level!
Super friendly, great outfitter! We had a WONDERFUL experience. Call Kirk’s — you won’t be disappointed!
PS, did I mention I caught a Colorado Grand Slam? Yep, I certainly did!
PSS — the store is loaded with flies and all kinds of gear; it is a great retail space, so even if you’re not going out with a guide, it’s worth it to stop and explore the retail space and talk with the staff.

Had a great time learning to fly fish here. I did the 4hour trip by myself and Mark (or was it Mike?) and had a blast. Down to Earth guy. Taught me everything i needed to know and where to fish. He even tied all my flies, unhooked my snags and offered some free snacks. Ive lake fished my whole life and didnt need that service, but it was very nice. Exaclty what I wanted.
If i had to pick out something bad, id say I wouldnt mind keeping some fish. We didnt get time to go to places that you can keep them. Although I didnt ask for that and im sure they would have brought me there if I had asked.
The horrible review on here disturbes me. There is no way this place is so well known and trusted if clients experiences are THAT bad. Dont believe it.

These guys know flyfishing. Everyone is honest and friendly. There’s no trying to sell you lots of gear you don’t need. There’s many packages to choose from to day trips or overnight trips. If you see one of there Groupons I highly recommend buying.
My wife and I took a four hour trip in the Big Thompson River and our guide Will was one the coolest guides I’d ever met. This guy lives and breathes flyfishing. I am definitely going to ask for Will again. Were looking forward to another trip to Estes Park and Kirk’s Fly shop.