Beth Rankin: Denver's best fly-fishing shop recognizes that women do, indeed, fish, too

Beth Rankin, The Denver Post on Sep 3, 2025

Published in Outdoors

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DENVER — When I first started fly-fishing in Colorado four summers ago, I quickly learned that not all outfitters and guide services are set up for every angler — or any female anglers at all.

Sometimes, that meant tripping over borrowed men’s waders that were three sizes too large, or face-planting in the Eagle River because the outfitter only carried men’s boots. Once, during a hot streak when I was catching everything in the Colorado Grand Slam (rainbow trout, brown trout, brook trout and the greenback cutthroat), a guide waited until my partner was out of earshot to suggest that catching more than him might bruise his ego. Interestingly, no guide ever said the same to him when he was out-catching me.

Now, women are finally ready to strike out on our own — which means we need gear. But I’m quickly learning that not all outfitters carry equipment that fits my 5-foot-4 frame or is designed for women.

Which is part of why I love Anglers All so much. What started as a Littleton tackle shop in 1954 has morphed into an outfitter with a boat showroom, a classroom for fly-tying and etymology workshops, a destination fly-fishing travel business and a second location in Denver, where I found a women’s gear and clothing selection as robust as the men’s.

The shop hosted its first women’s masterclass this year and, on my last visit, was advertising a women’s fly-fishing trip to Belize. Staff also referred me to Colorado Trout Hunters, where I was able to book a day trip with a female guide for the first time. (Chelsey Christy was great if you’re also looking for a local guide.)

Anglers All is kind and non-judgmental to new anglers, sells tons of gear and literature, and has served me well on my quest to learn how to navigate Colorado waterways.

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Anglers All, 1303 E. Sixth Ave., Denver, and 5211 S. Santa Fe Drive, Littleton; anglersall.com.