About Jed Thompson – Owner & Guide at Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters
Jed Thompson is a Colorado native and passionate angler who has been fishing the state’s lakes, rivers, reservoirs, and ponds for over 40 years. Born and raised in Colorado, Jed’s lifelong love for the outdoors began at a young age, with family fishing trips and Boy Scout adventures in areas like Horsetooth Reservoir, Red Feather Lakes, and beyond. He has called Fort Collins home for almost three decades, making him intimately familiar with Northern Colorado’s premier fishing waters.
Jed’s professional background is rooted in fisheries biology & science. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Fisheries Biology from Colorado State University and a Master’s in Fisheries and Aquatic Sciences from the University of Florida. Building on his academic foundation, Jed worked 13 years as an assistant fisheries biologist and researcher with a state wildlife agency, where he gained deep insights into fish behavior, habitat management, fish biology, aquatic ecosystems, and conservation practices.
This expertise translates directly into his guiding philosophy: Jed doesn’t just take you to the fish—he teaches you how to catch them, sharing knowledge on techniques, baits, lures, flies, and seasonal patterns for species like trout (rainbow, brown, cutthroat), bass ( largemouth, smallmouth & white bass), walleye, catfish, and more. His approach combines scientific understanding with practical, decades of on-the-water experience, ensuring fun, memorable and successful trips for beginners and seasoned anglers alike.
As the founder and guide of Northern Colorado Fishing Outfitters, Jed offers fully outfitted guided trips—including boat fishing on a 19’ Lund, shore and river adventures, and winter ice fishing—across iconic locations like Horsetooth Reservoir, Carter Lake, Boyd Lake, Lake John, and the Delaney Butte Lakes & Cache La Poudre River. With 7+ years of dedicated guiding (and counting), he holds all necessary Colorado outfitter licenses, local water permits, is fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and maintains CPR and First Aid certification from the Red Cross.
Clients consistently praise Jed for his patience, knowledge, and ability to create fun, educational experiences—whether landing a trophy fish, fishing for great action or teaching a novice the basics of fishing. If you’re looking for an authentic, expert-led Colorado fishing adventure, Jed is the guide who brings both passion and professionalism to every trip.
Book with Jed today — tight lines! 🎣
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