We started Fly Shop Tour with one goal in mind: to tell the stories of the people and fly shops that are the fly fishing community. These shops are the glue that brings anglers together, teach the next generation, and provide a sense of community. It doesn’t matter who you are, as long as you fish, you’re right at home in these fly shops.
Throughout our time filming and fishing for season 3, we met some incredible people and visited some world-class shops. Join us as we explore what each state has to offer as we dive into the shops along the way. The next stop on the tour is New York, a state rich with fly fishing history.
West Branch Angler
The West Branch Angler sits on the banks of the Northeast’s premier tailwater, the West Branch of the Delaware. Anglers travel far and wide to have a go at this system’s technical dry fly fishing and trophy-sized browns. But make no mistake, these fish are smart. That’s where the West Branch Angler comes into play. A full-service fly shop, they carry the knowledge and the gear to make the most out of your time on the water.
In addition to every piece of fly fishing and tying gear that anglers may need, the West Branch Angler takes things one step further. Their on-site cabins give anglers a place to call home while exploring the various pools and runs of the West Branch. In addition, a full team of guides can help cut the learning curve and get you on fish. And for those wanting the challenge of DIY fishing, the West Branch Angler offers drift boat rentals, something we’ve never seen before on Fly Shop Tour.
Beaverkill Angler
Along the Fly Shop Tour, we’ve visited plenty of shops offering knowledge and gear to catch any fish in any destination. The Beaverkill Angler takes a different approach. They are a full-fledged trout fishing fly shop, and the gear, flies, and knowledge reflect that. With a number of rivers in close proximity, the Beaverkill Angler has all the gear needed to fish these waterbodies effectively.
It’s also worth noting that the Beaverkill Angler goes out of its way to make sure all anglers, regardless of their budget, can find something for their needs. If you’re new to fishing altogether, then they’ve got you covered with some legendary local guides that will get you on the water and catching fish in no time. Want to fish the Catskills’ legendary rivers? Then, a stop at the Beaverkill Angler is a must.
Malinda’s Fly, Spey & Tackle Shop
If you’re driving along the Salmon River, you’ll come across a number of local bait and tackle shops, but none compare to Malinda’s Fly, Spey & Tackle Shop. Started by Malinda herself, this shop is located on the upper river, just below the lower fly zone. Walk through the doors and you’ll see why this shop is so special. It’s just as much a part of the fly fishing community as it is a full-fledged fly shop.
While you can get anything you need to get on the water here, the shop’s main focus is fly tying. Just take a look at the material selection and you’ll understand what we mean. Malinda’s has some of the hardest-to-find tying materials for intricate Spey flies, and much more. If you’re lucky enough, you’ll run into some of the locals tying flies and talking about fishing. For the dedicated fly angler, there is no better shop on the Salmon River.
Special Thanks to Our Sponsors
Presenting Sponsors: YETI, SIMMS, Costa Sunglasses
Supporting Sponsors: Sage, Airflo, onWater Fish, Turtlebox, Monster Energy
