FLY SHOPS
Fly fishing is an angling method that uses a light-weight lure -- called an artificial fly-- to catch fish. The fly is cast using a fly rod, reel, and specialized weighted line. The light weight requires casting techniques significantly different from other forms of casting. The flies may resemble natural invertebrates, baitfish, or other food organisms.https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Fly_fishing
As I travel around North America I find more and more clothing stores masquerading as fly shops and fewer and fewer shops specializing in the paraphernalia discussed above.
This page will feature the later.
ARIZONA
Pinetop-Lakeside
Paradise Creek Anglers
560 W White Mountain Blvd
Pinetop-Lakeside, Arizona
When I arrived in the Show Low, AZ area the first thing I did was visit ”Paradise Creek Outfitters.”
Sandt DeRosier went beyond the call of duty in guiding me to area fishing..
If you are ever in Pinetop, AZ and need fly fishing or skiing info or equipment, please patronize them. The information Sandt provides is invaluable.
Sandt sent me to Silver Creek.
The stream reminded me of Pennsylvania's Letort.
It’s closed in Summer, catch and release in Fall and Winter.
I hiked upstream to a pool Sandt recommended. I caught my first Apache Trout...
on my "go to" bottom fly the "Honeybug Inchworm."
Other productive patterns included Elk Hair Caddis and Parachute Adams.
I caught and fought a number of Rainbows around 18 inches. I fought a losing battle to fish of several pounds.
I also met James D Swanson whose facebook page will speak for itself/
MAINE
Staceyville
Theriault has been making and selling flies for 44 years.
Boston Red Sox great Ted Williams was so enamored with Theriault’s flies, they were the only ones he used on Fourth Musquacook Lake.
Fly-Tying material comes primarily from Alvins farm animals, rabbits, llamas, white goat kids, Saanen goats crossed with cashmere goats, Boer goat crosses, Icelandic sheep, junglefowl, guineafowl, specialized chickens bred for colorful feathers. Some Maine hunters provide grouse tail feathers in exchange for salmonid flies.
Al and Connie ship to fishers throughout the U.S. and sell to 20 Maine fly-fishing stores and sporting lodges,.
Theriault flies are legendary. Even if you don’t need anything, this unique shop is worth going out of your way,
Besides rooting around the flies and material you will enjoy purusing the rocks, gems and jewelery.Poking around the farm is also a hoot.
Stop there, you’ll be glad you did and probably leave with the gift of a rock or a fly.