best area fly shops - definitive list

[gseries69]

Eldridge on the southern Maine coast is by far the best in that area IMHO. Jim, Old Tom and Young Tom are always very helpful. Jim was kind enough to let us borrow a rod from the shop for a trip to central america. Not many shops out there that would do that. This guy lives and breathes fly fishing. I've fished with Jeff Faulkner a few times. One of the best anglers I've had the opportunity to fish with.

Eldridge is one of the reasons it so difficult to go to a shop that treats you like crap. They raise the standard for everyone.

TG, I'll try that shop in Harwich. One of our own just bought a house in Cotuit so that will be the new striper camp. Can't wait

[BobG]

Originally Posted by Eddy Merckx

For those of us stuck inland, The Lower Forty in Worcester

Having grown up in Worcester, I was certainly remiss in overlooking this fine shop! Lower Forty is a great shop, and I go there often.

[sue m]

Bear's Den Fly Shop
Concord Outfitters
First Light Anglers
The Saltwater Edge

[capecodkid]

Bears Den and Eldredge Bros.

[smcisaac]

Classic Outfitters, Burlington, VT
Fly Rod Shop, Stowe, VT
Orvis, Manchester, VT
Kittery Trading Post, Kittery, ME
LL Bean, Freeport, ME
Blue Northern Trading, Ayer, MA
Lower 40, Worcester, MA
Natick Outdoor, Natick, MA
Classic & Custom, New Hartford, CT

(Yeah, Orvis and Bean may be big-name operations, but let's not forget that they're also local Yankee enterprises.)

I miss Stoddard's and Hunter's.

I haven't yet visited Bear's Den or Stone River, but they look like they know what they're doing.

[FishHawk]

Bear's Den
Natick Outdoors
StoneRiver in NH they have some nice saddles and materials worth the drive.
FishHawk

[boden]

Stone River Outfitters
Bears Den
First Light
Eldredge Bros
Concord Outfitters

[NE Sportsman]

Originally Posted by Gadabout Guinea

Seems like First Light is one of the only shops on the north shore. It is a great place and Nat & Derek are the best, but are there other ones? I've heard that Eldredge Brothers in Cape Neddick, Maine is a great shop but can anyone recommend a shop between them and First Light geographically?

Chris

You have to go inland a ways, but Stone River Outfitters in Bedford NH is my place -- Great customer Service and FAST shipping.

My second place is BearsDen in Taunton. I like the fact that they charge the ACTUAL shipping costs to a maximum of $7.00.

-Ed
Merrimack River Flies
Byfield, MA

[Chuckster]

I will only shop at The Bear's Den in Taunton; Scott has treated me extremely well over the many years I've known him, and his customer service is more important to me than saving a buck or two somewhere else.

Sure, I'll buy a hackle or a tail somewhere else on occasion, but if I have a big list or a big purchase item, he's my go-to place. Great shop - period.

For the inland guys, what about Cote's in Leicester? They seem to have a good booth at the Marlboro show, but I've never actually been to the shop.

Blue Northern is pretty nice too for the landlocked folks.

[rckcapefish]

although i havent been to all these shops, i have to put in my vote for bears den. scott is a great guy and always very helpful.
im not very impressed with goose hummock every time i go there the customer service doesnt exist and the selection for tying isnt to impressive.
as for up north ive been to clearwater fly shop in north conway and it was a cool little shop with some nice stuff. there customer service was great too. they gave me a lot of tips for fishing the saco and i have to say they were right on.

[BobG]

Originally Posted by Chuckster

I will only shop at The Bear's Den in Taunton; Scott has treated me extremely well over the many years I've known him, and his customer service is more important to me than saving a buck or two somewhere else.

Sure, I'll buy a hackle or a tail somewhere else on occasion, but if I have a big list or a big purchase item, he's my go-to place. Great shop - period.

For the inland guys, what about Cote's in Leicester? They seem to have a good booth at the Marlboro show, but I've never actually been to the shop.

Blue Northern is pretty nice too for the landlocked folks.

You know, I drive by Cote's all the time when I'm in Worc county bird hunting. What's the deal with his shop? I always want to stop in, but he never looks like he's open?

[FlyFishFrostie]

I've heard from friends that Cote makes very nice and inexpensive customized fly rods. Interestingly, Cote himself apparently doesn't fly fish but is an excellent rod builder.

[b.clancy]

Concord Outfitters for the Metro West area.
Bob

[jimecow]

First Light is the place for info and gear on the N shore. Lots of local knowledge people calling all the time with real time info .

[DAWNPATROL]

Here's a few that haven't been mentioned.

Carr's Rod-N Gun - Hope, RI
River and Riptide Anglers - Coventry, RI
North Cove Outfitters - Old Saybrook, CT
Rivers End - Old Saybrook, CT
Firefly Outfitters - Boston, MA