Built on Family and Fishing

Founded in Hood River, Oregon in 1992, Gorge Fly Shop grew from Travis Duddles’ early love of fly fishing into a trusted shop serving local customers, traveling anglers, and online shoppers around the world. Our story is rooted in family, practical experience, and a simple belief: good advice matters.

Long before the shop opened its doors, Travis was spending time on Oregon waters, learning to fish, tying flies, and testing his own patterns. Fly fishing became more than a hobby early on. By the time he was young, he was tying commercially, selling flies, and beginning to understand the connection between good gear, honest advice, and better days on the water.

That early passion eventually became a plan. In 1992, with support from his parents, Albert and Ruth Duddles, Travis opened Gorge Fly Shop in Hood River, Oregon. The first shop was small, humble, and built with the help of family. Shelving was made, displays were put together, and every bit of available space was used with purpose.

There was not a massive inventory in the beginning. A few rods, reels, lines, leaders, tying materials, flies, and enough determination to keep the doors open. But anglers came in. Local fishermen, travelers headed toward the Deschutes, and curious newcomers all found something they needed: gear, conversation, and honest help from someone who cared about getting it right.

Growing with Hood River and the Columbia Gorge

From the beginning, the shop was closely tied to Hood River and the Columbia River Gorge. The area offered access to trout, steelhead, salmon, warmwater fisheries, and some of the most iconic rivers in the Pacific Northwest. That local experience shaped the way customers were served from the very start.

As the business grew, so did the relationships. People stopped in for flies, lines, and river reports, but many came back because of the service. The shop became a place where anglers could ask real questions, talk through setups, and get advice based on experience rather than guesswork.

After several years in the original Oak Street location, the business moved into a larger, more visible space in downtown Hood River. It was another family effort, with plenty of renovation, hard work, and long days. The move gave the shop more room to serve customers, expand inventory, and become a stronger part of the local fly fishing community.

Service First, Then and Now

One idea has guided Gorge Fly Shop from the beginning: the right gear should fit the angler, the water, and the way it will actually be fished.

That approach is still central to who we are. We would rather help you make the right choice than simply sell you the most expensive option. A fly rod needs to match the line. A reel needs to balance the setup. A leader, sink tip, or fly should make sense for the conditions. Small details matter, and they often make the difference between frustration and confidence.

Whether someone is buying their first fly rod, building a Spey setup, planning a saltwater trip, or replacing a trusted piece of gear, our goal is the same: listen first, ask the right questions, and help build a setup that works.

From a Local Shop to Anglers Around the World

Gorge Fly Shop will always be a Hood River fly shop, but our reach has grown far beyond the front door.

As online shopping became part of the fly fishing world, the shop adapted. What started as a local storefront became a way to serve anglers across the country and around the world. Many customers still call for advice, ask questions about gear, and rely on the same practical service they would receive in person.

That balance matters to us. We are proud to offer the convenience of an online fly fishing store, but we never want to lose the feel of a real shop. Behind every order is a team that understands the gear and knows customers are often preparing for a trip, a season, or a fish they have been thinking about for years.

A Fly Shop with Roots

More than three decades after opening, Gorge Fly Shop is still shaped by the same things that started it: family, fishing, customer service, and a deep connection to the water.

Our storefront in Hood River continues to welcome local anglers, traveling fishermen, and visitors exploring the Columbia Gorge. Our online store helps customers find quality fly fishing gear wherever they live or fish. The shop has changed over the years, but the foundation has stayed the same.

We are here to help anglers fish better, travel smarter, and choose gear with confidence.

Fly Fish the World with Us — and fish your home water better along the way.

Questions About the Gorge Fly Shop Story

When did Gorge Fly Shop open?

Gorge Fly Shop opened in Hood River, Oregon in 1992.

Who founded Gorge Fly Shop?

Gorge Fly Shop was founded by Travis Duddles with support from his family.

How did Gorge Fly Shop get started?

The shop grew from Travis Duddles’ early passion for fly fishing and fly tying. After tying and selling flies as a young angler, he opened Gorge Fly Shop in Hood River with help from his parents and family.

Where was the original Gorge Fly Shop located?

The original Gorge Fly Shop was located in a small space on Oak Street in downtown Hood River, Oregon.

What makes Gorge Fly Shop different?

Gorge Fly Shop is built around practical gear advice, real fishing experience, and customer service. The goal is to help anglers choose equipment that fits their water, species, casting style, and budget.

Is Gorge Fly Shop still located in Hood River?

Yes. Gorge Fly Shop is still based in Hood River, Oregon, serving customers through both its physical storefront and online fly fishing store.