ASK THE PRO'SHere at Gorge Fly Shop we all love the outdoors!
Fact is we are all expert anglers and many of us have worked as professional guides. Our crew has countless days fishing locally as well as around the globe. We are a culmination of experiences and knowledge with a willingness to share. The expert advice page is here to help you find that individual that has specific knowledge to help you answer questions about fishing a particular style, species or location. Email the expert you think can best give advice for your fishing needs. We'll be happy to talk fishing.
MEET OUR TEAM
Need some friendly, professional advice? We would love to help. Simply email your questions to the GFS Team Member who best represents your needs for some prompt, accurate answers!
In no specific order...
| Travis Duddles | Shop Owner
32 years as of 2024
Travis was born and raised in Hood River Oregon, where he still resides with his family. Growing up with some of the best Steelhead fishing in the world, Travis' love for pursuing Steelhead started at an early age, and continues today.
This passion for the sport of fly fishing and chasing Steelhead with a fly rod developed into a career in 1992 when Travis opened the doors February 29th, 1992 to Gorge Fly Shop. Although, if you ask him, he also loves saltwater fishing which is right up there with Steelhead fishing. Tarpon, Bonefish, Permit and Painkillers (tropical drink) which is his favorite after a day fishing on the flats.
His hard work, and dedication has paid off! While he still maintains office hours for the business the day to day operations are run by his hard working and dedicated staff! Travis is looking forward to exploring back roads and waters surrounding his home state, racing his corvette on the autocross and spending time with his family.
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| Charlie Piette | Manager
I landed at the Gorge Fly Shop via Wisconsin. I began working in the fly fishing industry as a college undergrad and started guiding when I was in grad school. The Deschutes first lured me to Oregon when I was 22 and sparked a love affair that I haven't been able to shake. After contemplating moving to Oregon for many years, I took the plunge in 2022. I'm happy to call the Columbia River Gorge and GFS my home.
Northwest steelhead and trout occupy most of my time these days, but my fishing experience is diverse. I spent seventeen years guiding spring creek trout and smallmouth in Wisconsin and am glad to bring that perspective to the Gorge. Beyond that, I try to do as much saltwater fishing as I can. Plain and simple, I love to fish for just about anything with fins and a mouth!
Customer service is my number one priority in the shop. Whether you are a brand new angler or seasoned veteran looking for the next step, I love helping others become successful on the water. Whatever your fishing needs may be, feel free to reach out to me directly at the shop. I'll be happy to help! |
| Greg Darling | Warm Water Expert Gorge Fly Shop Internet Manager and Product specialist
Warm water Species is where I consider myself an expert. I have been pursuing Bass, Crappie, Bluegill and Walleye all my life. Between my hometown of Cincinnati, Ohio, north to Lake Erie and beyond into Canada is where I have gathered most of my experience. Since moving to the Northwest and starting my career with GFS in 2007 I have built my reputation for being a bass pro on the mighty Columbia River. I can't explain the hold on me the passion for these warm water species but it exists and thrives no matter where I go. So if you have ever wanted to take a Bullgill on a 3wt or tease a smallmouth to the surface with a giant popper than we share the same passion and I would be thrilled to share my knowledge with you for your pursuits. Today Steelhead gets much of my attention and swinging flies with a Two Hand rod has further advanced my skills. I now find myself using these tools in the pursuit of Trout, Bass and any other species I think I can swing a fly to. |
| John Garrett Gorge Fly Shop Team Member
I've known Travis since he was 17, and started working for him shortly after I finished a 24 year guiding career. In combination with guiding and working for Travis for 13 years now, I feel I've gained a fair amount of knowledge. Fly Fishing has always been my favorite, but I'm also knowledgeable in Gear and Center Pin fishing as well. Growing up in the Columbia River Gorge, you can get spoiled with all the things to do and places to go within a few hours' drive. It's amazingly easy to talk about the things you're passionate about. Give us a call at 541-386-6977 and let us help you with your fly fishing needs.
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| Karrie Cantrell | Office Manager Gorge Fly Shop Team Member
I've been part of the GFS family for over 5 years now running the daily office duties. I take care of processing orders, payments, accounting, backorders and much more!
I never had fly fished before working here but am growing to love it! I am still a newbie for sure as there is so much to learn and I look forward to one day being able to catch a steelhead!
A few hobbies I enjoy are fishing, hunting, clamming on the beach and camping with my family and friends. I feel very blessed to be given the opportunity to be a part of a great company and awesome team where I can continue to grow! It has been the best job by far!
If you're looking for the best customer service give our team a call! We are always happy to help!
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| Mike Prine | Webmaster | IT Gorge Fly Shop Team Member (Web Support)
Mike was raised by a pack of wolves... The reason why he never shaves. Wait No... Mike was born and raised in Hood River and had the wonderful opportunity to experience the vast variety Oregon has to offer. From the Mountain streams to the desert parts of the state. Mike has been with the Gorge Fly Shop for at least a decade maintaining all things web and tech related. His passions besides being a webmaster include hunting, fishing and going to what he calls "Church (4 wheel drive required). When it comes to fishing he still considers himself a newbie but always willing to learn something new. He has a passion for Bass and Trout but always eager to chase something new or to implement a tactic he has never used before. Besides his crazy kids, kayak fishing and utilizing his new Stealth Pro are high on his passion list.
If you have a issue with your account or notice a problem online, Mike is our go to guy. |
CONTACT THE TEAM |
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| Callum Brock Gorge Fly Shop Team Member
Before I started working at GFS, I was a loyal customer since I was a wee lad. Being born and raised in the Hood River Valley the Gorge Fly Shop has always been my go to shop. When I was younger, I mainly fished for trout with a single hand rod. Now I spend most of my time chasing steelhead with a Spey rod on the Hood and the Deschutes. When i'm not at work or fishing, I enjoy rafting with the family in the spring and summer, archery hunting in the fall, and telemark skiing in the winter. I pride myself on giving every customer the best service I can offer. If I don't know the answer to a question, I will do everything I can to find it. Happy to talk anytime, just give us a call.
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| Lyndsey Duddles | VP Gorge Fly Shop Team Member
Travis and I are about to celebrate our 22nd Wedding Anniversary this August.2024 When we married I was working in the medical field and did so through the birth of our two kids. But, when they were young it was more beneficial to help out at Gorge Fly Shop. I did not know much early on about fly fishing or working in a fly shop. I worked on a lot of different things on the web, office, inventory and out front.
Fast forward 17+ years, my time is now spent more on the back end of the business working on products, social media, blogs and so much more. We have a great crew running the day to day and allowing Travis and I some time together and of course more family time.
I'm looking forward to learning, growing and becoming a more independent angler. I think what I love most about fly fishing is the places it takes you and the people you are with. |
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Have a Question? Our Team can help! 541-386-6977
