By Renae Counter, explorebigsky.com Editorial Assistant
BIG SKY— Grizzly Outfitters is now offering a full service fly fishing outfit to its summer inventory.
Grizzly had three reasons for starting a fly fishing outfit, said co-owner Ken Lancey.
“First, we were looking for something to add for summer that we didn’t already offer. Second, there has been a trend toward family oriented fishing. And third, a lot of the people in the shop are really into fishing.”
Demand from visitors in the past also fueled the new outfit according to Amy Smit, Grizzly’s marketing director.
“We get a lot of people coming to the Meadow looking for fly fishing outfits,” Smit said.
Grizzly’s three fulltime fly fishing outfitters, Ennion Williams, Bill Lerch and Brian Kimmel, have been avid fly-fishermen around southwest Montana for more than 15 years.
Float trips will be offered on the Madison, Yellowstone and Missouri rivers, and walk/wade trips will be offered on the Gallatin and Madison rivers. Trips will be available seven days a week, with a choice between a half or full day excursion. Reservations for fly fishing guides and rentals will soon be available online at Grizzly’s website.
“We will also be giving half-off rentals to people who book a guided trip, so that’s a really good deal,” Smit said.
Grizzly now has a full selection of fly fishing gear from Sage Rods and Reels, Patagonia, Redington, Fishpond, Scientific Angler, Hatch Reels and Montana Flys. A fly fishing grand opening event will be held in mid-July.
Grizzly Outfitters is located in the Big Sky Town Center and is open seven days a week from 8 a.m – 6 p.m. For more information visit grizzlyoutfitters.com
