If you are heading to the Rangeley area to fish, The Rangeley Region Sport Shop is a must stop. They are located on Main St in Rangeley, Maine.

It’s been a few years since my last trip to the Rangeley area but the shop is always a must stop for me. You will noticed right off the bat, the large selection of flies they have on hand. Most are tied locally and even some are tied by the owner. They are very willing to share local information and tell you which flies are working. They also cater to their local fishery and offer guided trips for trophy brook trout and land locked salmon. The BIG ones we all dream about!

This shop will be celebrating their 75th year of business this year. They are a true Maine treasure. They are rich in history, stop and become part of it.

Stop in on your way through town!

Kevin McKay

 Who Are They

The roots of the shop go back to 1945, when it was originally called Fletcher’s Fly Shop. It was started by George Fletcher who left his vocation as a teacher in nearby Kingfield to pursue his passion with flies. Fletcher had become good friends with Carrie Stevens and became her primary feather and hook supplier from the time he opened until the end of her career. Around 1960, the business was moved to its present location and in 1962 was purchased by Gerry and Gertrude Richards, who changed the name to the Rangeley Region Sports Shop.
The Richards developed it into a four season shop and started a catalog business. In 1976, it was purchased by Dick Frost, a local tier, rod maker, and guide. The catalog and trade show business that had been started by Gertrude continued under the Frosts, and rod making was added to the shop. From then until now, different owners have come and gone. The shop at one point became strictly a fly shop and then back to a full service sports shop. People still come from all over to fish and hunt and enjoy the outdoors and become part of the tradition – in the land of fishing legends.

Tied and Tested

   We feature locally tied flies made to match the area hatches. We desire to serve you by stocking quality products. With over 20,000 flies in stock the fisherman can be sure to find what they need. Most flies are tied locally by my wife, myself, or other locals. Our trolling streamers are tied by Ken Grimes who started tying for the shop in the mid 1980′s. Ken’s tandems are as good as they get and are a major staple in the tackle boxes of the lake fishermen that visit Rangeley every spring.

   The streamer fly has an important place in Rangeley history: names like Grey Ghost, Black Ghost, Colonel Bates and more. We have all the favorites and some you may have never heard of such as the Dr. Grantham or Gravel Gertie. Nymph fishing is popular here with lots of pocket water and fast runs to explore in the area rivers. I stock all the favorite nymphs in bead and non-bead and can always give advice on what to use since I guide the waters also.
   At the shop we stock all the essential fly tying supplies that a tier might need and if we don’t have it, will try to get it for you. A well tied fly starts with quality materials so we will always help you get the good stuff.
   Fly fishing is our primary business. Along with a large selection of flies we have everything to outfit the beginner or upgrade the seasoned fisherman. We carry Simms waders and Sage and Orvis flyrods and reels, quality Rio lines and leaders, and much more.

Brett and Sue

2529 Main St.

Rangeley, Maine

207-864-5615

rivertoridge@aol.com