Need a hand? Call and we’ll place the order for you—and set up your account at the same time.(541) 386-6977
Gorge Fly Shop — Q&A
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Quick answers to the questions we hear most. If you don’t see yours, call us at 541-386-6977 or email info@gorgeflyshop.com.
Here we'll cover: Checkout • Shipping • Returns • Orders • Pairing & Sizing • Gear Questions • Services • Policies • Store Info
Checkout
I'm having an issue checking out?
Checkout Trouble? We understand and do appologize. We are always looking at ways to improve our store, and make things easier for our customers while still retaining security and safety for our customers and our business - but let's face it, sometimes hiccups happen, sometimes the internet has a bad day. Give us a call, we can place the order for you by either creating an account or your existing account.
This Captcha thing is not cool...
We understand and are working to imrove the checkout process and our Captcha. Give us a call, we're available 7 days a week.
Shipping
When will my order ship?
Most orders ship quickly once processed. Delivery time depends on carrier and destination. Most in-stock items ship within 1–2 business days (depending on time of day). We’ll email tracking as soon as it’s on the way.
I entered the wrong address - what now?
Reach out immediately. If the label hasn’t been created or the package hasn’t shipped, we may be able to correct it.
Do you offer free shipping?
Some products and promotions include free shipping. We offer Free domestic on most orders over $50 and international options. Rates are shown at checkout.
Do you ship internationally?
Yes, we ship many products to many countries via trusted carriers. Duties/VAT are set by your country and are due on delivery unless shown at checkout or written elsewhere.
Can I choose faster shipping?
Yes. Please call first before placing your order. Expedited options (2-day/overnight) are available
How do backorders ship?
Backordered items ship as soon as they land. If your order contains both in-stock and backorder items, we’ll ship available items first unless you ask us to hold for one shipment.
Returns & Exchanges
What is your return window?
Most new, unused gear in original packaging can be returned within 30 days of delivery. Some items (e.g., cut line, used waders) are not returnable—see store policies for more details.
How do I start a return?
Reply to your order email or contact us with your order number and the item you’re returning. We’ll send instructions.
Do you charge restocking fees?
Not for standard returns in new condition. Fees may apply for used, damaged, or missing-packaging returns.
How are warranties handled?
Manufacturer warranties are honored per the brand’s policy. We’ll help you start a claim and advise on fastest resolution.
Orders & Payments
Which payments do you accept?
Major credit/debit cards, Amazon and PayPal.
Can I change or cancel an order?
If it hasn’t shipped yet, usually yes. Contact us ASAP with your order number.
Will I be charged sales tax?
We collect tax where required by law based on your shipping address and current regulations. Any taxes will be applied after address is entered.
Gear Pairing & Sizing
Can you help me choose the right fly rod?
Yes. Tell us your target species, water type, and how you fish (dries, nymphs, streamers, Spey, salt). We’ll recommend a rod weight/length and a few best-fit options.
What line pairs with my new rod?
General rule: match line weight to rod weight (e.g., 6-wt rod → 6-wt line). For specialty fisheries (trout spey, sink tips, big streamers), line selection can vary—see our pairing notes on each product page or ask us for a custom recommendation.
What reel size fits my rod?
Most brands size reels by line weight (e.g., 4/5, 5/6). If you plan to fish heavy backing or sink tips, consider the larger size in the range for better capacity and balance.
How do I choose sink tips?
Match grain weight to the head and water conditions. Start with 10' T-8/T-11 for moderate flows; T-14+ for deep/fast. We’re happy to tailor a set for your home water.
What wader size should I pick?
Checkout our wader sizing video: Wader Sizing Demonstration Use the brand’s size chart and measure chest, inseam, and shoe size. If you’re between sizes, prioritize foot fit and torso length for comfort and durability.
Services
Can you spool my reel with backing and line?
Yes— and we’ll spool to spec (backing weight, retrieve direction). We have options available in our listings. Contact us for Support.
Do you assemble rod+reel+line kits?
Yes. We build ready-to-fish setups and can custom-pair for species, river, and casting style. Checkout out pre-build Outfits.
Do you offer gift cards?
Yes—digital gift cards are available in several denominations and can be delivered by email or by mail if you wish.
Do you provide local river advice?
Absolutely. We can suggest seasonal tactics, legal access points, and gear lists. For guided days, we’ll connect you with trusted local guides. Checkout out River Reports page.
Policies & Stock
Is an item truly in stock?
Product pages show live availability when possible. For fast-moving gear, availability can change during checkout; we’ll notify you right away if there’s an issue. If we can't get an item, you will be refunded.
Do you price match?
If you find an identical item from an authorized U.S. dealer with the same terms, contact us. We’ll do our best to help within brand policy guidelines.
How do I get notified when an item is back in stock?
Call or email us. 541-386-6977
Store Info
Where are you located?
Gorge Fly Shop, 3200 Lower Mill Dr. Hood River, Oregon, 97031 USA.
Store hours can vary seasonally and or by holiday—check our Contact page or call before you drive. Open 7 days a week.
How do I contact support?
Call 541-386-6977 or email info@gorgeflyshop.com with your order number (if you have one).
Fly Fishing Glossary (click for answer)
What is a fly rod?
A fly rod is a flexible rod designed to cast a weighted fly line and control the drift, swing, or retrieve of a fly.
What is a fly reel for?
A fly reel stores fly line and backing and provides drag to help control fish during runs.
What is fly line?
Fly line is the weighted line that makes fly casting possible; different types float, sink, or do both.
What does “WF” mean on fly line?
WF means Weight Forward, a common taper that helps most anglers load the rod easily and cast efficiently.
What does “DT” mean on fly line?
DT means Double Taper, a symmetrical taper that’s often favored for roll casting and delicate presentation.
What is a floating fly line?
A floating line stays on the surface and is the most common choice for trout, dries, and many nymph setups.
What is a sink tip?
A sink tip is a short, sinking line section added to a floating head to control depth.
What is a full-sink line?
A full-sink line sinks along its entire length to reach deeper water and keep a fly in the zone longer.
What is a leader in fly fishing?
A leader is the tapered section that connects fly line to tippet and helps the fly turn over smoothly.
What is tippet?
Tippet is the final section of line tied to your fly; it’s the part you replace most often.
What does “X” mean in tippet sizes?
“X” is a sizing system—generally, higher X = thinner and lower X = thicker/stronger.
What is backing?
Backing is thin line beneath the fly line that adds capacity for long runs.
What is “turnover”?
Turnover is how the leader straightens during the cast to deliver the fly accurately.
What does it mean when a rod “loads”?
Loading is the rod bending during the cast; a properly loaded rod feels smoother and throws tighter, more controlled loops.
What is a false cast?
A false cast is casting in the air without letting the fly land, used to build line speed or reposition line.
What does “shooting line” mean?
Shooting line means letting line slide through the guides on the forward cast to gain distance.
What is a mend?
A mend is repositioning the fly line on the water to reduce drag and improve the drift.
What is drag (in drifting)?
Drag is when current pulls your line and makes the fly move unnaturally, often reducing takes.
What is “presentation”?
Presentation is how your fly lands and moves—often the difference between a look and an eat.
What is a line head?
The line head is the weighted front section of a fly line (for example, Scandi or Skagit).
What is grain weight?
Grain weight is the mass of the fly line head, used for Spey/two-handed matching.
What does IPS mean?
IPS means inches per second, the sink rate used to describe sinking tips and lines.
What is a dry fly?
A dry fly floats on the surface and imitates adult insects or other surface food.
What is a nymph?
A nymph is a subsurface fly that imitates immature aquatic insects.
What is a streamer?
A streamer is a larger fly fished subsurface to imitate baitfish, leeches, or other swimming prey.
What is a wet fly?
A wet fly is fished under the surface, often swung, to imitate insects in the water column.
What is an emerger?
An emerger imitates an insect transitioning to the surface—often a key stage during hatches.
What is a dry-dropper rig?
A dry-dropper is a dry fly with a nymph tied below it, giving you two chances on one drift.
What is indicator nymphing?
Indicator nymphing uses a floating indicator to suspend nymphs and signal strikes.
What is Euro nymphing?
Euro nymphing is a direct-contact nymphing style with minimal fly line on the water for sensitivity and control.
What does it mean to “swing” a fly?
Swinging is letting the fly arc across current under tension—common for soft-hackles and steelhead flies.
What does it mean to “strip” a fly?
Stripping is retrieving line by hand to animate a fly, commonly used with streamers.
What is a seam?
A seam is the boundary where fast and slow water meet—often a prime feeding lane.
What is a riffle?
A riffle is shallow, broken water with current and oxygen; trout often feed here.
What is a run?
A run is medium-depth moving water—one of the most common places to find fish holding and feeding.
What is a pool?
A pool is deeper, slower water where fish rest, especially in warmer or low-flow periods.
What is pocket water?
Pocket water is broken current between rocks and structure that creates small holding lies.
What is holding water?
Holding water is water where fish can sit comfortably with cover and feeding opportunity.
What is “structure”?
Structure is cover like rocks, logs, banks, weed lines, and drop-offs that fish use for protection and ambush.
What is a hatch?
A hatch is when aquatic insects emerge in numbers, often triggering surface feeding.
What does “match the hatch” mean?
It means choosing flies that resemble the insects fish are focused on in that moment.
What are waders?
Waders are waterproof pants that let you fish in the water while staying dry.
What are wading boots?
Wading boots provide traction and support while wading; they’re worn over stockingfoot waders.
What is the difference between rubber and felt soles?
Rubber is versatile and travel-friendly; felt can grip well on some rocks but may be restricted in certain regions.
What are studs?
Studs are traction add-ons that increase grip on slick surfaces.
What are gravel guards?
Gravel guards help keep sand and small rocks from entering your boots.
What is a wading belt for?
A wading belt helps reduce water entry into waders and improves safety if you slip.
What is Spey casting?
Spey casting is a family of water-anchored casts often used with longer rods and heavier lines on larger rivers.
What is a Skagit head?
A Skagit head is a short, heavy head designed to cast sink tips and larger flies efficiently.
What is a Scandi head?
A Scandi head is typically longer and more presentation-friendly, often used with lighter tips and smaller flies.
What is an “anchor” in Spey casting?
The anchor is the portion of line and/or leader that touches the water during the cast and helps load the rod.
