The Legend of George Fly Shop

"George Fly Shop"

Quick 2-Min Read

Why we're not George... but we owe him a thank you.

Nestled in the heart of the Columbia River Gorge, Hood River is a place where wind, water, and wild fish collide. It's a playground for fly anglers, a hub for outdoor wanderers, and home to one of the finest fly shops in the Northwest. We’re Gorge Fly Shop. Named after the rugged, iconic Columbia Gorge we call home, but somewhere between Gorge and George, the legend began.

A lot of people think we're "George Fly Shop". We get it. The name Gorge Fly Shop rolls off the tongue a little fast, and suddenly George is answering phones, managing inventory, and casting Skagit lines like a boss, but here's the real story:

Meet George

The story goes, according to some fairly well-liked unknamed retired employees, George was an actual guy, kind of. He wasn't a fly shop owner. He didn't run a register, but he did have a mustache that could cut wind on the Deschutes and a casting loop as tight as his SIMMS waders. Some time around Thanksgiving he wandered into our shop downtown, at our old location one rainy day back in the early 2000s looking for "size 18 Parachute Adams" and recommendations for a decent sandwich. He walked out with a six-weight Sage, a box of chironomids, and a firm handshake, convinced he now owned the place. We didn't have the heart to tell him otherwise.

George Got Famous (Sort Of)

Soon, the legends began. Customers would say:

"I called George Fly Shop and he knew exactly what reel I needed!"

Or:

"Is George here? He tuned up my cast with one look."

According to Travis, who's worked more office hours than the coffee machine, George never actually worked here, but we're not convinced. We can't prove it's George. But we can't disprove it either. Sure, there's no W-2. No timecard. No employee photo on the wall (unless you count that grainy steelhead selfie taped to the fridge), or the guy flying ties in the john (you know what we're talking about), but somehow packages got packed faster, knots got tied tighter, and coffee mysteriously brewed itself at 5:43 AM every day for a year.

When interviewed (We mean questioned), Travis insisted it was mere coincidence.

The Myth Grows
George's reputation? Unmatched.

We started getting phone calls asking for George's personal rod recommendations, his favorite swing patterns, even his chili recipe (What was that about?). So we went with it. You could say, George became our unofficial, imaginary co-founder.

Was George Real?

Maybe George was a spirit guide for fly anglers, maybe he was a retired river ranger with a Sage rod and a taste for Skoal and single malt, or maybe he's just Travis in a trucker hat and sunglasses... We may never know.

One thing's for sure: We're Gorge Fly Shop. Not George. Even if George haunts the back room and still answers phones occasionally in a deep gravelly whisper.

Why It Matters

We are Gorge Fly Shop and it is true we are named for the Columbia River Gorge, our home and playground, but if you've called us George by mistake, no worries. You're in good company. Just remember:

• Gorge is where the steelhead run.
• George is where the legend lives.

We would love to swap stories, so come on by. Whether you're chasing trout, steelhead, or in need of a "better sized" wader. Gorge (not George) Fly Shop has you covered...

But if you find George out there, please... tell him we finally found those size 18 Parachute Adams.

From most of us here at Gorge Fly Shop - thanks, George.
(Wherever you are.)