Fishing · Alberta
Fish Tales Fly Shop Ltd
A Calgary fly shop and outfitter with a large, loyal following for its knowledgeable staff and guided Bow River float trips for rainbows and browns. A few shoppers found it pricey and pushy.
What visitors say
Fish Tales Fly Shop is a dedicated fly fishing store in Calgary that also books guided trips, and the vast majority of reviews are five stars. Customers describe a well-stocked shop with a strong selection of rods, waders, boots and fly-tying materials.
Staff are the main reason people return. Newcomers buying their first waders, beginners learning to tie flies and a returning angler setting up after decades away all describe patient, knowledgeable help, with sizing advice and tips thrown in. The shop helps with warranty questions and runs fly-tying nights, and several reviewers say they prefer it to the big-box stores.
Guided floats on the Bow River get glowing reviews. Guests describe full-day floats with pickup and drop-off at the shop, patient guides who teach as they go, and plenty of rainbow trout, with brown trout up to 23 inches. Last-minute bookings have been accommodated, and visiting friends from out of province all caught fish.
Not everyone felt welcome. One recent shopper found prices on the high side and felt staff pushed premium gear while brushing off cheaper options, and another was very disappointed by the service on a weekend visit. If you're on a budget, say so up front and ask about options.
Summarised from visitor reviews on Google Maps. Based on 279 Google reviews. Details change — confirm hours, prices and bookings with Fish Tales Fly Shop Ltd directly.