Branson's Oldest (and Best) Fly Shop

Iguess you didn’t want that one, huh? The quip from the back of the boat as I whiffed on a hook set. “Have to watch out for the quick release button on the side of the reel.”

The dry and unmatched humor of Chuck Gries, owner of Angler’s Outfitters fly shop and guide service, is something clients and customers have been subjected to for 26 years on Lake Taneycomo.

Origin

Chuck and Lynn Gries moved to Branson from Iowa in 1994 and opened the first, true fly shop in the Branson area soon after. After spending money to vacation and fish in Branson for years, the Gries decided it was time for a move. They moved to the area in 1994 and opened the shop in 1998.

The friendly, welcoming atmosphere at Angler’s Outfitters is unlike any you will experience in the region. The shop is an authorized dealer for Simms, Patagonia, Fishpond, and countless others adorn the walls and open space. (Photo: Ryan Miloshewski) The Shop

All the flies available at the shop are tied in the shop at the bench by Lynn and Chuck themselves. If you have any questions as to what is working best, both are happy to show you the flies and how to rig them on your fly or spinning rod. Scuds, midges, dry flies, and an assortment of nymphs are available. She averages 50-75,000 flies tied in a year.

The friendly, welcoming atmosphere at Angler’s Outfitters is unlike any you will experience in the region. Helping folks catch fish is the main goal of the Gries. “I love the shop. It's a MUST stop if you're fishing Taneycomo for the first time or the hundredth,” said Nathan “Shags” McLeod of Driftwood Outdoors. “Even if it's just to stop by and ask what the fish are biting on, they have the knowledge and the equipment to make your trip a success.”

You can find the best of the best at Angler’s Outfitters. The shop is an authorized dealer for Simms, Patagonia, Fishpond, and countless others adorn the walls and open space.

“We only sell what we believe in, and we would not want any of our customers to buy anything but the best,” said Chuck. “That doesn’t mean spending $1000 on a fly rod or waders—we accommodate all budgets and just want people to get out and fly fish.”

Guide Service

Chuck has been a fly fisherman since he could cast and taking a trip with him will make it evident, he knows nearly everything there is to know about the sport. Wade trips, when water is conducive, are as low as $75 for two hours. “We did that for folks who have never fly fished before and we wanted a way to introduce people,” the Gries said. “Usually with kids, two hours is about the max if they are not catching every cast.” Remaining competitive is a goal, but helping people learn how to fly fish takes precedent. “Everybody else keeps increasing their prices, and we keep it competitive, but we don’t want to price ourselves out of the competition,” Chuck said. “Plus, we want it to be affordable and a great learning experience for people.”

“There are plenty of guides who know how to catch fish, but there is so much more to guiding than just filing a livewell,” said Brandon Butler of the popular Driftwood Outdoors podcast. “Chuck provides an incredible experience. He is as knowledgeable about the fishery as anyone, so he can answer all the questions an angler may have about how the fish behave and what the best tactics are for catching them at any given time.”

“He's also just a great guy, who is fun to be around. He makes the entire fishing experience enjoyable,” Butler went on to say.

McLeod agreed, saying “he is just a blast to fish with. I enjoy being in the boat with the guy. I enjoy stopping in the shop and visiting. I'll even holler at him when I see him on the water with other clients. He's a great guy, that knows how to get his clients on fish and keeps you on them.”

Conservation

“Fly fishing is a religion and should be treated as such,” said Lynn Gries on a recent visit. “It may be a put-andtake fishery, but that does not mean you should treat the sport any different.” A group of local folks partake in the “Taneycomo shuffle,” in which they kick their feet to stir up scuds and midges from the bottom while wading and drop their flies at their ankles to catch fish. Chumming with dog food and trout food is popular amongst some, too. “Sure, you catch fish, but is it really fly fishing at that point?” said Chuck. “There is plenty of opportunity to do it the right way, and to me it is so much more rewarding to find a stretch of water and truly fish it.”

Chuck, Lynn, and their clients have landed their fair share of trophy trout on the fabled tailwater. Care for the fish has always been a focal point. “Basically, just do the fishing right. We don’t keep the fish out of the water longer than needed or drag them around for pics,” Chuck said. “We respect the resource and try to maintain a quality fishery.” Lynn agrees and says people can never be educated enough when it comes to fly fishing. All ages and experiences can stand to learn something from us

Trophy Brown Trout

Chuck Gries is a name any trophy brown hunter in the area has heard. He has made a name for himself on his ability to put clients on giant browns during the fall spawning run on Lake Taneycomo. “I started doing it when I opened up the shop and got good at, and I love to fish for them,” Chuck said. Since he loved doing it, he simply translated to having his clients do it. “Everybody wants a fish of the lifetime and being able to provide that is rewarding.”

“Chuck is an excellent sight fisherman, and he knows how to locate and spot the biggest trout in the lake, as well as position his clients to have the best shot at making a perfect presentation,” Butler said. “Chuck's specialty is giant brown trout on a fly. I don't know how it gets any better.”

Angler’s Outfitters and the Gries have established themselves as the best in the area. “You never get tired visiting, sharing a laugh or catching fish because he will find the fish and keep you on them,” McLeod reiterated. To book a trip or order flies call (417)-335-4655.

Ryan Miloshewski