I first saw this great store house of information when in Maine many years ago. I think at that time it was the only one they published. I picked one up and it's maps have guided me to some of the best fly fishing available. It's very detailed and very accurate. It's thin blue lines have led me to many wild trout, not to mention some beautiful country.
They print these for many states now and I have one for the states I fish in. Some of the pages of my maps have lines drawn everywhere. They have been of great value to me and I would suggest you pick up a copy for the state you live in.
I want to pass along some thoughts on a wonderful fly shop.
Elderdge Bros. on US Rt.1 in Cape Neddick Maine. And the first thing I would like to comment on is the first thing said to you when you walk in is a eye to eye sincere "Good Morning".
When you walk through the shop you'll notice how well stocked they are, both for fresh and salt water fly fishing. Tying materials are organized and labeled for ease of shopping. The fly bins are full, and flies are still tied by local tyers.
Have a question, time is taken to answer it so there's no doubt. They pride themselves in making your stop there helpful and rewarding.
A familiar beacon along US 1
Neat, clean and well stocked.
I wish I could post all the photos of this wonderful shop.
The gentleman holding the tablet of a Maine autumn wild brook trout taken on a "Bomber". He told me he has taken trout on that fly world wide. Patagonia to Europe. That's the "Bomber"
If your ever in the vicinity of Cape Neddick Maine, stop by and enjoy a Fly Shop.
The atlases are TOTALLY INDESPENSABLE and I have never been to the Eldredge Brothers shop and after looking at your photos, I really have to go..really!
ReplyDeletepenbayman,
DeleteThanks.
They're a great resource. You should check them out.
Brk Trt,
ReplyDeletelike the simple brook trout in our freestone streams, simple information is where its at, and classic atlas's will get you there.
I too have been to Eldredge Bros fly shop. I grew up on the Northshore of Boston, and before I moved to the berkshires, Eldredge Bros & Kittery trading post use to be a Monthly rainy day trip.
I can sum up Eldredge in one word "WONDERFUL"........DRYFLYGUY
DRYFLYGUY,
DeleteThanks.
There maps are so accurate and detailed.
I agree with your summing up Eldredge Bros.
Idyllic! It would be wonderful to visit such an interesting shop and meet such pleasant folk.
ReplyDeleteMind you I think we may have the edge over you with our Ordnance Survey Maps. They show every detail of every trail and footpath and we learn how to read the maps in school. Or rather we did when I was a boy...
;)
Regular Rod
Regular Rod,
DeleteThanks.
Great people for sure.
Hello again Brk Trt!
ReplyDeleteI agree that a good map is indispensable to locate and show you the way to the stream you want to fish. Here in Sweden we are lucky to have topographical maps in a scale that the smallest of streams are seen on them. They exist covering the whole country from south to north. I've used them many times and have the most valuable ones to me showing me some of my favorite streams.
Wow! What a lovely shop! I can't say that I have access to something similar here. I just waters my mouth seeing the pictures. I have to order my fly tying material online. But we have some really good online stores though. I also buy from England, Romania and other European countries where really nice online shops exist. I have also bought a Whiting Midge Saddle on Ebay from the US and that all went well.
Have fun at your lovely streams and thanks for sharing your nice pictures with us,
Mats Olsson
The Jassid Man,
DeleteThanks.
I am in agreement with you. There are some wonderful online shops. As well as ebay, if your careful.
I have been visiting Wells, ME for years and have always wondered whether that shop was worth stopping in but have always been short on time. Thank you for doing some recon work for me! Ill certainly make some time next visit in a month or two. Great post as always.
ReplyDeleteDave,
DeleteThanks.
By all means please stop in. You'll love it.
One of the best gifts and recommendations I was ever given. My gazetteer is starting to show its age...Thanks to my friend Richard for showing me one many years ago when we were prepping for an archery hunt.
ReplyDeleteSam Hall,
DeleteThanks.
I have a few that are well worn.
I love Eldredge Bros. I used to live in Dover NH and we still spend a week at a rental in Perkins Cove - Ogunquit every summer. You are spot on, they are great people and very helpful as well as genuine. Also, if you get back up that way, be sure to try a hotdog from Flo's, also on Rte 1.
ReplyDeleteSteve,
DeleteThanks.
Genuine it's a word that fits perfectly.
Flo's, a traffic jam on US Rt. 1.
Eldredge have a cool show coming up at the end of March that's worth a visit as well. Sounds like you had a great trip! Will
ReplyDeleteAnonymous,
DeleteThanks.
I just received an email form them telling of the show. I may attend.
This comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteThe Maine Atlas/Gazeter (the Bible). Own three in various forms of abuse. Treasure hunting maps. Eldredge Bros. is one of Maine's best shops for sure. Great post.
ReplyDeleteTodd,
DeleteThanks.
The Bible is a real asset. Ditto on Eldredge.
Brk
ReplyDeleteI really like to tour out-of-the-way fly shops, you always discover something unusual. Thanks for sharing
Bill Trussell,
DeleteThanks.
That's for sure. They are like country general stores.
What a cool looking fly shop
ReplyDeleteand they sell Winston rods.
A sign of class.
G Lech,
DeleteThanks.
I knew you would pick up on the Winstons.
The show is on March 31 this year. I have gone to the last 3 and it is well worth the visit. The shop has a well deserved great reputation and I wish I lived about 100 miles closer to it.
ReplyDeleteBrk Trt - a few members of the MFF board are always there.
Al
Anonymous,
DeleteThanks.
I just saw the posting on MFF. Kevin McKay will be present and several others.
I might be able to make it too.
Hey Alan....I have driven by that shop a dozen times over the past year and always wanted to stop in and you have now given me a reason. Last week I was on Bangor and on my way back to MA I stopped at LL Bean in Freeport. As I made my out of Freeport I was tempted to stop and take a picture of Delorme's store. They have a huge globe in their lobby. My next trip to Maine I will stop, take a picture of the store and grab a map.
ReplyDeleteEd,
ReplyDeleteThanks.
I love that town. Beans is a place you have to stop at.
There used to be a fly shop down the road a bit from Beans, the name slips my mind, in fact maybe no longer in business. It to was a place to visit.
As always you transport me to a fishing spot on the other side of the world were I feel at home. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteFlyfishermanrichard,
DeleteThanks.
I'm happy to do so. But I'm happier knowing you enjoy it.
Brk Trt,
ReplyDeleteI was introduced to the "bomber" through your wonderful blog a while ago. Since then, I too had many successful hook-ups with the pattern in many locales such as Colorado, California, Georgia and most of all, my favorite wild trout streams in NY and NJ areas.
Thanks for the wonderful stories you've told and looking forward to more to come...
Thanks,
Charles
CharlesTheFishFinder,
DeleteThanks.
Charles that's great to hear of your success with the bomber.
Your comments are truly appreciated.