The staff is incredibly knowledgeable and helpful when selecting products. It is clear that they have tested a ton of items over the years, and have real world feedback on what works under what conditions. They match online prices, and can order pretty much anything out there. Shop local!
An absolutely wonderful place. My favorite fly shop besides Murrays in Edinburg. First time I went in there I asked what was good for the Tye River. They immediately knew what to give me. One of them was from that area. He also told me about a great burger place nearby to eat after fishing. Great place.
For the outdoor enthusiasts, this the place to go. The staff is very knowledgeable and helpful. The merchandise is high quality and will last through many outdoor trips.
Do yourself a favor and book a guided trip with Albemarle Angler. I had a July float down the Shenandoah River with Wood. As a guide, Wood is top notch and I don’t say this lightly. He has great knowledge of the water, the fish and how to catch them. He is flawless and fast when tying on patterns and tackle. He maneuvers the boat like it’s a video game and most importantly he is passionate about fishing, really enjoys being on the water and helps everyone do the same.The shop a great stop for fly anglers of all levels. They have a solid but not overwhelming selection of flies, gear, books and the like. I found the employees knowledgeable and helpful.
My son and I had a phenomenal experience with the Albemarle Angler Team! I encouraged my son, a 4th year at UVA, to skip class (last 15 minutes) and go fly fishing with the ol-man. We connected with Carson, our guide who took us on a short, and I must say beautiful, 30 minute ride among the rolling hills of Charlottesville VA. From the moment we stepped into the river, we began catching fish, one beautiful rainbow trout after the next! WORLD-CLASS fly fishing with my son and a class-act guide (Carson), it doesnt get any better! Huge thanks to the Albemarle team for helping create a superb experience for my son and I. We will be back in May 19!! Alvis Headen
Very disrespectful Salesman. One-Star...you read between the lines. Will never return to this store.
I booked a half day guided trip on private water for myself and my young sons. Wood took us out and he was great. He worked with the boys with their casting, My sons and I all caught fish and the river was awesome. We would all do it again!
Fantastic guys! Great shop and they appreciate military, which is even better. I went in here a couple of months ago to discuss possibly having a fishing trip was a nonprofit that Im part of that dedicates their time to Veterans and the community. These guys could not wait to set up something with us and once it gets warmer we absolutely will. Very excited to do many activities with these people.
Showed up with new reel and the guys hooked it up with line super fast, very helpful and know so much about the area. Thank you!
Just got back from my 4th year/trip to the Salmon River (NY) sponsored by Albemarle Anglers (AA). Everyone on the trip caught/landed big King Salmon and Cohos, including first year members. John and Carson did a great job ensuring that everyone caught fish, and that the accommodations were comfortable and convenient to the river. This is a trip of a lifetime to catch big fish while wading!
I visited the shop for the first time today and cannot wait to go back! I am new to fly tying and fly fishing but John was extremely helpful in not only explaining how to choose but also how to use the items that I had interest in. His knowledge of the sport is evident and his willingness to help left me more than convinced that I have found the fly shop that I and anyone else who enjoys this sport should shop at. You can buy online or you can shop at a big retail store but you cannot get this type of experience and willingness to help at either of those.
Just took a 1/2 day trip with my buddy who has never been on a river fly fishing. Im trying to convert him into a fly fisher so Ill have a fishing buddy. Scott O. was our guide. Scott took time for both of us and made my buddy comfortable and able to catch some great trout! So important for a first outing! Scott was professional and knowledgeable and patient! The pictures of our fish were delivered to my e-mail before I arrived home from the trip. All around great day and well be back.
Awesome shop! Great selection of gear and apparel and the staff are very helpful and accommodating. Excellent casting lessons and guided trips that will get you on fish in no time! Look into some of the destination trips if you really want a memorable fishing experience!
If you are traveling into the Shenandoah Valley from the eastern part of VA there is no better outfitter that will set you up for success for getting on a multitude of species on the fly. If you’re trying to target trout, small mouth, or even musky, Carson, Spotswood, John, and Scott are true masters of their craft. These gentlemen truly are passionate about putting people on fish of a life time. Their advice is truly sound and will genuinely recommend the patterns that will set you up for success. Each one of these guys have mentored me directly in my career as a fly fisherman and have directly contributed to guiding me towards the best fighting and largest fish of my life. In addition to VA fisheries, this outfitter strives to diversify itself not only in species or fish, but location. From Mexico to upstate NY, they are dialed into some serious bucket list locations that offer an experience that you will never forget. Having just returned from the upstate NY salmon trip, Carson and John helped guide me into the most powerful and largest fish of my life. I will never forget this experience and I urge anyone trying to develop themselves as anglers to come to the shop and listen to what these professionals have to say. Tight lines everyone - Mike Hart
I scheduled a guided fly fishing trip for my son and myself. Our guide was Carson, and it was our first experience fly fishing. The trip exceeded my expectations, and provided a memorable and enjoyable experience for us. Our guide was very knowledgeable and patient, and successfully taught us the techniques to catch a lot of fish. We were presented with many opportunities to to catch bass along the river. The quality of instruction and gear provided to us was excellent.
Its one of my go to shops as they carry Filson. Good stuff.
We recently went on a trip organized through Albemarle Angler- it was truly the trip of a lifetime. Everything was planned and organized perfectly. Carson was friendly and responsive in answering all our questions leading up to the trip. Ive already reserved my spot for next years trip. Highly recommend this fly shop.
Really helpful and friendly staff, nice selection of stuff
Awesome local shop with great employees that take the time to help you find fly fishing gear that will be perfect for you. They also offer classes that are exceptional whether you are a newbie or a vet. You cant go wrong here. Outstanding local fly shop.
Highly recommend visiting the Albemarle Angler. These local boys are enthusiastic about sharing their skills and knowledge of Fly Fishing(even with a beginner). Warm environment and great selection of gear. I suggest booking a guide for a local day trip to fish one of the beautiful streams in our region!
Peter, the young man who helped us, was very friendly and knowledgeable. We are very new to fly fishing so had lots of questions. He answered all of our questions and even showed us how to tie a new knot. Highly recommend.
Knowledgeable staff and great selection. Very high end fly shop you will not be disappointed one bit. Went on a guided musky trip last month,what a trip these guys know how to put you on some fish, it went so well Im going back again and again!!! First class operation all the way. These guys really know how to do it. Would highly recommend this palce to anyone from a beginner all the way to a true die heart. Cant wait to get back out there and put some muskies in the boat!!! Carson is the man!!! Thanks for everything bud!!
Awesome shop with a great gear selection. It is nice to to be able to to talk with the guys in the shop about the local fisheries because they know the local waters. Everyone that has helped me has been very knowledgeable and super helpful and I will continue to go back to for anything i need.
Best fly shop in western Virginia. You can even call them and ask for tips on local spots to fish. Most shops won’t tell you anything!
Great local fly shop. They have anything you need to wet a line, the knowledge to put you on exotic fishing locales, and are always willing to chat about how the fishing is at the time! I look forward to being a return customer for years to come.
Super knowledgeable guides that can tell you whatever you would like to know about all the local waters. Everyone is friendly and go out of their way to make sure you have an awesome experience in the shop and on the water. The shop is stocked with anything you could possible need for any fishing you have thought about doing
Great fly shop with all the best gear you need and an extremely knowledgable staff. The guys in the shop and the owner dont just work at the shop, these guys get out and fish! Everyone there knows all our local waters and have probably fished it recently. They are always willing to share that knowledge and get you set up for you next fly fishing adventure. All of the gear they carry is top notch from the rods and reels, all the way down to the fly boxes. I have also gone on a couple of trips with them and can say the guiding is top notch and we had a great time! There is also a good selection of apparel, including the Barbour jackets that I know my wife loves. I am glad to call them my local fly shop and will be doing many more trips in the future.
By far the best angler shop I have ever been to. The staff was knowledgable, friendly, and went above and beyond to take care of me. I cant say enough good things about these guys. Tight lines.
Staff very knowledgeable about gear and local fishing conditions. Recently went with my younger son and a guide to Big Bend, on the Cowpasture river. My son has not been fishing much, and the guide, Carson, did a great job working with him on basic technique, and my son had a great day catching trout!
Excellent lessons for first time fly-fishers!My fiancee booked us a one hour casting lesson to get started. Even with the 40mph gusts on a cold morning we had a great time and our teacher Tim took his time showing us the ropes. Cant wait to go back when were ready for our first guided trip.
Awesome place. Carson (as will all his staff) will bend over backward to fan the flame of any customers passion for fly fishing. Great products, service, guided trips and trips to exotic fishing locations. It doesnt get any better.
We went to Sugar Hollow Farm yesterday for fishing, and so glad that we met Carson.He gave really good tips and brought us to good fishing areas and points to cast. Had a really fun day there!
One of a kind Fly shop! Carson the owner is awesome. Spotwood and Tyler are highly knowledgeable! In fact they all are, cant remember everyones name. They are there not to sell you products they sell you the right setup for your Fly fishing. They appreciate theyre customers and the first time you walk in they will treat you like you been a customer for ten years! Thanks Albemarle Angler you guys are class!
Im a novice at fly fishing. These guys were friendly, knowledgeable, patient (most important) and didnt pressure me into buying a lot of things I didnt need. I learned a lot about flies, the rod and the best equipment to use. Even taught me a superior knot. I drove all the way from Williamsburg to shop here. I will come back.
I could not believe the quality of service and products they have. Staff on Sunday had everything rolling. The environment in this store was over the top. Information, yet still able to socialize with everyone shopping. I saw a lot of hapy moments fir Santa.
Not only my favorite fly shop in the country but one of my favorite small businesses around the country as well. First rate staff, products, knowledge and experience all around.
Spoke with John and Spottswood over the phone, they were awesome, gave me some great advice, whcih led to a great day on the water yesterday. Thanks guys, cant wait to come check out your shop!
The best in Charlottesville for excellence in servicing the outdoor experience. Highest standards, unparalleled service, gracious in all they do. Cannot recommend highly enough.
Carson and crew took great care of me when shopping for a new 5wt for a 3 state / seven gold or blue ribbon rivers trip out west. I had been shopping high end rods at other shops across Virginia for two weeks, and immediately noticed a difference in their demeanor. There was never any pressure, no salesman breathing down my neck, responsive to my questions and even convinced me i could keep an extra $500 in my pocket by only giving up 10% performance with a middle road rod through lawn casting several rods with me across every price point. While never pushed into a decision, I ultimately opted for the brand new Sage X and matching Lamson reel. I booked a refresher lesson with Carson for the following week, and learned as much in an hour as I had in the past decade on my own. Carson was helpful and never judgmental explaining things in a way others had not without grabbing or snatching the rod from my hand. It was an enjoyable lesson and a great purchase experience. I enthusiastically reccomend them to anyone wanting to try their hand at entry level fly fishing, returning to the sport, or those proficient anglers looking to add another $1500 combo to their stable just the same.
Pretty decent selection of gear and from what Ive heard they have a great guide service. Dont be surprised if you are ignored in favor of a regular though.
Ive fished with these guys in Virginia, Tennessee, and New York, they are fantastic guides. Im looking forward to fishing with them in the Bahamas next.
We’ve been extremely pleased with our guided fishing trips hosted from this shop!
What a Fly Shop Should be...The Albemarle Angler has the inventory and competitive pricing of a big box store, but the knowledgeable staff of a small mom and pop shop.Their Staff...Unlike some other fly shops, their staff are anglers and have the (sometimes unhealthy) passion for the sport we all do. From the owner to their sales reps, they are all equally helpful and can provide insight on a wide range of topics...from local water holes, hot local fly patterns, terminal tackle, rods/reels, fly tying, apparel and guide/destination services.I trust the recommendations their staff provides, for they are not pushy or simply trying to sell you expensive gear.From a customer service perspective, they are very easy to deal with and take care of all exchanges, warranty issues or broken equipment. (My rod recently broke and they took care of everything...I had it back in 7-10 days and was fishing again).The Store...Their inventory is quite expansive and I like that they are not a carrier of one single brand; they carry most major fly brands. Even though I do not purchase a product every time I go to the store, I like being able to pick up, feel and see the products...difficult to make an assessment from online stores. They have a great fly selection, large section on packs/vests/duffles and carry all of Simms waders/boots.They will also honor the Orvis coupons you receive in the mail.Outside of fishing products, they carry a wide range of Barbour and Filson products, but thats my wifes cup of tea.All in all, I am a huge proponent of this store and try to frequent it when I have the funds to do so. More than the product selection, I enjoy the friendly staff; for I usually walk out of that place with a helpful hint/tip/technique I did know walking in.
Great, knowledgeable customer service!
Great shop.