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    Emerald Water Anglers

    4.9 (48 reviews)
    Open 10:00 am - 6:00 pm
    Updated 1 month ago

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    Photo by Matt DeLorme

    My friend and I were in Dave's shop in West Seattle buying some flies for our steelhead trip on the Coast. There was a mention by one of the employees that it was a good thing that was a good think that we were going before March 1st. We then got concerned, for we were going on March 1st on a guided trip and had not heard that WDFW had closed the waters 20 minutes before we walked in the store... Time to change plans. We then booked a guided trip with Emerald Water Anglers' Matt DeLorme to target sea run cutthroat. All I can say is WOW... Matt was a great guy who really improved our fly casting and got us on SRC! The bonus was that he is an amazing photographer and took some epic photos of us! Thank you Emerald Water Anglers and Matt DeLorme for a great day! Support your local fly shop and come to West Seattle and see the team!!!

    Kari M.

    I highly recommend Emerald Water Anglers to get started fishing or to get back into fly fishing like myself. I've been meaning to get my gear together and now I'm finally ready to get back out there. Dave hosted a casting clinic a few months ago and it was very helpful. He also connected me with Jen at Dun magazine who is featuring a lot of livestreams featuring fishing guides on instagram. Dale told me they can also provide good fishing spot and gear recommendations. I'm looking forward to taking advantage of all the great outdoors our area has to offer now that I'm ready to go again.

    Gorgeous day on the river!
    Michelle B.

    Loved the guided fly fishing tour with Reid from Emerald Water Anglers!!! We were picked up at our hotel in Redmond by Reid. He was a really chill dude and very knowledgeable about the area and fly fishing. Reid took us to Snoqualmie and even stopped on the way so we could do a beer run. He brought all the gear we needed, and before we hit the water he spent some time teaching us casting techniques. We did the half day tour which we spent fishing multiple spots along the river. It ended up being a decent hike in the end, but at a leisurely pace so not overly exhausting. We had several bites but no catches but we still had an amazing time. Reid was very helpful and patient throughout. I ordered some souvenirs ahead of time from the store since the online shop is temporarily under construction and Reid brought them with him when he picked us up. All of the guys were really helpful and just an absolute pleasure to work with.

    Sage Foundation 6wt/9' fly rod and Lamson Liquid 5+wt fly reel
    K.V. O.

    It's been 30 years since I picked up a fly rod and reel. But I do know that getting the right setup and guidance is absolutely key for successful fly fishing casting. Matt at EWA helped me select an excellent rod and reel. He was very knowledgeable, friendly, professional and patient with my questions. The rest of the staff are friendly and professional as well. I spent more than I had planned. But you pay for what you get. In my opinion, the EWA rod and reel selection is tailored for intermediate to highly skilled anglers. If you're looking for Walmart prices and making a half hearted effort to learn fly fishing? Sorry, EWA is not for you. However, they do carry a few entry level fly rods/reels combos within the $200 range. Keep in mind, a good specialized sports shop will try to accommodate the budget conscious. But selling budget friendly products that don't meet the absolute minimum in quality for successful learning, is not worth the client's time. Anyway, I would definitely recommend EWA!

    First Permit!!!!
    Erik H.

    I met Dave McCoy at the Ft3 ( Flyfishing film festival) 2 years ago. Since then 3 Puget sound trips, mountain streams in Washington, caught my first and only Permit on the fly in Honduras and now off to the John Day next week to try for my first Steelhead! World Class outfitter, guide, photographer and also has become a great friend! Money well spent for trips of a lifetime! Erik Henderson, Nashville TN

    Dale B.

    Emerald Water Anglers caught my attention as the most professional and informative fly shop experience I've ever had. The staff is extremely helpful and willing to go to any length to provide you with knowledge about Washington fisheries. From steelheading, Puget Sound, and river/streams to the east these guys and girls know what they are doing.

    Caldwell leading us back home.
    Marti H.

    I highly recommend Caldwell as a fly fishing instructor. I recently took the Beginner Class and after eight hours of instruction I had a foundation of understanding about rods, reels, flies, casting, wading, and river fly fishing techniques. He has a real gift of teaching where every minute is fun-filled and educational. I look forward to having Caldwell help me make a final selection for my first fly rod and reel combo. I can think of a few other odds and ends that I expect to purchase soon too. Thanks, Caldwell!

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    Dave M.

    Thank you Betsy, much appreciated, hope to see you again soon.

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    We just took a 2hr lesson on the shore of GreenLake with Dave but it was awesome. We'll certainly be back for some actual fishing.

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    10 years ago

    Great day with Caldwell! Very knowledgeable. Excellent casting instructions. Fun to spend the day with. Beautiful day on the river!

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    Page 1 of 2

    Ask the Community - Emerald Water Anglers

    Review Highlights - Emerald Water Anglers

    I highly recommend Emerald Water Anglers to get started fishing or to get back into fly fishing like myself.

    Mentioned in 9 reviews

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    Emerald Water Anglers - fishing - Updated May 2026

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