Fantastic fly fishing class experience! Tristan was exceedingly knowledgeable, talented and patient with us beginners. We were fitted in our waders and boots and followed him to a few spots. While they were tricky to into their water in a couple, the result was thrilling! I caught 11 fish while my husband only 2, but one of his was a really nice sized trout. I highly recommend this spot for lessons. Thank you!! read more

Had a half day one-on-one this Mem Day Weekend, busy day, warm (not great) conditions, and still hooked onto several trout thanks to the skilled and knowledgeable guide, Tristan, who was the most patient guy and a great teacher. Agree with the commenter who said you're treated with respect -- a great experience. And the river and locations are beautiful. First thing we saw was an osprey carrying a trout (spotted by Tristan). read more

I had the most ridiculous experience with Housatonic River Outfitters, trying to buy a fly rod from them, for my grandson's birthday. I ordered the rod through Amazon, a month ago. Initially they said they shipped the rod, but didn't provide a tracking number. I called and asked where the item was. They said they were going to send a replacement. Again, no tracking number was provided. This was a Temple Fork rod, $240. The package never arrived. Third time Harold said he was personally sending the rod and did provide a tracking number. The only problem is that the rod sent was a much cheaper substitute. It is baffling that someone would be so dumb to try and do this. read more

Housatonic Outfitters in Cornwall Bridge Ct! No recommendation here ! We were given a credit/gift card in exchange for some wonderful fly fishing books that were my father in laws. We ordered a pair of waders for my step daughter. They either were never ordered or never came in. We called several times and stopped by. My step daughter stopped by as well and was treated rudely. I am angry that we were taken advantage of and the treatment. We trusted a small business and tried to work with them. Not a good scenario at all! And I wouldn't have even given them one star! Yelp wouldn't let me continue without clicking one! read more

I grew up fishing in this area and with the closing of the Housatonic Meadows fly shop a few years back, HRO is now the only remaining brick-and-mortar show in town. Reliable guide services, gear rental, and expansive fly selection provide a valuable service for fishermen (and women) coming to the Housatonic, arguably one of our nation's most overlooked fly fishing gems. read more

I hate amazon...and supporting small outfitters is very important to me. I called Housatonic outfitters and spoke to his LOVELY shop keep Holly who was a joy to work with. She referred me to Harold to place the order which I did on Jan 5th or so, payed for the waders $500+ and said that being a retailer he would be able to get me the waders faster ( Bonus and I'm supporting a small business) cool. My credit card was charged that day for the waders. 1 month goes by and after several calls to Housatonic outfitters and poor Holly having to refer my calls to Harold. I am told they arrived at the shop and they will be sending out to me the next day. Cool. Two weeks later, no waders. My wife called Housatonic outfitters and Holly kindly referred me to Harold. Harold told my wife that I 1. did not need the XL Long that I had ordered and said I should get the XL (I'm 6'4") ALSO my wife was told that the Fire in the Simms factory in MALAYSIA was delaying shipments. ( Simms are proud to be made in the USA) Called Simms and asked about their fire and they laughed and said they had several in stock XLL. I called Houstanic to cancel my order. I was promised by Harold that the shipment was going out from Simms ( in the USA ) that day and we will send it to me. No tracking number. I said ok, I want my waders...I'll stick with this guy on the condition that I get a tracking number the next day. 2 days later no tracking number. Called back to cancel my order....promised a free gift and 2 days shipping from Simms. The correspondence that my wife was shown from Harold to Simms showed that my waders were ordered only a few days earlier..... 5 days later..1.5 months after my order went through I finally get my waders. I am all in support of small business and will continue to support small businesses cause amazon sucks...but experiences like this are devastating to the small business community and especially small fly shops like this. If you want your stuff remotely on time and without hassle...do not order from these guys. Bad business acumen and a flat out liar. Also dude, don't lie to my wife..just wrong. Still waiting on my free gift..... read more

Harold, the owner, was incredibly rude and didn't wear a mask. Everything is overpriced. I will never go back. Don't waste your time there. Clarke Outdoors is a much better place. read more

Stopped in to get some flies from this place and, from the previous review, I wasn't expecting the service I got. I'm a beginner fly fisherman (fished lightly 20 years ago) and thought it was going to be a pretentious shop, I'd be in and out with some flies and I'd figure out my way back into the world of fly fishing on my own. Instead, Tom (the guy behind the counter) took an hour to explain to me what's biting, technique, specifics on leader and tippet diameters as well as teaching me basic knots (tippet to fly, tippet to leader) and where to fish locally. I didn't really look at the prices in the place but I do know great outdoor gear that works, is reliable, holds up under tons of use and is well built costs money so once I get reacquainted with my fly rod (that I bought of amazon) I wouldn't hesitate to by a better rod from these guys considering the experience I had with Tom (seriously knowledgeable). I look forward to heading out on a waded guide trip with these guys. If I can use the hour I spent with Tom at the counter as a precedent, I can only imagine it will be money well spent for a day with a guide. 5 stars. read more

Great place. Harold, the owner, couldn't be nicer or more helpful. He's got great advice and is just as welcoming to the beginner as he is to the old man in the sea (river? stream?)..... read more

Excellent service. The guides know what they are doing and put me on lots of fish in a few hours. Even if you have never caught a fish on a fly rod or a fish in general, they can get you on some fish. Totally worth the money. read more

My son and his aunt had a special date organized by this company. My turn next!!! Great time had by all!

Always loved visiting this fly shop on my weekly adventures from New Haven to the Housy. Knowledgable staff -- even when I just popped in to check what was hatching. Don't expect the typical smugness of many fly shops, the folks I dealt at HRO with had none of that. Just experts helping enthusiasts and beginners alike. These guys know their river and will make your day on the water more productive and fun. Also, the deli across the road has some pretty awesome sandwiches. read more

This is a nice fly fishing store, but I rated it low for the following reasons. First, supply is very limited to high end gear, which you need to have a fat wallet to purchase. The shop is entitled to cater to the clientele they choose, but if your a newbie or average fishermen that is concerned about your budget this not the store for you. Secondly, the supply is limited as to what they have to sell. The largest selection is their flies, but there isn't much more. Thirdly, where they really lose out (in my humble opinion) is how they use their shop space, but maybe they don't want a large variety of clients. As you enter the entire left side of the store is almost like a cigar lounge (I wish it was) and/or library lined with books and other historical artifacts. Some of the material looked like it was for sale but I didn't look to hard. They have so much room to expand and offer a wider variety of products and it is a shame they don't. That being said, the gentleman who I dealt with (Tom, I believe) was very pleasant and helpful. My guess, given the area, is that much of their business is guiding because I doubt they would survive based solely on what they have to sell. read more

I raced to the store after work to find it had just closed. The outfitter reopened the store, told me what was hatching, sold me the right flies, warned me about Mosquitos, gave me a sprit of bug his own bug spray and filled my camelback full of water. All in all, he absolutely squared me away. This wasn't an employee doing his job, it was one enthusiast helping out another. Damn I fell like a jerk for forgetting his name, but I'm pretty sure if you go here you'll find out. read more