Super impressed by this spot! Running a business in the smaller communities of the Eastern Sierra is hard, but those that find ways to add value to their guest's experience seem to stay around forever, and Ken's is 100% that spot! Many small towns have stores that sell the basics and charge a premium, but ignore the opportunity to add some value and it's nice to see that Ken's is the EXACT opposite! For starters the selection of bait, tackle, and necessities goes way beyond basic. From camping gear to emergency essentials, to hand tied flies, every lure imaginable, rods and reels to fit every budget, and even some sick Bridgeport apparel, it's all here, and with each purchase comes the intel you need to use it! And if you want a second opinion on best fishing practices, check out the scene in the parking spots out front on an evening. You'll find generations of anglers hanging out, swapping stories and sipping on their drink of choice. Be respectful of the scene and find your way in softly, but don't be afraid to chat it up. Ken's is clearly a community favorite and for great reason. I'm thrilled to see a spot like this thriving and I can't wait to make it my first stop on a future trip to the area. read more

Store was very conveniently located just off 395 in the heart of Bridgeport next to the courthouse. The salesperson (owner?) was very friendly and knowledgeable about the local fishing conditions and offered some possible good fishing spots. The store seemed well stocked and well organized so we were able to replenish our depleted fishing supplies without any trouble. The prices seemed reasonable for a local bait and tackle shop along with the additional charm of a general store. read more

Ken's Sporting Goods - Store front - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Bridgeport, California

Good fishing/camping store with a souvenir shop attached... they say I have to have at least 85 words why I think it's an effort to make stuff up... so I did. read more

Love Ken's! They are so friendly, helpful and have just about everything you need for your sporting events. Love coming in here to look at what they have and see what is next in the fishing world. read more

I have been going to Ken's from my childhood. I am 64 now. I have always been treated with such kindness from everyone and they have always been willing to help with my fishing needs. Thank you for making your customers feel welcomed. read more

Ken's is a must-stop when passing through Bridgeport - whether I need them or not, I always leave with at least a handful of flies to add to the collection. They stock all the gear necessary for fishing in the area and always have a pulse on the local bite. You can tell the guys working here have knowledge that only comes with decades of local experience, and are always happy to offer tips. I also noticed their prices are on par with big box stores which is surprising given the location. I try to purchase as much gear here as possible and feel better about spending my money at this gem of a local business vs a national chain. read more

Great experience and outstanding service. Been coming here for 30 years. Set me up for all my trolling needs.

Very overpriced store trying to make big margins on common goods. It would be okay since it is where it is but the employees are no good as well. The guy at the counter gave me the wrong reel after clearly showing and telling him what I wanted. Pretty embarrassing honestly. read more

We love to support small local business. We went in there to buy some baits and get some local tips and the big guy in the front was rude and basically straight out ignored us and Just stared us down. Don't run a business or work in an establishment where you have to interact with people! If you only want to help people or talk to people that look like you, then you should have a sign outside! We will never go there again and neither should you! read more

The guys working here are knowledgeable. They are not rude, they just know their ish! I love that they have the fishing gear along with souvenirs on the other side of the shop. It's worth the quick stop in if you need to pick up some fishing goodies. read more

These guys are legit - quality goods , awesome selection, helpful advice , great gifts and touristy items too! Don't hesitate to stop by if traveling down 395 and check them out ! For fly fisherman , like myself , they have a great selection of flies , supplies , waders , and rods , and are also a license dealer for Cal. & Nev! read more

Ken's Sporting Goods - Outdoor Gear Near Me - Bridgeport, California

Star rating is strictly based on store conditions and selection, service was 1 star. I just don't believe in driving down a stores rating over one interaction. The gentleman working the front desk was very rude when I inquired about a fishing license. I'm not an expert on running a business but I am sure you shouldn't shrug your shoulders, throw your hands up and stare at your customers when they ask a question. If you don't want to work with the public and offer goods and services that's fine, close up shop. I have had friendlier service buying oranges on the side of the highway. On the other hand, to be fair. The store was well stocked and very organized. read more

Have been coming here for years, but never again. My wife and I were there on July 7, 2020 for the last time. We opened the door to walk in and changed our minds about going inside when we saw none of the workers and some of the patrons not wearing masks to protect their customers. Ken's sporting goods does not care about the welfare of its customers. This place is in open defiance of the state's mandated order for employees to wear a mask. If they don't care enough about their customers to protect them, then I as a customer will never support them. I will buy my supplies elsewhere , even if that means having to drive to the next town. If you need fishing supplies you can head over to the Bridgeport Marina and see Chase. They are only about a mile outside of town. They're pretty well stocked with fishing supplies and you can find all you'll need to fish the area. They wear mask and they are great people. Remember, the mask is not worn to protect the person wearing it, but rather those around you. By not wearing the mask they are contributing to the propagation of this virus. This virus is for real my daughter and son-in-law recently tested positive for it. read more

I would have to say I was greatly disappointed in going in there. The gentleman working the register was not friendly at all. There were 4 of us and were having an unsuccessful fishing trip. We walked in there to buy some bait and get some tips from the local establishment. After the purchase, it seemed to me like he didn't want to have a conversation. One member asked a question and the salesman turned his back and gave the shortest answer one could give. I am always interested in buying gear at small business stores but I had no desire to do so. Being a huge yeti fan and there was a variety of products there but I didn't look further. read more

It's an angler's paradise, and since there aren't many other organized sporting events happening within, say, 50 miles of Bridgeport, I guess Ken's has the right truthfully to call itself "Ken's Sporting Goods." They have most everything you could ever want for fishing. And if they don't have it, you probably already know where to get it. And if they don't have it and you already know where to get it, you probably won't be revealing your fishing secrets to your best friend, let alone on Yelp. The prices aren't the best, but like I said, they have everything, and tackle doesn't run cheap, especially so close to (yet so far from) the lakes. The inside is dark and fun and creepy and just neato. You should check it out even if you're not going fishing. read more

The guy working in the shop was not someone I would let represent my business. Not helpful, condescending and a downer. It wasn't Ken. I forget his name but he had a very unique mustache. I have been fly fishing for 20+ years and was pretty disappointed by the reception and service. Hopefully he was just having a bad day. Not sure I will stop in again on future visits :( read more

I just stopped in to get the skinny on fishing in the area and pick up some worms. They weren't as informative as I would like. On the plus side, they have a phenomenal collection of lures and last minute fishing supply. If you can get the inside scoop on what the fish are biting on, they probably carry it. They are a little pricey compared to Walmart, but then, Walmart is a half-day drive, so suck it up. (i.e. $5 rapala is $6-7) read more

Andrew Sears guides out of Ken's Sporting Goods in Bridgeport. He was responsive, reasonably priced, and when the day came to meet up and fish, he was the best. I had a great day on the water and truly enjoyed the learning and opportunity to fish in a really wonderful area of the Walker River. Can't say enough good things and would recommend highly! read more

Ken's is the reliable "go to" place for not only great fishing equipment, bait, and hunting supplies, but for the latest fishing reports, current regulations, and wisdom! read more

Checked this place onlline and was really hoping to gets some good advice on both tackle and places to wet a line this past Memorial Day while deciding on a lark to do some trout fishing. I am not a trophy hunter, just wanted to see some action and be able to find it easily without getting stuck on bad roads or other hazards. I drove up to Bridgeport so I could try the East Walker River, being I am from Nevada and didn't have a CA license, Ken's was nearest to the Walker which has a nice section on the Nevada side. Instead what I got was some classic localitis, I tried to get a good conversation going several different times, but the clerk was largely disinterested even though I made it pretty clear I was there to buy, not just mine for info. Most questions were answered as economically as possible and then he would walk off. There were at times only one other person in the store and sometimes none in this 30-45 min period. It just felt like the guy sized me up according to who he thought I was instead of the obvious, I was a customer looking to purchase and get some service. I still ended up dropping about $150 because I really wanted to fish that day and likely that is far above their average dollar per store entrant. In the end, this was one of those times were you choose to patronize the store "inspite of" not "because of". It was a bit disappointing because I had read a lot of good online reviews of people's experiences here as place that caters to fisherman, not just card-carrying locals. read more

This place is a neat little shop with some character to it on the strip in Bridgeport. It's tight but well stocked in terms of fishing tackle for both fly and conventional fishing. Take a look into the freezer out front to see some of the local big catches! The guys are definitely knowledgeable but as others have commented not overly enthusiastic. I don't think they are trying to keep secret fishing holes as much as they are simply tired of the same questions from the weekly pass through of fisherman. That said, it would take just a hint more of self awareness and appreciation of their customers for them to create a more positive environment and experience for customers....making it a more fun place to spend some time and money. It's precisely this aspect of retailing where a 'mom and pop' small business can shine, it's a shame they are not leveraging this. I was also disappointed with their lack of masks and seeming indifference to my personal and general public health. At this time I simply see it as respect for your customers regardless of your personal beliefs. So, if you really need something to keep you fishing, lost your lucky lure, or down to your last nymph, these guys will get you back out there. If your looking to share fishing stories or get the in on a hot bite, you might be better off getting on line with a fishing club forum or calling a buddy. read more

These guys are amazing! When we were up there they absolutely made our trip happen. The owner J.R. took the time to explain to me every day what was happening on the rivers and how I should adjust to flows, and time of day etc. When I first got to Bridgeport I had no idea what I was doing, after a few pep talks from these guys I was catching tons of fish. read more

I had to ask all the questions..... it seemed like I was bothering him.... hot much help for people that want to fish in the area..... you can find better information online.... I am an expert and he was just looking to get through the day...... lol sad read more

I always stop in Kens to get the scoop on the fishing. Kens was on the mark again this year. Thanks

What a huge selection of goodies! Tackle, hunting gear, gifts, souvenirs and home goods. The owner and his crew know all of the spots for fishing and have wonderful knowledge of what's working and where.m, especially when it comes to fishing the rivers (East and West Walker) and what flies are working. read more

Great Local Outdoor Shop. Great selection of gear. A bit pricey, but I was willing to pay the premium for stuff I knew was going to work out on the lakes and rivers. If you want great information and access to some of the best guides in the Sierra's, Go to Ken's! read more

I've been going here for about 35 years now. Yay, I can now brag about Ken's on yelp as well as this beautiful little town in the high desert. Stopped in on Saturday 7-12-14........you can't go to Bridgeport and NOT stop at Ken's. I wish I had gotten the gentleman's name that helped us with the right map to buy of Dunderberg Meadows and the Mill, he was so amazing and helpful. We bought a map and my husband bought a Bridgeport hat (again) Excellent advise given to us here about back roads and we always get what we need that we can only by locally at Ken's when we come to Bridgeport! Hopefully I will be back before summer is over! Missing this town tremendously already! read more

Came back again for fishing. Get everything I needed. Fishing license, all kind of lures, and tips from local anglers.

WOW my experience was so different this weekend. (9/10/16). Found the store well stocked. I thought the staff was not super outgoing. Maybe I was expecting too much. read more

They don't make places like this anymore. The greatest store for the sportsman on the planet.

Ken's Sporting Goods Store, in Bridgeport, Calif. was established: in 1931 by my grandfather "Kenneth Utzman" he also opened "Ken's Marina" at Bridgeport Lake. He was a Master Fly Fisherman & Hunting Guide, He and his Buddies from Los Angeles left the city life and moved to the Sierra's when there was only a gravel road ( Hwy 395 ) Him, Doc and Lynn Nearpass along with Al established not only "Ken's Sporting Goods" but also "Doc & Al's Resort" they are the original owners that made these business's famous ! Unfortunately they have passed on. The business's have been taken over by Yay-Hoo's from southern California that just don't have that "Mom & Pop" attitude that once made the town and business's there legendary. It makes me quite sad to hear bad reviews about this beautiful place. It will always be a "Five Star" town to me ! read more

This is the place you should go to get your fishing gear. The guy will give you lots of tips. I usually get my fishing license, lure, worms, line etc there to support his business. Look at his freezer outside his shop and you'll amaze of what people had caught for taxi derma. read more

This is what a tackle shop should look like, and be operated like! This place has it all, it doesn't matter if your fishing crawlers and Power Bait on a $20 rod and reel, trolling Twin Lakes for big Browns, or carrying a $600 fly rod, they know there business, the local waters and how to successfully fish them......I'm a veteran fisherman, and have worked in the fishing industry and the good folk at Ken's have always been informative. I've never felt like any of them have attempted any sort of hard sell tactics, these guys want your repeat business! They certainly have mine! read more

If you don't mind very very strong BO from the clerk that permeates throughout the store, have a look around. I wanted to linger but couldn't. read more

For a little town this "sporting goods" shop has more than you would think. They have expanded to include souvenirs and some hardware. Very friendly and helpful people working there.I'm not into extreme fishing but I can tell if there's a good variety, and they have it. read more