Roundrocks Fly Fishing closes doors for the last time

Roundrocks Fly Fishing, a locally-owned fly fishing shop, which has been known for its giant fly sculpture that can be seen from Main Street and its friendly staff, went out of business on March 4.

Northern Utah has depended on Roundrocks for its guides, hand-tied flies and lures, fly fishing gear and expertise on fishing in Cache Valley since 1996.

Anglers like Rick Critchlow and Paul Hurt were very disappointed to hear of the shop’s closure. Critchlow and Hurt, attended Utah State University in the late 1990s, and learned the tricks of fly fishing as they were mentored by guides and staff members at Roundrocks. To this day, they attribute much of their fly fishing knowledge to Roundrocks as they continue to relish in a good fishing day almost 20 years later.

“Fishing is how I stay sane to this day,” Critchlow said. “Every time I had a question or needed some advice I’d go to Roundrocks and they’d help me out. I got to be good friends with all the employees there. There’s something about a locally owned fly shop.”

Critchlow’s not alone in that feeling. Roundrocks staff members are known for being friendly, helpful and knowledgeable in the sport.

“It blows my mind that they’re out of business. I love that place,” Hurt said. “So many memories. So many great days on the Logan River thanks to staff members at Roundrocks.”

Although Roundrocks has changed ownership several times in the past 20 years, the employees have always been important members of Cache Valley’s fly fishing community.

“It’s sad to see such a landmark business go, but it’s also hard to compete with Al’s and Sportsman's Warehouse in such a small town,” said Kyle Jensen, who worked at Roundrocks until its closure.

Owners plan to open a remote location near Bear Lake and will release information as it becomes available on their Facebook page. They will maintain their presence on Facebook to stay involved with the fishing community in Cache Valley.

“We will continue to have content and fish pictures from our friends,” said Trent Hambin, an owner of Roundrocks Fly Fishing. Until the Bear Lake location opens, the staff will continue to do guiding and outfitting with scheduling available through their Facebook page or the former shop’s webpage.