Dan Bailey’s Fly Shop: A Must-Stop for Anglers in the American West
For those who chase trout and stories on winding rivers and alpine creeks, there's one name that echoes through fly fishing lore with quiet reverence: Dan Bailey’s Fly Shop.
Tucked in the heart of Livingston, Montana—a fly fishing epicenter surrounded by the Yellowstone River and miles of pristine waters—Dan Bailey’s is more than a shop. It’s a landmark. A pilgrimage stop. A place where history, gear, and passion collide under one roof.
A Western Fly Fishing Legacy
Founded in 1938 by Dan Bailey himself, the shop helped put Livingston on the map for anglers. Bailey, a pioneer in the development of modern fly tying and conservation advocacy, helped shape the way we fish today. He was a close friend of Lee Wulff and one of the early champions of catch-and-release, decades before it became common practice.
Walking into the shop, you feel that legacy. It’s not flashy. It’s authentic—lined with handcrafted flies, locally curated gear, and a staff that actually fishes (and fishes hard). These folks won’t just sell you a fly—they’ll tell you where it’s hitting and how to fish it.
Why It’s a Must-Stop for Anglers
Whether you're road-tripping through Yellowstone, chasing cutthroat in the Gallatin Range, or floating the Paradise Valley stretch of the Yellowstone River, Dan Bailey’s is the outfitter you want on your side. Here's why:
🪶 World-Class Fly Selection: From classic patterns to local favorites, you’ll find expertly tied flies that match the hatch—because they’re tied with this region in mind.
📍 Local Insight: The shop staff offers real-time river reports, hatches, flows, and honest advice (something you won’t get from YouTube videos or national chains).
🛶 Guided Trips: Want to experience the best of Montana waters? Their guided trips put you on the fish with seasoned pros who live and breathe the rivers they guide.
🎣 Gear for Every Level: Whether you’re new to fly fishing or looking to upgrade your setup, you’ll find thoughtfully chosen gear that reflects the unique needs of Western waters.
A True Angler’s Experience
At Northcast MN, we love sharing the kind of places that feel like home the moment you step in. Dan Bailey’s has that vibe—the mix of tradition, expert knowledge, and pure love for the sport.
It’s not just a store—it’s a touchstone for fly anglers, past and present.
So if your travels take you west, make Livingston a waypoint. Grab a handful of flies, get the local lowdown, and cast a line knowing you’re connected to a long-standing fishing tradition that still thrives today.
Planning your trip to the West?
Make Dan Bailey’s Fly Shop one of your first stops—you’ll leave with better flies, better knowledge, and maybe even a new favorite stretch of river.