By Laurelle Walsh
Alison Philbin and Greg Knab, owner/operators of Mt. Gardner Inn in Winthrop, are no longer in the fly-fishing business.
“It will be nice to be full-time innkeepers again,” Philbin said. “Greg and I are looking forward to having time for fishing for ourselves,” she added.
Philbin and Knab ran the Flyfishers Pro Shop, located in the inn’s lobby, from 2006 until the end of 2013. They opened a second fly shop inside the Carlton Store in 2012 when new owner Jeff Lyman took over.
“The fly shop was a big success, but it grew to the point where it was a conflict of interest with the hotel,” Philbin said. Something had to give, so the couple made the decision to give up the fly shop and guide service, and focus their energy on Mt. Gardner Inn.
On Jan. 1, 2014, Lyman took over ownership of Flyfishers Pro Shop, and the remaining inventory was moved to the Carlton Store.
“I’m the sole proprietor, owner, operator and manager,” Lyman said.
The shop sells rods, reels, nets, lines, flies, fishing apparel and boat gear, said Lyman. Guide services are also available through Methow Fishing Adventures.
Although Lyman is not sure about keeping the fly shop’s name — stay tuned for future changes — the phone number remains 996-2832. The fly shop can also be reached through the Carlton Store, 997-9022.
