Your Friendly Team of Fly Fishing Experts
Parks’ Fly Shop is an old school fly shop and outfitter located in Gardiner, MT right on the edge of Yellowstone National Park. We are one of the oldest and best, outfitter and full service fly shop.
What We Offer
Immerse yourself in the natural wonders of Gardiner, Montana. With its breathtaking landscapes and rich wildlife, it is a must-visit location for nature enthusiasts and adventure seekers alike.
Full Service Fly Shop
Any of your fly fishing or tying needs as well as being the best outfit for guided trips.
Guided Trips
Guided trips in Yellowstone National Park as well as our little area of SW Montana.
Our Journey Through Time
Discover the key milestones in our shop’s rich history.
The Beginning
1940s-1950s
- Founder Merton Parks learns to tie flies during World War II.
- Post-war, Merton starts selling flies after a surge in fishing companions requesting them.
- By 1949, the business expands into a small mail-order catalog.
First Shop
1953
Merton Parks moves the family from Minnesota to Gardiner and opens Parks’ Fly Shop.
Guiding becomes a component of the business after Merton spends 200 days on the water in 1953 for on-the-job training.
New Location
1960s
The shop relocates to its present building after occupying three different locations in Gardiner.
New GEneration
1970
Merton Parks passes away, and operation of the shop is taken over by his widow Ellen and son Richard.
Richard, returning from military service in Vietnam, assumes leadership and continues to run the shop.
Transition
1970s – 1980s
Richard grows up in the shop, becoming a commercial fly tier at age twelve and a full-fledged guide at eighteen.
The shop evolves from a family business, expanding its staff.
Legacy Continues
1980s – 2000s
The shop experiences significant growth, marked by a three-fold increase in the guide service and rising winter ski and snowshoe rentals.
Parks FLy SHop Today
2024 – Onwards
The shop remains one of the oldest and best outfitters and full-service fly shops in the Gardiner, MT, area. Come and experience unforgettable nature of lifetime with us!
The Beginning
1940s-1950s
- Founder Merton Parks learns to tie flies during World War II.
- Post-war, Merton starts selling flies after a surge in fishing companions requesting them.
- By 1949, the business expands into a small mail-order catalog.
First Shop
1953
Merton Parks moves the family from Minnesota to Gardiner and opens Parks’ Fly Shop.
Guiding becomes a component of the business after Merton spends 200 days on the water in 1953 for on-the-job training.
New Location
1960s
The shop relocates to its present building after occupying three different locations in Gardiner.
New GEneration
1970
Merton Parks passes away, and operation of the shop is taken over by his widow Ellen and son Richard.
Richard, returning from military service in Vietnam, assumes leadership and continues to run the shop.
Transition
1970s – 1980s
Richard grows up in the shop, becoming a commercial fly tier at age twelve and a full-fledged guide at eighteen.
The shop evolves from a family business, expanding its staff.
Legacy Continues
1980s – 2000s
The shop experiences significant growth, marked by a three-fold increase in the guide service and rising winter ski and snowshoe rentals.
Parks FLy SHop Today
2024 – Onwards
The shop remains one of the oldest and best outfitters and full-service fly shops in the Gardiner, MT, area. Come and experience unforgettable nature of lifetime with us!