Kiene’s Fly Shop

I remember Kiene’s WAY back when… he was in a much smaller shop, and personal computers were just in their early stages. My husband was a customer of Bill’s, and I had a little Commodore 128 computer we’d bought for me to type my husband’s PhD thesis on. Before I did the final print on a daisy wheel printer, I had only a dot matrix, and Bill asked me to type up and print labels for a mass mailing he wanted to do… until then, I’m not sure if he just never sent out ads, or he addressed them by hand — I don’t recall, but I remember my excitement both to be using new technology to help Bill out, plus earn a few bucks for my service! This was probably 1985 or 1986. He was so instrumental in my husband becoming the fly fisherman he is today. I’ve only heard fine things from others, too, over the years, about Bill and the fine business he ran.

I happened to be in Sac’to working for a few days and decided to stop in. They’re in the process of moving one shopping center over, but everyone was still helpful and took the time to answer my questions, and show me different gear.
I’m sure when their new store opens it will be great.

Great fly shop! The guys that work here fish local waters and offer advice without coming across as know it all’s. They have a great selection of gear for all experience levels and in almost every price range. If you want to get outfitted with gear that works, this is the place to go. They also offer guide services and classes.
11÷11÷13 — Apparently they are in the process of changing the name of the shop to «Fish West» and they are moving to a new, larger space just around the corner from where they are now. I asked about it and one of the guys said the same staff will be working at the new shop. Hopefully the friendly atmosphere makes the move too.

Stopped in to buy some fly line and have a new reel spooled up. Guy behind the counter recommended a good line that happened to be 30% off. Spooled up and picked out a couple flies and was on my way. Good service and a nice selection of top of the line rods and reels.

New ownership has done to this shop what is happening all over the country, big companies selecting inventory, recommending what is in that inventory right or wrong, and selling at a good margin. This shop took twenty years to create, six months to ruin.

These guys go above and beyond. They have an amazing selection. They have Duggie Duncan. ‘Nuff said.

Love this shop! I first came here after watching the movie «A River Runs Through It» and was intrigued like many with Fly Fishing. I knew next to nothing about this sport, and felt a little intimidated the first time in the shop. Once I talked to one of the guys, they immediately put me at ease and got me started in the right direction. I’ve been a loyal customer for over 10 years now and will be for many more. There truly is not a better fly fishing shop anywhere.

I also love Kiene’s!
I have been to the other fly shops in the Sacramento area, yet the other shop’s selection of fly fishing essentials such as rods, reels, lines, and wading gear does not come close to the selection of Kiene’s. The staff is very knowledgable, experienced and friendly. One of my first times shopping there I was greeted by a nice older man who sparked up a conversation with me about fly fishing. We talked for a while before I found out that he was the owner, Bill Kiene, and I was very impressed that the owner of a big shop like that took the time to speak to a youngster like me who couldn’t afford to buy much at the time. The atmosphere at Kiene’s is very friendly and there is no other shop that I’d rather support.

Simply the finest fly shop in Sacramento. Stop by and ask for Andy Guibord. He’s a fly fishing jedi and one of the nicest people you will ever meet.

Oldest, and best fly shop in Sacramento. Full service. The staff, from Bill Kiene himself, to Andy Guibord, are all top notch, knowledgeable, great guys! I have been a patron since 1972, when Bill owned what was then the Fly Hutch with Mike Monroe. If you are into fly fishing, or want to be, stop in Keine’s. You will not be disappointed.

There is no greater fan of fly fishing than the worm. ~Patrick F. McManus, Never Sniff a Gift Fish, 1979
There is a certain serenity in watching an accomplished fly caster weave his fly line through the warm summer air. That being said, there are few things as pleasurable as being that angler. However, learning to tie a proper Albright’s Knot has been no easy task for me. Bear in mind that I’m a left handed girl using right handed instructions (poor excuse, I know). It’s my desire to learn more about angling that takes me to specialty shops. There are several shops in Sacramento, but my favorite is Kiene’s Fly Shop.
Kiene’s has graced the Sacramento area with great service, knowledgeable staff and oodles of cool gear since 1984. The inventory at Kiene’s is large and diverse, they stock over 400 fly rods an nearly as many fly reels. Kiene’s also has a complete wading department, fishing vests, tackle bags, an extensive library of books, periodicals and DVDs, and one of the largest fly tying departments in Northern California. In short, Kiene’s has nearly 4,000 square feet of shop crammed to the rafters with really cool stuff. Kiene’s also hosts a number of travel and community events, workshops, and classes, you can visit their website at
for more information.
I’ve found the staff at Kiene’s to be highly knowledgeable, personable and helpful. You don’t have to be a card carrying member of Trout Unlimited to get the benefit of the staffs knowledge or assistance (though I guess it wouldn’t hurt). You won’t be subjected to high pressure sales tactics or ignored because you may not be the most *ahem* experienced angler. If you’re anything like me, you will leave Kiene’s with a wealth of information, a longer list of stuff you «must have,» and an even stronger resolve not to get tangled in your own fishing line (embarrassing).