Writing On The Fly: Fire On The Mountain Fly Fishing Shop Opens In Dover

By George Liset, Writing on the Fly, InDepth NH

Like the music from an ice cream truck: nothing stokes the fire in a fly fisher than the news that a new fly fishing shop is opening up. The name Fire on the Mountain is not a new one to seacoast residents. Long known for selling skis, snowboards and their quality outdoor apparel, Fire on the Mountain is getting into the fly fishing business with the same enthusiasm that has made it a name for all things outdoors.

There is a certain ambiance that each fly shop has. I have been to a number of great fly fishing shops and they are all unique. Many times their decor and atmosphere is driven by location and anglers' needs. In a place like West Yellowstone, which has a number of fly fishing shops, the shops range from rustic to modern. A woodstove and the whiff of wood smoke and a few well-placed tables and chairs will keep an angler talking and buying.

Owner Chris Dupont has done a wonderful job in setting up his new shop. Fire on the Mountain has moved to a new location and can be found at 264 Central Ave in Dover. This new space allows for more space for merchandise and there is free parking behind the building, which will be a big draw for customers. Plus, they have great stuff. I know because when I walked in I kept saying “I need that!” When I mentioned that to Chris he laughed.

Chris explained that when he put together his inventory, it became more of a curated collection. Each item was carefully chosen for quality and range of price to meet the needs of all levels of fly fishers, The names Sage, Reddington and Rio will be familiar to most anglers.

Fire on the Mountain, FOTM, had a number of Sage, Reddington and Temple Fork fly rods and reels displayed. I picked up some new flies and some Rio line and tippet on my visit. There were Simms waders and boots and a nice selection of Patagonia outerwear.

I sat with Chris and his fly shop manager Navaar in the seating area at the back of the shop. The area is well lit and open to all anglers to come in and talk about all things fly fishing. Chis and Navaar both fly fish, Navaar a York resident and a recent Bates grad is a great resource for fishing info.

Chris explained their plans for the fly shop. He mentioned that because of the move to the new Central Ave location, they got a late start-up for the fly fishing season, but have been encouraged by the wonderful support from the local angling community. Angler needs will be the driving force for future inventory. The plan is to switch over to ski and snowboard merchandise later in the fall and then set up the fly fishing section in late winter. The good news is that the fly fishing merchandise will still be available all year. Navaar mentioned that if there was an item you needed and that wasn’t immediately available, they could order it.

Fire on the Mountain fly shop will be a welcome addition to the seacoast angling community. If you are in the area drop in and check them out. Remember, it is never too early to start your Christmas shopping.

George Liset of Dover is an award-winning outdoor writer and avid fly fisherman who shares insights of his time on the water exploring New Hampshire streams and rivers as well of those around New England. George is a graduate of Wheaton College, Illinois, and the University of New Hampshire. His column Writing on the Fly has been honored by the New England Press Association and the New Hampshire Press Association.

This article first appeared on InDepthNH.org and is republished here under a Creative Commons license.