Fred Pritchard proudly displays a stunning brown trout caught during one of his fishing adventures. COURTESY PHOTO

• A new era begins for the beloved Alpine fly fishing shop

Fred Pritchard has officially taken over Greys River Sports in Alpine, Wyoming, ushering in an exciting new chapter for this beloved local fly fishing shop. With a steadfast commitment to enhancing the fishing experience for both locals and tourists, Fred envisions creating a reliable hub for all things fishing in the picturesque Star Valley.

Originally from Omaha, Nebraska, Fred’s love for fishing began in childhood and blossomed during summer trips to Alpine in high school. His journey into the fly fishing industry began with a simple email to the shop’s former owner while he was in college, which led to a summer position that evolved into seven years of management experience. This year, he proudly stepped into the role of owner.

“Star Valley is home to the best cutthroat trout fishing in the west,” Fred states, highlighting the unique fishing opportunities available. “We have three rivers that flow into Alpine, and I wanted to provide a shop that fishermen and women can continually rely on.” Teaming up with him is his girlfriend, Lizzy Bachman, a former fishing manager at Orvis Jackson Hole. Together, they bring over 12 years of combined fishing expertise to the shop.

Under Fred’s leadership, Greys River Sports is poised to become the go-to destination for all fishing needs. “We like to be a one-stop shop for all your fly fishing and spin fishing needs,” he explains. The shop plans to enhance its offerings with watercraft rentals, including rafts, paddle boards, and kayaks, while expanding its inventory with high-quality gear from reputable brands such as Temple Fork Outfitters, Montana Fly Company, Lamson, NRS and Badfish.

Fred is particularly enthusiastic about the store’s remodel that is underway and the introduction of new Star Valley specific merchandise designs. He is also planning to attend raft repair school this winter in Idaho, which will allow him to offer raft repairs—a much-needed service in the region.

“Being in the industry for seven years now, I knew this place needed a reputable fly shop to serve everyone,” he notes. “I wanted to give the people of the valley and tourists what they need for successful days on the water.”

As Greys River Sports gears up for a grand opening in late May, Fred encourages the community to stay connected through social media. The shop’s Instagram (@greysriversports) and Facebook page will keep customers informed of updates and new developments.

With a dedication to quality service and community engagement, Fred Pritchard is ready to make Greys River Sports a cornerstone of the local fishing culture for years to come. As he puts it, “Grab what you need and head up the river.”