On the Backroads: Lund’s Fly Shop
In River Falls, Wisconsin, you’ll find one of the state’s best fly fishing shops. What started as a
department at the local hardware store has evolved into Brian J. Smolinski’s stand-alone shop
catering to fly fishing enthusiasts fishing Pierce County’s class-A trout streams.
Lund’s Fly Shop owner, Brian J. Smolinski, knows his stuff. He grew up in Minnesota fishing for Northern
Pike and other warm water species. In 2001, Brian moved to River Falls, home to the Kinnickinnic (Kinni)
River and nearby St. Croix and Rush Rivers. Both the Kinni and Rush are class-A trout streams, so it was
natural to take up fly fishing. His love for the sport led him to purchase the fly fishing inventory at the
local hardware where he worked and in 2011 he opened the 500 square foot full-service shop on the
town’s Main Street just steps from the Kinni.
Everything You Need
Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, you can count on Brian and Lund’s Fly Shop
for everything you need. Known for its vast collection, fishing enthusiasts can select from over 2,000 in-
stock lures for any fishing excursion. Brian has been tying his own flies for 15 years, so he knows what to
look for–the selection, variety, and quality available in the shop is top-notch.
The shop’s inventory includes fly tackle for trout, panfish, bass, pike, muskie, and more, tying mats,
conventional spinners, crawlers and worms in the summer, and waxies in the winter. You’ll also find a
great selection of quality fishing gear, from rods and reels to accessories and apparel. Fishing
enthusiasts will recognize names like St. Croix, Echo, Scott, Simms, Renzetti, and more.
Enjoying Nature
For Brian and his team, it’s all about getting people out and enjoying time on the water. For those who
visit Pierce County from the Twin Cities, it’s hard for them to believe there are serene waterways and
secluded and undeveloped river spots just minutes away from a bustling metro area. Pierce County
offers unlimited opportunities to get out and enjoy nature from the river in every season and Lund’s Fly
Shop can outfit you to make the most of your time there.
The Best Kept Secret
Pierce County’s class-A streams are one of the best kept secrets. For those in the know, their
populations of naturally reproducing brown and brook trout draw fly fishermen and fisherwomen from
throughout the region. Most of the area’s high-quality trout streams are spring fed, which means they
don’t normally freeze. This makes opportunities for fishing—and the need for fishing gear–possible
year-round! Lund’s Fly Shop has anglers covered no matter the season.
Lessons and Guided Experiences, Too!
Learn to tie flies or improve your tying technique with Brian as your instructor. Or how about some
coaching on that cast? Personalized casting instruction is available for all levels of casters, from beginner
to advanced. Lund’s Fly Shop can also connect anglers with guided fishing experiences. Experienced
guides offer full day and half-day guided stream trout experiences and drift boat fishing experiences for
smallmouth bass, pike and muskie. A great opportunity to discover new fishing spots and fine-tune skill
and technique. They would love the opportunity to get you out on the water!
For Your Visit
As an angler exploring the Backroads of Pierce County, make your first stop Lund’s Fly Shop in River
Falls. Odds are good you’ll find Brian working in the shop—this is your opportunity to tap into his vast
knowledge of the area and get current river and fishing conditions. You’ll also find a selection of rods,
reels, flies, tying supplies, and accessories available for purchase via their website. More about lessons
and guided experiences can be found there, too.