ANDRAS OUTFITTERS specializes in providing exceptional fly fishing experiences in Southern Oregon as well as connecting anglers to the finest fisheries around the globe. From certified instruction to seasoned local guiding and sage advice on destination travel, Jim and Rachel are committed to providing personal, knowledgeable service from the first contact through the last cast and beyond. With a combined 40 years of experience in the business, in March 2009 they put their name on it.
FOR BOOKING or INQUIRIES PLEASE GIVE US A CALL, or FILL OUT THE FORM BELOW TO CONTACT US VIA EMAIL.
Toll Free 800-488-5794
Jim: (530) 722-7992
Rachel: (530) 227-4837
AO, in a sense, was established in Scottsdale, Arizona in 1995. Jim Andras answered the phone at the Compleat Flyfisher to hear Rachel Connery ask for directions on the other end.
Rachel, a native of North Carolina, had followed her heart out West and needed to know where she could wet a line. After highlighting stream access usually reserved for family and friends, Jim wished her well and good luck. Upon returning to work after the weekend, he found Rachel at the counter, only this time standing on the other side. Turned out, she made a first impression that extended beyond the hired help and started both a friendship and a career.
After working together a short time, Jim headed south to guide in Chilean Patagonia, where one season quickly turned into two. Meanwhile, Rachel continued to impress fly fishing professionals and personalities opening the door to move from managing a fly shop in Arizona, to directing Mel Krieger schools and camps for The Fly Shop in California. While Jim traded the sun and southern cross of Patagonia for the rainbows and northern lights of Alaska, Rachel immersed herself in the overall operation of arguably one of the nation’s most successful fly shops. In the summer of 2000, a departing guest offered Jim his good word to a shop owner in Redding, California and Jim followed up.
Rachel practically ran out the back when she watched Jim walk through the The Fly Shop’s front door. Thankfully, it turned out to be more a reaction of surprise than of aversion, and the day ended with a guiding gig and a rekindled friendship. Over the next four years, Jim balanced building a local clientele, two summer seasons in Kamchatka, Russia, and courting Rachel. Fortunately for him, she continued to expand her summer programs, dove into the travel side of the business, and wrote love letters instead of “Dear John” letters. Finally, in the spring of 2004, Jim and Rachel wed with the shore of the Intracoastal Waterway at their feet.
With the wedding in the books, the Andras’ looked forward to settling down and enjoying their new life together. However, Rachel’s success in travel sales drew the attention of Fly Water Travel and the summer of 2005 marked the beginning of a new adventure. Southern Oregon brought about changes beyond address and area code. In March 2009 they welcomed a son into the world and launched Andras Outfitters. Nearly four years later, a daughter joined the family and today, Andras Outfitters specializes in connecting fly fishers to exceptional fly fishing experiences in the Rogue Valley and worldwide.