Orvis

Fly fishing heaven — took a free class here. Staff is what makes this place great.

If you’re white you’ll be treated like a rock star, anything else, don’t expect to be greeted with a hello or even asked if you need help… hello Orvis, non-​white people do fly fish, myself included…

A little back story before I explain the 5 stars.
I went to bass pro in Bolingbrook to get set up for fly fishing. Totally newbie when it came to fly fishing so had lots of questions. The customer service at bass pro in the fly department is laughable. The guy who eventually helped me after me standing there 10mins waiting for «the fish stories» to end with another person, was a total jerk. I still ended up getting what I needed to start because I didn’t know of any other good fly stores in the area.
Had I known there was an Orvis store so close before going to bass pro, my introduction experience would have been so much better. The guys at this Orvis location are awesome and very happy to talk to you and answer any questions. I wish I could return everything I got and give Orvis my $ 400 instead. I did get a bunch of nice new recommended flys and a hard case though.
Sure the fly selection, rods, etc aren’t near that of bass pro, but I’ll will be spending all my fly fishing money with Orvis from now on.

Staff was very friendly and knowledgable. We went looking for Barbour jackets and the lady that helped us was very helpful and knew a lot a out the brand (which impressed even my British husband). The shop is full of quality products and very neat and clean.

So another review so I had to set the record straight. This Orvis location has the finest, most qualified staff in the industry. From their impeccable customer service to their no questions asked exchange program, they are spectacular.
Now what about the allegation they don’t know fly fishing or have sufficient inventory? The managers are former pro guides that have served clients all over the nation, each with impressive resumes. They stock about 30 models of fly rods in the $ 150-​$ 900 price range, have about 300 types of flies on hand, approximately 15 reel models and hundreds of lines, four models of waders and about 8 styles of wading boots. Pretty impressive for a fly shop in a mall about 3 hours from the closest wild trout habitat.
Glen, Nick, and the rest of the team are fantastic people and it is outrageous that someone would give this store a bad review when they go so far above and beyond to make a purchase or return go smoothly.
Oh, and they are the only fly shop in greater Chicagoland I know of that will tell you actual coordinates to catch nice trout in the driftless without acting like such tips are trade secrets.
Excellent store.