A New Current in the East Bay
Fly fishing has always been about more than the catch. It’s about the water, the outdoors, and the people you share it with. That spirit was alive and well in downtown Lafayette on October 15, when anglers from across the Bay Area gathered to celebrate the grand opening of CrossWaterCreek Outfitters, the East Bay’s newest fly shop.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew a lively crowd of anglers, conservationists, and curious passersby eager to welcome a new hub for the fly-fishing community. The event featured tacos from neighboring El Tapense, whiskey tastings from Barrel Shoppe, and an opportunity to win fly-fishing gear raffle prizes that every angler could use.
Orinda native and life-long angler, Dana Wentworth, attended the ribbon-cutting. It wasn’t her first time in the nascent shop. She stopped in after blowing out her wading boots while on the Carson. “It’s nice to have a shop so local—I was able to pop in and purchase a new pair. They have a great selection of brands, and the staff are incredibly knowledgeable,” she shared. “It feels comfortable in here.”
A FAMILY VENTURE ROOTED IN TRADITION
CrossWaterCreek Outfitters is more than a shop — it’s a family story decades in the making. Founded by brothers Pat and Pete McCabe and their brother-in-law Chuck Walls (affectionately referred to as the ‘outlaw’), the business blends a shared love of fly fishing, adventure, and conservation.
Pat and Pete grew up fishing Putah Creek and spending summers exploring Idaho and Montana. As teenagers, they worked at Creative Sports Fly Shop under the mentorship of the legendary André Puyans, who helped shape their lifelong passion for the craft. Pat later guided on the Henry’s Fork and currently teaches at The School of Trout, while Pete balanced his angling roots with a career in law. Chuck, a business professional and outdoorsman, saw an opportunity to help turn their shared vision into reality.
Pat shares that “Fly fishing to me has always been about more than the catch—it’s about the experience, the places it takes you, and the people you share it with.”
A SPACE DESIGNED FOR ANGLERS
Located on Mt. Diablo Boulevard in downtown Lafayette, CrossWaterCreek’s two-level shop feels as much a gathering place as a retail store.
On the main floor, anglers will find a carefully curated rod wall ranging from entry-level Orvis Clearwater and Redington Field kits to higher-end Orvis Helios, Winston Air 2, Scott Centric, and Sage R8 rods. Waders, boots, and packs line the walls, while a robust women’s apparel section offers one of the best selections in Northern California.
Upstairs, the loft space is devoted to fly-tying materials, educational programs, and presentations. The shop’s Introduction to Fly Fishing workshops, led by local guide Jason Renfro, have sold out every session since launch — a promising sign for both the shop and the next generation of California anglers.
MISSION: CATCH THE MOMENT. PROTECT THE FUTURE.
CrossWaterCreek’s philosophy runs deeper than retail—it’s about connection, conservation, and community. Their mission is “to inspire and equip anglers of all skill levels to connect with nature through the art of fly fishing. With a passion for pristine waters and sustainable practices, they’re dedicated to providing expert guidance, premium gear, and unforgettable experiences—all while fostering a deeper appreciation for the outdoors and its conservation.”
“We want to make fly fishing more accessible while keeping conservation at the heart of everything we do,” said Chuck Walls, co-founder. “Whether you’re gearing up for a weekend on Putah Creek or planning a travel adventure, we’re here to help every step of the way.”
Their core values—Adventure, Conservation, Expertise, Quality, and Family—reflect that balance between exploration and stewardship. From gear and travel services to conservation partnerships, CrossWaterCreek aims to inspire anglers to fish more responsibly and more often.
SWIMMING UPSTREAM IN A CHANGING INDUSTRY
Opening a brick-and-mortar fly shop in 2025 might seem risky, especially after the recent closure of Orvis’s Pasadena and Roseville stores. But the founders of CrossWaterCreek see things differently. Like California Fly Fisher, which continues to thrive as a print magazine in a digital era, they believe community is the key to staying relevant.
California’s angling scene is thriving, but physical shops are few and far between. From Redding to San Diego, there are only a handful of places where anglers can meet, learn, and share stories. CrossWaterCreek’s arrival in the East Bay provides a new home base for local anglers within casting distance of Putah Creek, the American River, and the Delta.
CASTING FOR A BETTER TOMORROW
As the last raffle prize was called and the crowd drifted home, the energy inside CrossWaterCreek remained high. Conversations about gear and travel turned to stories of first trout and future trips.
“Opening this shop is about building community,” said Pat. “It’s about bringing people together who care about the outdoors, the fish, and each other. That’s what fly fishing is all about.”
With its mix of expertise, warmth, and commitment to conservation, CrossWaterCreek Outfitters isn’t just a new store — it’s a symbol of the enduring current that keeps California’s fly-fishing culture flowing strong.
Visit CrossWaterCreek Outfitters
Location: 3574 Mt. Diablo Blvd, Lafayette, CA
Website: www.crosswatercreek.com. The online shop is now open. New brands are being added daily. Check back often!
Social: IG: @crosswatercreek, Facebook
Workshops: Introduction to Fly Fishing and Fly Tying Basics — check schedule online
Editor’s Note: California Fly Fisher will be featuring stories of fly shops across the state in the coming months. We’d love to hear from you—share your thoughts about CrossWaterCreek or tell us about your favorite local shop at info@calflyfisher.com.
