Zionsville’s Moving Water Outfitters Is a New Go-To For Local Outdoorsmen

Photographer / Ryan Woodall

Moving Water Outfitters, a fishing, kayaking & outdoorsman shop in Zionsville, has a strong customer base thanks to its friendly and knowledgeable staff.

“The staff at Moving Water Outfitters has more than 40 years of experience with fly fishing and kayak fishing,” says Mike Exl, store manager & owner. “Most of us have had a rod in our hands as far back as we can remember.”

That vast wealth of fishing experience has paid off since the shop opened nearly a year ago.

“People enjoy coming into the shop for our depth of knowledge, and our willingness to help each customer find the right gear,” Exl says. “We offer educational opportunities to help hone skills that are important to be a well-rounded outdoorsman. We also have social gatherings, such as fly tying, at the shop to spend time with people who have the same passions and interests.”

Exl says that kayak fishing allows people to access waters that are unavailable by boat or wading.

“Floating a river in a kayak provides an adventure aspect and a level of interaction with the fish that’s hard to find in other avenues,” he says. “Fly fishing and kayak fishing are very active and involved processes. There is not a lot of sitting still. This creates a great combination of being active while pursuing a hobby.”

Exl believes fishing is a sport that is accessible to everyone, people of all ages and skill levels.

“Whether it be sitting on a dock, wading in a stream or floating a river in a kayak, there is a type of fishing for anyone,” he says. “Once you have the basic equipment, there is little to no additional investment to fish.”

Exl adds that the whole Moving Water Outfitters staff loves being in nature and enjoying the beauty and adventure that the outdoors provides.

“We have chosen this line of work because of the passion we have not only for fly fishing, but also for the outdoors,” Exl says.

Chris Snodgrass, president & co-owner of Moving Water Outfitters, is an engineer by trade but has always refueled his soul in the outdoors.

“Chasing trophy fish in rivers and streams is his main passion, whether it be by boat, wading or from a kayak,” Exl says.

Exl started fishing at a young age, and fly fishing quickly became his only method of fishing. As well as owning the fly shop, Exl also runs his own guide service. He says he and Snodgrass both think Zionsville is an ideal location for their business.

“Zionsville has an established fly-fishing community, and we wanted to support and build up that community,” he says. “The local residents are very involved in outdoor activities, and we felt we could help in those pursuits.”

Exl adds that, from Zionsville, there is access to many natural resources with a wide variety of places to fish and enjoy the outdoors.

“We are located close to Eagle Creek and Eagle Creek Reservoir, the White River and Sugar Creek,” Exl says. “I love the people here in the community. Everyone from frequent customers, a passersby or other business owners. Everyone is warm and a pleasure to work with. Zionsville is also very supportive of small businesses. We greatly appreciate the conservation and education of the natural environment through the local parks and nature trails that are important to the town.”

Because of its close proximity to nature, Moving Water Outfitters has a large selection of rods, reels and lines for all skills levels, budgets and presentation needed.

“We also stock a large selection of kayaks and accessories,” Exl says. “Along with products, we offer guide services and travel opportunities. The shop frequently hosts educational classes as well.”

Exl and Snodgrass have their own favorite items at Moving Water.

“Being avid fishermen ourselves, it is tough to beat a high quality fly fishing setup, paired with a kayak to reach some of the best local fishing Indiana has to offer,” Exl says.

Moving Water Outfitters is located at 675 S. Main Street, Suite 100 in Zionsville. For more information, visit them online at mwoutfitters.com or give them a call at 317-733-3014.

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