Yellow Dog moves into retail sector with acquisition

US fly fishing travel company Yellow Dog has moved into the retail sector with the acquisition of nearby Fins & Feathers.

Yellow Dog, based in Bozeman, Montana, will take ownership of its new property, located just eight miles west in Four Corners, on November 1st, when it will be rebranded as Yellow Dog Outfitters.

“The one gap in our service has been the ability to ensure customers have the proper flies, equipment and apparel for every destination we offer,” said Yellow Dog CEO Jim Klug, who founded the company in 2000.

“By acquiring Fins and Feathers, we can now pair specific gear and equipment with the most relevant information for our entire line-up of locations. We believe this completes the circle for the overall customer experience.”

Klug added that the move would also protect Yellow Dog customers, staff and the overall business from future disruptions like the COVID pandemic.

Fins and Feathers owner, Toby Swank, also opened his shop in 2000. “Our Bozeman-based business has worked closely over the years to engage the local fly fishing community while finding creative ways to add value to our shared customers’ fly fishing experiences,” he said.

“This is the next step in that process. It is the perfect fit and one which will benefit our customers, employees and the fly fishing industry as a whole.”

According to Yellow Dog, it sends anglers to more than 240 different lodges and outfitting destinations – both freshwater and saltwater – in 36 countries.