After Michael McLean graduates from Oregon State University with a degree in fisheries and wildlife in a couple weeks, the Portland resident plans to work as a fishing guide at a remote camp in Alaska.

Wednesday afternoon, McLean was getting ready for the adventure by having new backing put onto two fly reels at the Back Country Fly Shop, 900 N.W. Kings Boulevard.

"It's fantastic," McLean said of the shop that's been open about two months. "I was bummed out when the other shop (the Scarlet Ibis) went out of business. It's close and convenient and they know their stuff."

As shop owners Jerry and Cathi Von carefully wound the 250 yards of chartreuse-colored line onto a reel, McLean said he is a third-generation guide. His grandfather and father both guided anglers in British Columbia. In addition to helping eager anglers during the day, McLean hopes to catch some lunker king salmon during his free time.

Although not large, the shop is filled with quality fishing gear including Sage, Orvis and Temple Fork Outfitters graphite rods and Simms and Dan Bailey waders. There are bins filled with both dry and wet flies and nymphs. There also is a large complement of fly tying materials as well as rod and reel outfits, fly tying tools, vests, packs, fly boxes, clothing and sunglasses.

There are even fly earrings for someone special.

Jerry Von grew up fishing in California with his father.

"My dad fished with hardware (metal lures) and I remember telling him that fish eat flies," Von said. "I bought some flies and bobbers and that's how I got started. We used to fish the Tahoe area."

Cathi Von's background is in graphic arts, but said she has always wanted to work with her husband. She runs the shop during the day and gets help in the late afternoons when he is done teaching physical education at two elementary schools in Albany and Tangent.

They also get some help from their sons, Jess, 17, and Micah, 14, students at Santiam Christian School.

"Fly fishing is a community of people who are enthusiastic," Cathi said. "It's a great community. Everyone has been so friendly and supportive."

The shop is quickly becoming the center of that community. Experts offer classes on a wide variety of fishing topics and the Vons offer an introduction to fly fishing program.

Jerry also combines years of fly fishing experience with his teaching skills and helps students from Oregon State University build fly rods as part of a class.

Casey Crownover, an OSU sophomore business major from Bend, is building a 5-weight, 9-foot rod for trout and summer steelhead fishing.

"This one bothers me," Jerry Von said as he examined a guide wrap. "Does it bother you? That one turned out beautifully. That one needs some more epoxy."

Crownover said he's been fishing nearly all of his life and appreciates Von's knowledge and patience.

"They are really nice and helpful," Crownover said. "They're great people."

Jerry said his goal is to operate the shop for 15 years and then pass it down to his sons, who also enjoy fishing.

The shop is open from 10 a.m.-

6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Call 230-1706 or see www.back

countryflyshop.com.

Alex Paul can be contacted at alex.paul@lee.net or by calling 758-9526.