Featured Angler: Brighton Cleaver of Bulletproof Bugs

The Fly Box LLC
Jan 31, 2025
5 min read

This interview was conducted by The Fly Box and featured in Casts That Care, our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter.

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I had the pleasure of interviewing Brighton Cleaver, the founder of Bulletproof Bugs, a company dedicated to crafting some of the most durable and high-quality flies on the market. Brighton’s journey is a testament to turning personal passion into a thriving business. His story not only highlights his craftsmanship but also showcases his deep connection to the fly fishing community. Here’s an inside look at Brighton’s world and what makes Bulletproof Bugs a standout in the industry.

A Passion Born Early

Brighton’s love for fishing started at a young age when his grandfather introduced him to spin fishing for stocked rainbow trout. The excitement of those early experiences stuck with him, even though no one in his immediate family shared the same enthusiasm. Determined to learn, he spent hours reading fishing books from the library, immersing himself in every technique and strategy he could find.

Fly fishing, however, stood out as something special. The elegance of casting and the art of fly tying captivated him, though it would be years before he could fully dive into it. His first fly rod was a $15 Craigslist find, purchased with birthday money and a lot of determination. That rod may not have been high-end, but it was enough to get him hooked on the challenge of fooling fish with flies. Despite skunking out on his first handful of trips, Brighton was undeterred—he was all in.

Fly tying soon followed, and as a self-taught tier, he picked up unique habits, like wrapping his thread in the “wrong” direction, something he still does today. His commitment to the craft deepened, and before long, he was selling his flies in small batches through Fac

ebook groups. What started as a hobby evolved into a full-time business as demand grew, proving that passion and persistence can turn into something much bigger.

Building Community Through Fly Tying Events

Beyond running Bulletproof Bugs, Brighton is dedicated to bringing anglers together through fly tying events. Living in Rexburg, Idaho, a hub for both young anglers and seasoned veterans due to the proximity of the Henry’s Fork and South Fork of the Snake River, he saw an opportunity to foster a sense of community.

The events he participates in, often hosted at BackcastFlyCo, aren’t just about learning to tie flies—they’re about building connections. Seeing young anglers get excited about the sport resonates with him deeply, as he remembers being that kid, eager to learn but lacking direct mentorship. One of his most rewarding moments came from giving away flies to younger kids, especially Hunter Wheeler, who still carries them everywhere. Moments like these highlight the power of community and mentorship in fly fishing.

Brighton is particularly excited about the upcoming Southeast Idaho Fly Tying and Fishing Expo in mid-February, where he will be tying and meeting fellow anglers.

Blending Humor and Education in Fly Fishing

If you’ve come across Brighton’s content online, you’ve likely noticed his ability to mix education with humor. He firmly believes that fly fishing can sometimes take itself too seriously, and by incorporating comedy, he makes the sport more approachable.

One of his favorite types of content to create is reacting to people’s fish pictures—some of them are downright wild. The lighthearted approach makes fly fishing feel less intimidating and reminds people that at the end of the day, it’s about having fun.

I completely agree with this philosophy. There’s a time for technical discussions and fine-tuning casts, but there should always be room for fun and camaraderie. Fly fishing is, after all, about the experiences we have on the water, and Brighton does a great job of keeping that spirit alive.

What Sets Bulletproof Bugs Apart?

In an industry where mass-produced flies often dominate, Brighton has made it his mission to offer an alternative—durable, high-quality flies tied with care. He wants his customers to feel confident that when they buy from Bulletproof Bugs, they’re getting an American-made product built to last.

Of course, running a business isn’t without challenges. One of the hardest aspects for him has been maintaining focus. As someone who thrives on flexibility, he’s had to learn how to self-motivate and stay disciplined to keep up with orders.

"My father once gave my invaluable business advice:

You need to love what you do.
You need to be good at it.
People need to value it."

This mindset has guided him in growing Bulletproof Bugs into what it is today. And I think that wisdom applies beyond business—it’s a solid principle for life in general.

Chasing Big Browns and Dream Destinations

Ask any fly fisher about their most memorable catch, and they’ll likely have a story that sticks with them forever. For Brighton, that moment came when he finally landed his first two-foot brown trout after days of stalking the same fish in Wyoming.

After missing multiple hooksets, he realized he needed heavier tippet. The next time he hooked into the fish, it took off upstream before bolting downstream into a nearby lake. After an intense chase and a nerve-wracking fight, he finally landed it, celebrating at the top of his lungs. That fish sparked his love for targeting big browns—something many of us can relate to.

When it comes to dream destinations, New Zealand is at the top of his list. The chance to sight-fish massive brown trout in crystal-clear water is something he hopes to experience one day. I have to say—I completely understand the appeal. There’s something magical about the idea of casting to a massive, wary brown in the most scenic setting imaginable.

Final Thoughts & Where to Support

Brighton’s story is a reminder that dedication and love for the sport can evolve into something incredible. Bulletproof Bugs isn’t just a fly-tying business—it’s a reflection of his passion, creativity, and commitment to the fly fishing community.

If you want to support Brighton’s work, check out www.bulletproofbugs.com or follow him on Instagram:@bulletproofbugs

“In the end, fly fishing is about the experience, the learning, and the connections we make,”

I'll leave you with the same words he left me with

“Hike a hike, float a float, fish a fly, cast a cast, pet a dog, climb a climb, love others, and stay fishy!”

Casts That Care brings you in-depth stories, expert insights, and the best of the fly fishing community. Our content is always ad-free, never sponsored, and dedicated to providing unique, high-quality information.

Subscribe today for exclusive content, insider tips, and to support fly fishing charities with every subscription. 50% of your subscription fees go directly to a different fly fishing charity each month!