Search All News

Idaho's August Splash In August 2025, the Idaho Department of Fish & Game (IDFG) is stocking over 21,900 catchable-size rainbow trout (10–12 inches) across the Southwest Region, including 2,000 tiger trout destined for Granite Lake between August 18–22. This effort adds to a robust summer stocking schedule: July saw over 150,000 rainbow trout stocked statewide, and June brought more than 31,000 to the Magic Valley Region alone.

The Big Move On July 23, 2025, AnyCreek, an AI-powered booking and business management platform for outdoor guides and outfitters, announced its first-ever acquisition: Origin, a fellow Memphis-based software provider serving outfitters, guides, and outdoor business owners.

Welcome to The Fly Box' 30 Iconic Fly Fishing Destinations You Must Experience , a collection of the world’s finest waters where anglers can chase legendary fish amidst breathtaking landscapes. From the untamed rivers of Alaska and Patagonia to the precision-demanding streams of England and New Zealand, this guide celebrates the global diversity of fly fishing. Each destination is carefully curated, with insights into key hatches, historical significance, and expert tips to help you make the most of your time on the water. Pack your gear—it’s time to embark on a journey every angler dreams of.

Overview of the Acquisition On August 12, 2025, Infinite Outdoors, a Wyoming-based outdoor technology platform, completed the acquisition of RareWaters, a Denver-based fly fishing access marketplace. The integration enables members to access over 100 miles of private fly fishing water, expanding its reach significantly.

Fly fishers know the mayfly not just as a fly pattern, but as a seasonal signal. When mayflies hatch, trout look up. Anglers wait for those moments like holidays. But in parts of the Midwest, those hatches are no longer what they once were, and it’s not just anecdotal. Scientific research confirms that mayfly populations are plummeting in some of the most important river systems in North America. What the Numbers Say A 2020 study published in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences  (PNAS) found that from 2012 to 2019: Mayfly populations in the Upper Mississippi River Basin declined by approximately 52% . In western Lake Erie , the decline was even sharper — an estimated 84% drop  over the same period. These numbers come from light trap data; a long-standing method for monitoring emergent aquatic insects like mayflies. The dramatic loss of biomass points to systemic environmental changes. What’s Causing the Collapse? Researchers and ecologists point to a combination of stressors: Nutrient Pollution : Runoff from farms, especially nitrogen and phosphorus, feeds massive algal blooms. When the algae die, their decomposition consumes oxygen, creating hypoxic conditions deadly for mayfly larvae. Neonicotinoid Pesticides : These common agricultural chemicals are known to be toxic to aquatic insects, even in small concentrations. Climate Change : Rising water temperatures and altered seasonal flows disrupt mayfly life cycles. Some species are highly temperature-sensitive, and even small shifts can delay or suppress emergence. Why It Matters for Fly Fishing Mayflies are one of the foundational food sources in freshwater ecosystems. When their numbers crash, trout and other insectivorous fish lose critical calories. That means smaller fish, fewer rises, and an overall less productive fishery. It also means the iconic dry fly fishing experience, sight-fishing rising trout during a hatch, could become less frequent or even vanish in some regions. More Than Fishing: An Ecological Red Flag Mayflies are bioindicators. When they disappear, it means the water is sick. Their decline isn't just a fly fishing problem, it's an environmental one. This is a warning. One backed not by hunches or forum posts, but by published data. What Can Be Done? Organizations like the Upper Mississippi River Restoration Program and state-level conservation groups are working to improve water quality and reduce nutrient runoff. But real progress requires broader agricultural reforms and pesticide regulation. As anglers, we can: Support clean water legislation. Get involved with watershed conservation groups. Report observations of hatches — or lack thereof — to citizen science programs. Because if the mayflies go quiet, a whole part of our world goes with them. Sources Cited: Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences study (PNAS) National Geographic article on mayfly decline Hatch Magazine coverage of mayfly population collapse Virginia Tech report on climate change and aquatic insects

The Sport at a Crossroads Fly fishing participation in the United States has reached a new high. In 2024, overall fishing participation climbed to 57.9 million Americans aged 6 and older, representing 19 percent of the population. Within that number, fly fishing now accounts for over 8 million participants, marking one of the strongest periods for the sport in decades. However, the growth is not evenly distributed across age groups, regions, and demographics. Understanding who is fishing, where they are fishing, and what is driving growth is essential for the future of the sport.

Public lands have dominated headlines lately, from Senate proposals to sell millions of acres, to local fights over access. But beyond the breaking news, there’s a quieter reality: over 6 million acres of Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land  across the West are still officially marked as “eligible for disposal” in decades-old federal plans ( Field & Stream ).

By Sydny Thompson | Special Edition Casts That Care A Solo Journey into Idaho’s Remote Alpine Fishery July 25–27, 2025 (50% of every subscription to this newsletter goes to fly fishing nonprofits. This feature supports our Behind the Vise initiative : funding American-made fly tyers with materials, exposure, and community support. Subscribe Here) The Trout Vault: Alpine Lake Series I’ve heard this lake called a few different names, Thompson Lake, Thompson Cirque Lake (according to Idaho Fish & Game), and even Profile Lake by some locals. It’s actually listed as the highest lake in the range. No matter what you call it, it’s a gem tucked high in the Sawtooths. Thompson Peak, Sawtooth Mountains, ID For the sake of this trip report, I call it Thompson Lake. You don’t hear many people talk about Thompson Lake in the Sawtooths for fly fishing, and I get why. The trail is short but punishing, the shoreline is steep and broken, and the fish? Wild, spooky, and not as easy to fool as you’d think for a lake this remote. But that’s what makes it special. Sawtooth Mountains, ID Thompson sits high in the Sawtooths and feels tucked away, even on a weekend. There were day hikers and a few folks gunning for the nearby peak, but I had the lake entirely to myself for two nights — not a single other rod in the water. The Hike In The trail to Thompson Lake is just under 5 miles, starting at Redfish Lake Trailhead, with most of the elevation gain packed into the first and last mile. The start climbs steadily through shaded forest before leveling out into some incredible views. The final push kicks back up — loose, rocky, and exposed. It’s enough to break a sweat and test your pack weight, especially if you’re hauling gear for fly fishing like I was. But once you crest the final ridge and the lake comes into view, it’s worth every step. We camped right above the shoreline, tucked in just enough to avoid the wind but still wake up to alpine glass. I originally planned to summit Thompson Peak, the tallest mountain in the Sawtooths, while I was up there. But between the wild fishing and gnarly afternoon weather, I made the call to save that objective for another time. Honestly? No regrets. The lake and the fish had all my attention, and it ended up being the right call. The Fishing Alpine Cutthroat Trout The Cutthroat here are amazing. Every fish I caught still had its adipose fin, and I landed over 20 in two days. Most fish ranged from 12–20 inches. I was able to spot a few well over that range. The water is deep and glass-clear, which makes for incredible visuals but tricky casting — most of the shoreline is steep, rocky, and loud. It’s vital to watch your shadow, stay quiet on approach, and find little pockets where you can cast a fly. While I’m still new to fly fishing, I’m no stranger to alpine lakes, and catching this many stunning fish over a few days really boosted my confidence. Here’s what worked: Streamers : Woolly buggers in black, brown, white, and thin mint. Black and thin mint pulled out the bigger fish, but smaller cutties didn’t seem interested. Fast, aggressive strips got hits, especially just before or after storms. Nymphs : Size 12 prince nymphs worked well, but definitely didn’t catch bigger cutthroat like streamers did. Dries : In the evenings and mornings, it was a full-blown surface party. Hundreds of rises during what looked like a mosquito hatch. I used mosquito patterns, black ants, and elk hair caddis — all sizes. Didn’t matter too much what I threw; the timing was everything. Why I Chose Not to Bring a Net In past alpine lake trips, especially in the Eastern Sierra, I rarely ran into fish bigger than 4–8 inches. I felt confident safely handling those barbless without a net, and didn’t want to pack one in. This lake surprised me. Some of these Cutthroat were solidly over the 20-inch range, and I definitely lost a few good fish because I didn’t have a net. I still made it work, but if I go back... I’m bringing one. In Depth Gear Guide Look here for a detailed list if everything Sydny brings on her remote Fly Fishing/Hiking trips! Backpacking Gear (3-Day / 2-Night) Raide LF 40L Pack REI Coop Flash Air 1 Tent Nemo Switchback Sleeping Pad REI Women’s Magma 15-degree Sleeping Bag Sawyer Squeeze water filter MSR stove + fuel Garmin InReach Mini Sunscreen stick, bug spray, pocket knife, BD headlamp BearVault 450 Food and snacks for 3 days Small toiletries bag GoPro Hero 7 Fishing Gear 9’ 5wt lightweight rod + Reddington reel 5X tippet and a 3-pack of 5X 9ft, 3.4 lb tapered leaders Fishpond Shallow MagPad Fly Puck with ~20 flies (dries, nymphs, streamers) Forceps, nippers, floatant (unused), indicators (unused) Small blue zipper bag to keep it all organized Clothing + Camp Wear Stio Women’s CFS Drifter Short (lightweight and quick drying, worn for hiking + fishing) Stio Women’s CFS Board Pant (sun protection, lightweight and quick drying, worn in evenings + early mornings) Stio Hylas Hooded Pullover (lived in this — breathable + sun protective) Pit Viper “The Blacking Out Admirer” Heart-Shaped Polarized Sunglasses Smartwool socks (cold mornings and sleeping at night) Smartwool gloves (brought but never used) Skida Battenkill hat (solid sun protection) Simple beanie (for sleeping + cold mornings) Chaco sandals (worn entire time, even hiking in/out) Sports bra (quick drying) Patagonia Synthetic Puffy (worn on early mornings and after the chilly swim) Trips Like This For short trips like this one (3 days, 2 nights), I keep things minimal. I didn’t bring extra clothes beyond the basics because I wanted to save weight — but also because I just didn’t feel like I needed them. I stayed warm, dry, and comfortable the entire time. Afternoons got warm and quiet. I jumped in for a swim one day, a full-body plunge that left me completely numb. That evening, a big thunderstorm rolled in. I hunkered in my tent and listened to lightning crack across the ridge, breathing in that sharp, clean smell of rain on dry earth. Pure bliss. Closing Reflections Wildlife was minimal — deer down low, chipmunks and mice up high. This trip felt like mine. I’d researched it, planned it, made the haul, and earned the kind of wild fish that remind you why you do this. If you like fishing lakes where you can hike in, read the water, and do it right — Thompson delivers. You just have to be willing to sweat for it. I didn’t bag the summit this time, but I landed some of the best wild Cutthroat I’ve ever hooked. Thompson Peak can wait, the lake gave me more than enough. If you decide to make the trip: Please practice catch and release, and respect the solitude of these alpine lakes. Pack out everything you pack in, tread lightly, and always follow Idaho Fish & Game regulations. Make sure your fishing license is current, and leave the place better than you found it — for the next lucky angler who stumbles onto this treasure. Editor’s Note:  Sydny is a good friend of The Fly Box and Casts That Care. She is a 20-year-old fly fishing newcomer based in Idaho. When she's not casting lines, she's exploring the outdoors, climbing, and embracing the adventures of learning something new. Follow along as she navigates the sport one cast at a time. This story supports our Behind the Vise initiative , which funds American fly tyers with materials, exposure, and community support.

"Fishing and music are both immersive experiences. You get in the zone and forget the rest of the world."— Ben Christensen, CEO, Simms Fishing Products

What Is Behind the Vise? Behind the Vise is a grassroots initiative launched by The Fly Box LLC to support American-based fly tyers. This initiative is built to serve the everyday makers—the ones tying at kitchen tables, in garages, and from small shops across the country. Behind the Vise is about amplifying voices that often go unheard, providing visibility, community, and material support to those keeping the art of American fly tying alive. This is not just a feature series. Behind the Vise works in three parts: donors help supply materials and financial support, tyers apply through a free quarterly form, and a small cohort is selected to receive tailored assistance and exposure. Selected tyers are featured in the Casts That Care newsletter and on social platforms, with added support when available through gear, materials, or direct aid. Why It Matters Behind the Vise was created in response to an imbalance. Over 85 percent of the world’s commercial fly production happens overseas. At the same time, only 10 to 15 percent of American anglers tie their own flies. That leaves a large, often invisible group of domestic tyers doing the work behind the curtain—people whose creativity, talent, and hustle deserve far more recognition and support than they receive. Behind the Vise aims to change that. By offering a platform and a helping hand, it encourages fly tyers to continue creating without burning out or fading into obscurity. This initiative is about meaningful impact at the individual level. It’s about offering more than applause—it’s about providing momentum. “You can get cheap. You can get quality. You can get American-made. But rarely all three. Behind the Vise is asking: Why not?”— Kevin Wolfe, Founder of The Fly Box LLC How It Works From Behind The Vise Donate : Backers—whether brands, shops, or individuals—contribute funds or gear to the Behind the Vise program. These donations go directly toward providing support to selected fly tyers. Apply : American-based tyers fill out a short, no-fee application form. They share who they are, what they tie, and how support could help them most. Each quarter opens a new round of applications. Select and Support : A handful of applicants are selected each quarter. Those chosen are promoted across The Fly Box channels, featured in the newsletter, and receive direct material or financial assistance as resources allow. The Numbers 85 percent of commercial fly production is now overseas Only 10 to 15 percent of American anglers tie their own flies Over 2,000 American tyers are actively working to turn their craft into a career These numbers reflect a clear gap. Behind the Vise exists to help close it. Who Can Apply Anyone based in the United States who ties flies is welcome to apply. This includes beginners, part-time tyers, hobbyists, and professionals. There is no fee to apply, and each application round lasts one month. Applications are reviewed throughout the open period, and selections are made based on need, story, and vision. Get Involved If you are a fly tyer, visit theflyboxllc.com to apply. If you are a brand or individual looking to support, you can contribute to the Behind the Vise fund, donate gear, or simply share the story with your community. Additionally, you can shop Behind the Vise branded merchandise . Half of all proceeds go directly into the Behind the Vise fund to support American fly tyers. This is more than a campaign. It is a commitment to community, to craftsmanship, and to making sure that those behind the vise are seen, supported, and celebrated. Let’s keep tying, together.

Every summer, Orlando transforms into the epicenter of sportfishing innovation, drawing tens of thousands of industry insiders, brand reps, and passionate anglers. Last week's International Convention of Allied Sportfishing Trades (ICAST), held from July 15–18, 2025, wasn't just another trade show—it was the industry's heartbeat, and fly fishing made waves. By the Numbers: Massive Economic Impact ICAST isn't just about cool gear and product launches—it's big business. With around 14,000 attendees flooding the Orange County Convention Center, this year's event drove an estimated $36–40 million directly into the local economy. Hotels filled up, restaurants buzzed, and local businesses thrived as Orlando welcomed attendees from over 75 countries. Comparatively, in 2021, ICAST generated $27.9 million with around 10,850 attendees, highlighting the event's growing scale and economic significance. Fly Fishing Steps into the Spotlight While ICAST has always been influential, fly fishing's presence has steadily grown. This year, fly gear wasn't relegated to a corner booth—it took center stage. Fly rods, reels, lines, and waders were prominently featured in the prestigious New Product Showcase. Notable brands such as Orvis, Sage, and Simms presented groundbreaking products, many winning top honors, signaling the sport's rising popularity and market strength. Categories dedicated specifically to fly fishing gear saw multiple winners, highlighting the segment's significant expansion. Deals, Innovation, and Big Wins Beyond economic impact, ICAST is the critical moment for industry deals. The event sees nearly 1,100 new product launches annually, with fly fishing brands increasingly taking a slice of that pie. Retailers and manufacturers finalize contracts on the showroom floor, ensuring the hottest gear hits shelves around the globe. For fly anglers, this means more innovative products, better availability, and competitive prices. This robust deal-making environment positions ICAST as the key platform for businesses aiming to drive future market trends. Fly Fishing's Growing Footprint The Fly Shop and FlyCASTing Pond became focal points, reflecting how far fly fishing has come. Major manufacturers leveraged these zones for live demonstrations and hands-on experiences, drawing huge crowds eager to test the latest gear firsthand. The visibility and excitement were palpable, proving fly fishing isn't a niche—it's mainstream. Fly fishing zones were strategically located adjacent to high-traffic areas, maximizing exposure and engagement. What's Next? ICAST is more than a snapshot of the industry's health; it's a forecast of what's coming. Recreational fishing represents a $128 billion industry in the U.S., supporting approximately 825,000 jobs nationally. Florida alone generates $13.8 billion annually from angling, sustaining nearly 120,000 jobs. This year's strong showing by fly fishing indicates sustained growth and broader adoption across traditional angling communities. Expect even greater representation, innovation, and excitement in years ahead. In short, fly fishing made a big splash at ICAST 2025, reinforcing its critical role within the broader sportfishing economy. And for all anglers, that's something worth celebrating.