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The Birth of America’s First Angling Club In 1732, along the banks of Philadelphia’s Schuylkill River, a small group of men established what would become the first angling club in the Thirteen Colonies, the Schuylkill Fishing Company.

A Timely Dive With the Burning Man festival underway in the Nevada desert, it’s a perfect moment to explore the Burning Man fly... a tungsten-beaded jig nymph that’s been quietly earning respect among stillwater anglers. While the fly shares a name with the famous festival, it has no direct connection to the desert gathering. Instead, it reflects the ongoing evolution of fly design, innovation in materials, and the ways anglers adapt their gear to seasonal challenges. Origins of the Pattern The Burning Man fly was developed with the help of Ken Pennington of Joyce, Washington, in collaboration with Big Y Fly Co. Pennington was known for experimenting with effective stillwater patterns that could perform in harsh winter conditions. He and Big Y Fly Co refined the Burning Man to be simple, durable, and above all, effective in cold-water fisheries where trout often hold deep. The fly was designed as a year-round stillwater nymph, not just a winter pattern. Its effectiveness across seasons gave it staying power. While many stillwater flies mimic specific insects like chironomids or callibaetis, the Burning Man functions as an attractor nymph... its flashy bead and slim profile making it visible and enticing to trout without being overly imitative. The Role of Tungsten Beads When tungsten beads became widely available in the 1990s and 2000s, they transformed nymph design. Tungsten’s density—almost twice that of brass—allowed patterns to sink quickly and maintain better depth control. The Burning Man takes full advantage of this innovation: Fast sink rate: Ideal for dropping into deep stillwater zones where trout feed. Jig-style hook: Rides point-up, reducing snags along the bottom. Versatility: Works under indicators, in Euro nymphing rigs, or on slow retrieves. This combination makes the Burning Man a reliable choice for anglers fishing lakes, ponds, and reservoirs, especially when trout are lethargic or suspended in the water column. Comparisons and Relatives The Burning Man belongs to a larger family of modern tungsten nymphs that prioritize sink rate and durability. Notable comparisons include: Copper John (John Barr, 1990s): A river-focused tungsten bead nymph that became a global standard. Perdigon nymphs (Spain/France, competition fishing): Ultra-slim, resin-coated nymphs designed for rapid descent and Euro nymphing. Balanced leeches & chironomids (stillwater staples): Like the Burning Man, these use tungsten to achieve lifelike presentation in lakes. What sets the Burning Man apart is its balance between attractor and imitation. It doesn’t strictly mimic one insect, but its slim, dark body and bead profile make it suggestive enough to work across many scenarios. Availability and Variations Big Y Fly Co commercialized the Burning Man in multiple variations: Colors: Orange, pink, silver/red. Sizes: Commonly size 12 and 14. Hook style: Jig hook for durability and snag prevention. These variations give anglers flexibility depending on local conditions. The brighter beads (pink, orange) excel in murky water or during low-light conditions, while the subtler silver/red works when trout are pressured or selective. The Burning Man in Today’s Fly Boxes Although not as universally famous as the Copper John or Prince Nymph, the Burning Man has developed a loyal following, especially among anglers who target stillwater trout throughout the year. Its design reflects the priorities of modern fly fishing: fast-sinking, versatile, and adaptable across techniques. For anglers exploring new stillwater waters or facing challenging conditions, the Burning Man is often a confidence fly—simple, effective, and dependable.

This interview was conducted by The Fly Box and featured in Casts That Care , our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter. Casts That Care  brings you real stories, big ideas, and the heart of the fly fishing world — all while donating 50% of subscriber fees to a different fly fishing charity each month. Subscribe today and use promo code: HERON15  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to fly fishing charities! The First Cast For Jessica Hamilton, fly fishing wasn’t a childhood pastime, it was a spark that lit in 2021 when her close friend, Tyler Morehouse, handed her a fly rod. “What started as curiosity quickly became a shared passion, and we’ve been inseparable on the water ever since,” she says. From long days on the river to late nights at the vise, the two pushed each other to learn and stay rooted in the Catskills’ rich fly fishing traditions. Her first fish on the fly, a brook trout from a tiny Pennsylvania creek, sealed the deal. “I was completely hooked, the colors, the moment, the thrill of it all.” An origin story like this one matters, because it’s proof that you don’t need a lifetime on the water to become deeply connected to it. In just a few seasons, Jessica’s gone from her first trout to guiding others through the same milestone moment. It’s a reminder that passion accelerates experience. From Obsession to Calling What began as personal passion quickly became something bigger. “There’s nothing like watching someone catch their first trout and knowing I helped make that moment happen,” Jessica says. Guiding wasn’t something she chased, it found her. “People kind of decided that for me,” she laughs. Requests to take folks out kept coming until she realized she already had a client base. “If I already have it, why not lean into it and turn this into something real?” She chose to guide at home. “I’ve lived in New York my whole life, and the Catskills have always felt like home. It’s where I feel connected, confident, and at peace, and now I get to share that with others.” Magic in the Mountains Ask her what makes the Catskills special, and she paints a picture: early morning light on the water, the rhythm of familiar pools, quiet you can only find deep in the hollows. But the real magic? The people. “So many come back year after year, not just for the fishing, but because this place is part of their story. There’s a deep sense of tradition here, a passing down of memories and meaning. This really puts an emphasis on tradition, because it links today’s Catskills anglers to generations before them. Guiding in a place like this isn’t just about showing someone where to cast, it’s about handing them a small piece of history. The Story Behind Hemlock & Heron The name was born on a drive to the river. “We didn’t know it at the time, but we were building something that would eventually become part of who I am,” Jessica recalls. Heron felt right immediately, graceful, patient, always observant at the water’s edge. Hemlock came from the trees she loves along her favorite streams, ancient, grounding, essential to the Catskills ecosystem. “Together, Hemlock & Heron became more than just a name, it became a reflection of my values: conservation, connection, and honoring the quiet beauty of these wild places.” Guiding with Purpose For Jessica, guiding isn’t just about putting fish in the net, it’s about intention. “I make sure every trip includes some element of education, whether it’s about trout behavior, river health, or the role native plants like hemlocks play in keeping the ecosystem in balance.” She believes the community could do more for native species, especially brook trout. “They’re part of the soul of these mountains, and if we’re not actively working to protect them, we risk losing something truly irreplaceable. This is where her approach really stands out, because conservation isn’t an “extra” in her trips, it’s the foundation. It’s baked into every cast, every conversation, every release. That’s how awareness moves from being a talking point to becoming a habit. Empowerment and Realness Jessica’s voice resonates with women and younger anglers who follow her journey. “Whether they’re picking up a fly rod for the first time or trying to find confidence in the outdoors, that connection and support is what keeps me going.” She believes her generation brings an important honesty to the sport. “It’s not always big fish and perfect conditions — and I think showing the real side of it helps more people feel like they belong here.” From the River to the Brewery? Recently, Jessica became an ambassador for Roscoe Brewing Co., a partnership that made perfect sense. “They’re deeply rooted in the Catskills and genuinely committed to supporting the local fly fishing community.” Beer and fly fishing, she says, share the same rhythm: “After a day on the water — whether you’ve landed fish or just soaked up the scenery — there’s something special about gathering with friends, cracking open a cold one, and swapping stories.” What’s Next Jessica’s schedule is stacked, she’s now an ambassador for Hex Fly Co. and part of the Royal Wulff Products pro team. She’s planning a Colorado trip this fall, with creative collaborations and brand partnerships on the horizon. “I’m excited to keep building those relationships and see where it all leads.” Where to Find Jessica Follow along on Instagram at @jess.h_hemlockheron  for guiding days, conservation work, and everyday life on the water. To book a trip in the Catskills, reach out at jessicahamilton@hemlock-heron.org  or send her a DM. This interview was conducted by The Fly Box and featured in Casts That Care , our charity-driven fly fishing newsletter. Casts That Care  brings you real stories, big ideas, and the heart of the fly fishing world — all while donating 50% of subscriber fees to a different fly fishing charity each month. Subscribe today and use promo code: HERON15  at checkout for 15% off your first month, and we’ll donate 25% more to fly fishing charities!

The Overview Three weeks ago, we launched Behind the Vise  — a grassroots initiative created to support American fly tyers through exposure, community, and, when possible, real material support. The goal has always been simple: to celebrate the craft, amplify the stories of tiers working at their kitchen tables, and ensure that fly tying remains accessible and alive for the next generation. Three Weeks In: What We’re Seeing The first wave of applications has offered a remarkable look at the people who make up today’s fly-tying community. While each applicant’s story is unique, several clear themes have emerged: Tying as more than a hobby  — For many, fly tying is not just about filling fly boxes. It’s a form of therapy, a source of mental clarity, and a creative outlet that builds resilience and connection. A new generation of tyers  — A significant number of applicants are in their first one to three years of tying, signaling fresh growth in the community and a hunger to learn. Entrepreneurial spirit  — From side hustles to dreams of opening shops, many applicants are already thinking about how to turn their craft into sustainable businesses. Community and legacy  — Applicants repeatedly described tying as a bridge: a way to honor family legacies, teach kids, or bring friends together. Several veterans and mentors emphasized the healing and unifying power of the vise. Overwhelming need for support  — The most common requests by far are for materials, tools, and industry connections. This reinforces our mission to connect everyday tyers with the resources and recognition they need to thrive. Key Stats Gender Men — 71% Women — 29% Experience 1–3 years — 35% Less than 1 year — 26% 5+ years — 24% 3–5 years — 15% Requested Support (Overlapping Results) Materials — 85% Industry Connections — 82% Exposure / Promotion — 59% Tools — 56% Business Help — 44% Financial Help — 29% Fish Mentioned By Fly Type (Normalized to 100%) Trout — 42% Bass — 15% Saltwater (general) — 10% Panfish — 6% Steelhead — 4% Musky — 3% Salmon — 3% Other (1–2% each): Striper, Redfish, Speckled Trout, Sheepshead, Rockfish, Tarpon, Permit, Bonefish, Fluke, Carp, Arctic Grayling, Predator, Streamers Motivations (Why They Tie) Stress relief / mental health & flow state — 27% Creativity & artistic outlet — 24% Family / friend connections — 18% Deeper connection to fly fishing — 15% Functional / personal achievement — 15% Long-Term Goals Selling more flies / business growth — 27% Open shop / entrepreneurship — 18% Community building & teaching — 18% Signature tyer / bulk supplier — 12% Using tying as therapy / helping others — 12% Media, content creation, brand expansion — 12% One Week Left Applications for this first round close in just one week (On August 31st). Every story we receive helps show that this craft is alive, diverse, and worth investing in. Whether you’re new to tying or have years of experience, this is your chance to be part of the first Behind the Vise  support boxes. If you haven’t applied yet, now’s the time. It’s free, it’s simple, and it’s the start of something bigger. [Apply Now →]

A New Normal for Anglers on the Coast In the last five years, hurricanes have battered the Gulf and Atlantic Coasts with relentless force: Ian (2022), Helene and Milton (2024), and now Erin (2025). For coastal anglers, guides, and marinas, these storms are no longer rare catastrophes—they’re recurring events reshaping the very waters they depend on.

The Shift Beyond Wild Harvest For decades, wild-capture fisheries and traditional aquaculture have dominated the conversation around seafood. But as global demand for protein surges and pressure on wild stocks intensifies, the industry is shifting toward more innovative and sustainable systems. Among the most exciting developments: land-based salmon farming and seaweed cultivation .

How We Got Here: Breaking Down the $1.1 Trillion Figure According to a July 2025 report from Business Wire, the global Fishing, Hunting, and Trapping market is valued at approximately USD 1.1 trillion, with strong expected growth projecting to reach USD 2 trillion by 2034, propelled by a healthy 7.2 percent compound annual growth rate (CAGR).

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