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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 21-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.

Casts That Care | July 11, 2025 Four Islands, One Mission This summer, the Bahamas isn't just inviting anglers to cast a line—it's inviting them to cast a future. The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism, Investments & Aviation has officially launched the 2025 Bahamas Bonefishing Tournament Series, a four-stop, catch-and-release fly-fishing competition aimed at driving sustainable tourism and empowering coastal communities.

This article is part of Casts That Care , our fly fishing charity newsletter.   Casts That Care  donates 50% of every subscription to a different fly fishing nonprofit each month, supporting conservation efforts, veterans, and at-risk youth through the sport we love. This is part of our newsletter, which drops free info every once in a while, but if you want daily  fly fishing news, industry insights, and stories delivered straight to your inbox, Subscribe Here INTRODUCTION Fly tying has historically existed on the periphery of the fly fishing economy—essential, artistic, and deeply personal, but rarely viewed as a viable livelihood. In recent years, the expansion of online commerce, content platforms, and DIY entrepreneurship has led more Americans to consider whether fly tying could become more than a craft—something closer to a career. This report seeks to answer two related questions: How many American fly tyers are actively trying to turn fly tying into a career? How many more would attempt it if barriers like education, cost, and visibility weren’t so high? DEFINING THE SCOPE For this analysis, we define "trying to make it a career" as individuals who have taken one or more of the following steps with fly tying: Selling tied flies or fly-tying goods on platforms like Etsy or Shopify Registering a business or LLC related to fly tying Regularly producing monetizable tying content on platforms like Instagram, TikTok, or YouTube Paying to attend expos as a featured tier or vendor Actively applying to pro staff programs or affiliate partnerships We also acknowledge the existence of a wider informal population: those who aspire to monetize tying, but face prohibitive barriers (cost, skill, access to customers, lack of mentorship). PART I: INDICATORS OF ACTIVE EFFORT A. Etsy & E-commerce Data A search of U.S.-based Etsy stores (2024) using fly tying keywords yields ~1,100 storefronts, with roughly 400–500 focused primarily on selling tied flies. B. Business Registrations NAICS code analysis (114119: Other Fishing Activities, and 339920: Sporting and Athletic Goods Manufacturing) indicates over 220 business filings in 2023 explicitly referencing fly tying. C. Fly Tying Expos & Conventions Across major U.S. expos (Wasatch, Midwest, International Fly Tying Symposium, etc.), 300+ unique tyers have exhibited in the past year. Many are vendors or small business owners, not just demonstrators. Estimated lower bound of active pursuit: ~1,000–1,250 individuals nationwide These are individuals who have moved past the hobby threshold and are actively engaging in revenue-generating or promotional efforts. PART II: THE ASPIRATIONAL TIER POPULATION While formal indicators point to a 1,000–1,250 person active base, that number fails to capture a key reality: there is a much larger group of fly tyers who would attempt to build a business—if it weren’t so difficult to break in. This segment includes: Young anglers or students with tying skill but no customer access Tyers producing flies for local guides or informal barter economies Rural or underserved community members with fly tying talent and no distribution network Highly skilled hobbyists who lack education in pricing, business registration, or brand development We used indirect metrics to estimate the potential scale of this aspirational group: 1. Skill-Interest Overlap Our previous report estimated that 12% of U.S. fly fishers tie their own flies. With ~7 million fly fishers nationwide (source: Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation, 2023), that yields ~840,000 American fly tyers. 2. Market Participation Desire A 2022 report from Etsy found that 39% of handmade product sellers joined the platform to supplement income from a personal skill or hobby (Etsy Seller Census 2022). Applying a conservative 5–10% entrepreneurial interest rate to the ~840,000 U.S. tyers suggests 42,000 to 84,000 individuals may be interested in turning tying into a paid pursuit—if barriers were reduced. 3. Barriers to Entry Top reported challenges from aspiring fly-tying entrepreneurs: Lack of access to wholesale materials and affordable tools Little guidance on pricing, branding, and market outreach Limited visibility from major fly shops or gear companies Difficulty building credibility without expos or social proof CONCLUSION While approximately 1,000–1,250 Americans are actively trying to turn fly tying into a business or career, the number of aspiring career tyers is substantially larger. Our model suggests that as many as **40,000 **fly tyers in the U.S. would enter the space if they had: Better mentorship Lower startup costs Clearer pathways to visibility and retail access The real question isn’t whether 1000-1250 tyers are trying—it’s how many could be, if the fly fishing world had a lower gate. SOURCES Etsy U.S. Fly Tying Storefronts (2024 Search Sampling) U.S. Small Business Administration NAICS Filings (114119 & 339920), 2023 Midwest Fly Fishing Expo, International Fly Tying Symposium rosters (2023–2024) Etsy Seller Census 2022 Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation (RBFF) Special Report on Fishing Participation, 2023

This article is part of Casts That Care , our fly fishing charity newsletter.   Casts That Care  donates 50% of every subscription to a different fly fishing nonprofit each month, supporting conservation efforts, veterans, and at-risk youth through the sport we love. This is part of our newsletter, which drops free info every once in a while, but if you want daily  fly fishing news, industry insights, and stories delivered straight to your inbox, Subscribe Here ! INTRODUCTION Fly tying is often seen as the soulful side of fly fishing. But how many American anglers actually tie their own flies? Is it a common skill among the community—or the pursuit of a passionate few? While the fly fishing world celebrates tiers and craftsmanship, the data tells a different story: only an estimated 12% of American fly fishers tie their own flies regularly. This report explores that figure through polling data, community responses, fly shop insights, and historical trends in angler behavior. HISTORICAL TRENDS In the 1950s through 1970s, fly tying was more prevalent out of necessity. Flies weren’t as readily available in stores, and tying was often taught through local clubs, books, or mentors. But the mass commercialization of fly production in the 1990s—paired with global sourcing and online marketplaces—transformed the average angler’s behavior. Now, with access to high-quality, affordable flies from Kenya, Thailand, and China, many anglers opt to buy rather than tie. POLLING & COMMUNITY DATA Classic Fly Rod Forum Poll In a 2012 poll titled "Do you tie your own flies?" among 66 forum users, 91% said yes . But this forum represents a highly engaged subset of fly fishers—not the mainstream. ( Source ) FLY SHOP INSIGHTS Industry observations and fly shop feedback consistently show that fly tying remains a niche within the larger angling market. A 2023 MidCurrent  article noted that "most fly anglers purchase their flies," especially beginners and tourists, with fly tying seen as an add-on hobby rather than a core practice. Orvis’ own blog posts and educational content position tying as a creative outlet rather than a necessity—highlighting fly tying kits more as a gateway to craftsmanship than a money-saving measure. Similarly, shops interviewed by Flylords  and Hatch Magazine  have described tying as a skill mostly adopted by more serious anglers. An article titled “Do People Tie Anymore?”  on Maine Fly Fish  also echoed this, with shop employees estimating that 15–20% of their customer base buys tying materials regularly , mostly during winter months. OUR ESTIMATE: 12% (Derived from Community, Market, and Participation Indicators) Based on a composite analysis, Casts That Care estimates that approximately 12%  of American fly anglers regularly tie their own flies. This figure was derived from a three-part methodology: 1. Community Engagement Ratio We analyzed multiple fly fishing forums (Classic Fly Rod Forum, Maine Fly Fish, TheFlyFishingForum, Washington Fly Fishing, Microskiff). These often show 80–90% tying participation—but represent a heavily biased enthusiast population . We conservatively downscaled this engagement to reflect real-world diversity in angler types. 2. Retail Behavior Index Major retailers like The Fly Shop report ~1 in 6 customers (≈17%)  buy tying materials regularly. Combined with independent shop estimates (~15–20% seasonal buyers) and Orvis kit recommendations, we applied a weighted average  to account for seasonal/non-committed tiers. 3. Activity-Based Filtering According to an old Fly Fisherman Magazine survey (as referenced in forums), only 10% of fly anglers tie with consistency . Forum discussions regularly cite a range between 10–15%, with most rejecting the idea of widespread tying. Working Formula: Final Estimate = (Forum Bias Adj. × Retail Index × Activity Consistency Factor)= 0.18 × 0.75 × 0.9 ≈ 12% This includes: Full-time tiers (commercial, influencer, or guide-related) Hobbyist tiers who fish primarily with their own patterns Casual tiers who tie seasonally or as a side hobby Anglers who occasionally tie but fish mostly store-bought flies DIY kit buyers who never build the habit WHY DO SOME STILL TIE? Those who do tie their own flies often cite: Creativity : Designing custom patterns Cost Control : Especially for streamers and saltwater patterns Satisfaction : Catching a fish on your own creation Off-Season Hobby : Many tiers increase production during winter months Conversely, those who don’t tie say: Time is limited Flies are cheap and easy to buy Materials and tools can be expensive upfront CONCLUSION Tying flies is still alive—but it’s not the norm. 88% of American fly fishers buy their flies. The remaining 12% keep the craft alive  through artistry, obsession, or tradition. These tiers power YouTube tutorials, Instagram reels, guide bins, and indie fly shops. Whether you tie or buy, it’s the fish that keeps you honest. But next time you reach for a fly box, ask yourself: do you know who tied it? This article is part of Casts That Care , our fly fishing charity newsletter.   Casts That Care  donates 50% of every subscription to a different fly fishing nonprofit each month, supporting conservation efforts, veterans, and at-risk youth through the sport we love. This is part of our newsletter, which drops free info every once in a while, but if you want daily  fly fishing news, industry insights, and stories delivered straight to your inbox, Subscribe Here ! SOURCES Classic Fly Rod Forum: https://classicflyrodforum.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=54290 TheFlyFishingForum.com : https://www.theflyfishingforum.com/forums/index.php?threads/store-bought-flies.504117/ Maine Fly Fish Forum: https://www.maineflyfish.com/forums/index.php?/topic/38407-do-people-tie-any-more/ Interviews with independent fly shop owners (Maine, Montana, NC – 2024) Informal Orvis staff input (2022–2024) The Fly Shop retail data (via public newsletters and catalog) – 2023

INTRODUCTION Think your fly box supports local artisans? Think again. Today, over 85% of commercially sold flies are tied overseas , many in factories that crank out thousands of patterns per day. This report breaks down the evolution of fly tying—from small-town American garages to the sprawling factories of Chiang Mai, Nairobi, and Guangzhou—and what this shift means for the future of the craft. HISTORICAL CONTEXT From the early 1900s to the mid-20th century, the vast majority of commercial flies in the U.S. were tied domestically. Local tyers operated out of homes, garages, or small workshops. Fly shops often carried patterns tied by anglers they knew by name. By the 1970s, as demand surged and pricing pressures mounted, brands began looking abroad. The game changed when Dennis Black (Umpqua Feather Merchants) opened a factory in Chiang Mai, Thailand—a model soon adopted by other major fly manufacturers. By the 1990s, commercial fly production had largely moved offshore. INDUSTRY SNAPSHOT: WHERE FLIES ARE TIED TODAY Thailand The undisputed leader  in global fly production. Chiang Mai is home to factories producing for Umpqua, Montana Fly Company, Rainy’s, and Solitude. Workers produce 6–10 dozen flies daily. Sri Lanka Specializes in saltwater and warm water patterns. Home to registered exporters like Lanka Fishing Flies Ltd. Kenya Accounts for up to 60%  of the global fly export market. Nairobi-based factories employ dozens of tyers to fulfill massive U.S. brand contracts. China Dominates the budget-tier  fly market. Supplies unbranded and online-exclusive patterns, often without quality control or disclosure. Vietnam An emerging player in the fly tying industry. Increasingly used by brands looking for consistent quality at lower labor costs. Factories operate in a similar model to Thailand, focusing on freshwater and trout patterns. COST COMPARISON: DOMESTIC VS. OVERSEAS Category Domestic (USA) Overseas (Thailand, Kenya, etc.) Labor Cost $15–30/hour $1–3/day Output per Tyer 1–2 dozen/day 6–10 dozen/day Cost per Finished Fly $2–3 $0.20–$0.60 The economics aren’t close. Domestic tyers simply can’t match these numbers without raising retail prices dramatically. VERIFYING THE 85% ESTIMATE While no global fly registry exists, multiple credible sources support the conclusion that 85%—and possibly more—of the world’s commercial fly production occurs overseas. For instance, The Economist (2023) reports that Kenya alone may be responsible for up to 60%  of global commercial fly exports, citing high-volume output from factories in Nairobi. This number is corroborated by the Global Fly Fisher’s analysis of East African operations, which notes that many U.S. brands source thousands of flies per month from Kenya-based factories. Thailand is widely acknowledged as the epicenter of premium production , with factories in Chiang Mai supplying many American manufacturers who source from overseas. According to The Itinerant Angler , top tyers in these factories produce 8–10 dozen flies per day under structured quotas. Export directories from Sri Lanka list multiple international fly producers, such as Lanka Fishing Flies Ltd., which specialize in saltwater and warm water flies. Meanwhile, Chinese and Vietnamese factories dominate the low-cost, bulk-tier market—especially on Amazon and Alibaba, where hundreds of assorted flies are sold at rates as low as $0.20 per fly. Import/export records, factory output data, and interviews with U.S. fly shop buyers all reinforce that 85% is a well-supported, if not conservative, estimate . Some industry insiders suggest the actual figure could be approaching 90%.Cross-referencing import/export volumes, factory capacities, and retail stock confirms that 85% is a conservative, supportable figure.  Some experts suggest the true number could be closer to 90%. INDUSTRY IMPACT For Fly Shops & Brands Overseas production enables low prices and steady inventory. Most brands do not disclose  fly origin. For American Tyers Mass commercial tying jobs are virtually extinct. Domestic tyers survive through: Custom orders DTC websites Fly tying education Brand partnerships and nonprofits For Consumers The artisan connection is fading. Choosing U.S.-tied flies helps preserve fly tying as an art , not just a commodity . CONCLUSION Yes, most of your flies are tied overseas. But the remaining 15%  matters more than you think. Behind every fly is a choice: Pay for volume, or invest in value? Support mass production, or craftsmanship? In a globalized fly market, the fly in your box might be cheap. But it might also come from someone whose name you'll never know. The future of fly tying won’t be built in factories. It will be crafted at the desks of those who still do it for love. SOURCES "Foreign Tied," The Itinerant Angler  Podcast The Economist : "How Kenya Became a Global Fly Tying Powerhouse" Sri Lanka Export Development Board: Lanka Fishing Flies Ltd . Global Fly Fisher: The African Fly Connection YouTube: Kenya Factory Tour

The Clean Water Act has been the bedrock of aquatic conservation in the United States since 1972. It helped restore rivers that once ran black with pollution and gave fly fishers access to healthier fish, cleaner streams, and thriving ecosystems. But right now, that foundation is under serious threat.