Fly fishing.

It’s like regular fishing crossed with an Asian religion.

Equal parts lyrical dance, meditative practice, nature worship, sport and protein procurement, fly fishing teaches grace, timing, patience, observation and determination.

It is as much about the process as the product; about the act of fishing as it is catching fish.

Which, of course, is not to say that fly fishermen do not want to catch fish, they do.

They work very hard at learning to read conditions, sight fish, tie knots, select flies, throw line, etc.

But no matter how much time and effort anglers put into mastering the art and technique of the sport, it is going to take some specialized gear if they hope to approximate nature closely enough to land a fish.

The companies below make just such gear. And they make it in the US.

So whether you (or the angler in your life) are looking for trout where the river runs through it or chasing red drum along the intercoastal, you’ll want to get know these folks.

Black Spey Fly ($4) by GrabFlies*

Made in Washougal, Washington

Hand tied. Good movement in classic style. Size: Daiichi Alec Jackson Spey Hook, Size 3. Tail: Golden Pheasant Crest, Red. Body: French Black Floss, Silver round tinsel. Hackle: Blue Eared Pheasant. Underwing: Purple Krystal Flash. Wing: Black Ringneck Pheasant Tail.

Life-long fly-fisher Jeff Layton hand-ties flies for steelhead, king salmon and trout.

 *Many, but not all, of GrabFlies products are made in the US. Please read source information carefully.

Fly Rod Case ($65) by Frost River

Made in Duluth, Minnesota

58″ l. Designed to hold a 2-piece, 9 ft. fly rod. Made of waxed canvas with flap & tie closure. Features interior protective padding and fly patch.

Replicating the same standards of quality and durability as the goods made and used by North Woods’ craftsmen, trappers, miners and makers over 250 years ago, Frost River crafts a line of soft goods designed to endure time as well as unforgiving and unrelenting environs. The Company’s collection includes bags, packs, supplies and goods for canoeing, hiking, fishing, hunting, camping, biking and relaxing in the cabin.

Headwaters Stockingfoot Waders ($349.95) by Simms Fishing Company*

Made in Bozeman, Montana

Men’s sizes S-XXL. Made of lightweight GORE -TEX® 3-layer fabric. Features GORE -TEX® reinforced fabric in front leg panel for added durability; front leg seam construction to help eliminate inseam abrasion issues; chest pocket design & adjustable shock cord cinch at top of wader; built-in belt loop at center back; and nylon wading belt included.

Simms Fishing Products was founded in 1980 by visionary angler John Simms. Now owned by K.C. Walsh, the Company continues to grow and innovate. Simms’ line of fishing apparel and accessories are designed to keep anglers protected from the elements in any and all fishing conditions.

*Many, but not all, of Simms’ products are made in the US. Please read source information carefully.

Clamshell Style Reel Case ($165) by Arne Mason

Made in Ashland, Oregon

Made of full 10 oz. leather thickness. Features genuine fleece lining with traditional solid brass stud/slot closure. Free 3 initial personalization. Available in 3 sizes to ensure right fit.

Arne Mason crafts classic, high quality leather goods for fly fishing enthusiasts. His rod cases, reel cases, fly wallets, etc. are influenced by both traditional European hand stitching and western saddlery techniques. All Arne Mason cases are unconditionally guaranteed against defects in materials and workmanship.

1/4 Zip Performance Fishing Shirt ($79) by Montauk Tackle Company*

Made in USA

Women’s sizes XS-XL. Features 50 SPF, moisture wicking, stain release and anti microbial technologies. Available in Fishers Island Aqua (shown), Lighthouse White, Sunset Beach Yellow and Pink.

Started by a group of outdoors enthusiasts with a passion for fishing and a lifestyle lived on the water, Montauk Tackle Company designs and makes technologically advanced, performance apparel and accessories for men and women. At least 1% of the Company’s sales go to grass roots environmental efforts.

*Many, but not all, of Montauk Tackle Company’s products are made in the US. Please read source information carefully.

Fly Fishing Knots Bandana ($7.50) by The Printed Image*

Made in Chico, California

22″ square. Made of 100% cotton. Screen printed with a variety fly tying knots and instructions. Available in green (shown) and royal.

The Printed Image is a custom screen printing and embroidery company that has been providing outstanding quality and service since its founding in 1980. In addition to custom work, The Printed Image makes Nature Facts Bandanas, as well as apparel and accessories featuring Smokey the Bear, Warbirds and Look & Touch Nature Designs.

*Many, but not all, of The Printed Image’s products are made in the US. Please read source information carefully.

15-pound Boga-Grip ($124.95) by QuesTackle

Made in USA

Made of stainless steel and high-performance black acetal thermoplastic. Durable, non-rusting. Handles, weighs and keeps toothy fish at safe distance. For use in fresh or salt water. Available in 15, 30 and 60 pound models.

QuesTackle makes catching, securing and weighing fish easier with its patented Boga-Grip. The tool features 4 key functions: weight of the fish causes the prongs to shut tighter; locking mechanism keeps prongs in the tightest position; swivel motion eliminates torque from spinning fish; and shock absorber dampens fish’s ability to get free. Each Boga-Grip has been calibrated to insure accuracy within one increment. IGFA certification available.

The Big Cliff ($18) by Cliff Outdoors

Made in Casper, Wyoming

Made of tough plastic. Durable foam strips hold the large patterns and small flies are held in place on the magnetic base. Used by Team USA in the World Championships.

Cliff Outdoors is a family owned business that designs and manufactures unique practical outdoor gear. The Company’s current product line is geared to needs of practical fly anglers.

G2 Fly Rod ($745) by Scott Fly Rod Company

Made in Montrose, Colorado

Handmade of custom graphite material with a cork grip and hand-wrapped guide. Features X-Core Technology – enhanced feel, with unequalled stability; Multi-Modulus Design – fine tuned flex and recovery; Natural Finish – naturally stronger, naturally lighter; Scott Hollow Internal Ferrule – a continuous taper and smooth progressive action; and ARC – Advanced Reinforced Carbon reduces torque and increases strength. Variety of other rod models also available.

Scott Fly Rod Company has spent almost 40 years working to perfect the design, craftsmanship, and performance of fly rods. Handcrafted for people who love to fish by people who love to fish, the Company’s commitment, experience, and passion is evident in each of its ultimate fishing tools.

Eye Tie Fly Threading Tool ($24.95) by The Eye Tie Company

Made in USA

0.875″ w x 0.25″ d. Made of heavy-duty plastic. Practical, light weight, durable and easy to use. Makes fly threading easy. Features 3 different magnetized slots to accommodate variety of fly sizes.

Conceived and developed by fishing enthusiast Court Hadden to lessen the time and effort required to thread a fly. Eye Tie Tools is a must for any angler and is especially helpful in low light conditions and for those with less than perfect vision and/or dexterity issues.

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