It’s been a wild month for folks obsessed with fly fishing, and honestly, you’d be forgiven if you missed some of these killer stories that have anglers buzzing from the Rockies to the Carolinas.

First up, big congrats are in order for the USA Fly Fishing Team, who just brought home the bronze at the 2025 World Fly Fishing Championships in the Czech Republic. Talk about holding your own against the world’s best. For the second year in a row, Team USA snagged third place—proof that American anglers are hitting their stride on the global stage. Even better, Michael Bradley from Cherokee, North Carolina, landed the individual bronze, topping some serious heavyweights in the sport. If you ever doubted the level of skill in competitive fly fishing, these folks just put that to bed. The camaraderie and dedication at that level? Next level stuff[1].

Meanwhile, if you’re itching for inspiration (or just a reason to get out of the house), the iconic Fly Fishing Film Tour (F3T) is crisscrossing the US again this summer. This marks the 19th annual run for what’s become a pilgrimage for fly fishing junkies—think high-octane storytelling from the flats of the Bahamas to trout streams in the Rockies. There are screenings everywhere: San Diego, Winter Park, Pinetop, New York, you name it. Pack a friend, grab a brew, and get ready to watch some of the best fly fishing films ever captured—this is where you find your tribe and maybe even plan your next trip[5].

But what really caught my eye is the surge in innovation and gear for 2025. Whether you’re a gadget nut or a “just give me a basic rod and clean water” kind of angler, there’s no ignoring the new tech rolling out. From next-gen reels to smarter wading jackets, the reviews and fresh picks are coming in hot. If your fly box or pack needs an upgrade, this is the year to do it. Shops and magazines are calling out their award winners, so you won’t have trouble finding something slick to add to your setup before your next river run[3][4].

And finally, on a note that deserves a hat tip: there’s a crew of female-owned and operated guide services making serious waves by getting more women onto the water. The sport’s got a reputation for being a boys’ club, but these guides are flipping the script and making it a whole lot more welcoming for everyone. Add in veterans using fly fishing to help fellow service members heal, and you can see fly fishing isn’t just about the catch—it’s about community and giving back[1].

So whether you’re tying on a new streamer, cheering for Team USA, or just daydreaming about the next float trip, fly fishing in 2025 is anything but boring. See you on the water.