If you’re tuned in to what’s happening in the fly fishing world right now, let’s just say there’s a lot more than just casting dry flies and swapping fish tales at the local brewpub. From international competitions to big-show buzz and the latest in gear, here’s what’s cooking in fly fishing this spring.

First off, all eyes are across the pond — the USA Fly Fishing Team is currently wading foreign waters at the 2025 World Fly Fishing Championships in the Czech Republic. These guys, Jack Arnot, Michael Bradley, Cody Burgdorff, Mike Komara, and Devin Olsen, are mixing it up with some of the best anglers anywhere. Five sectors, including a lake and some classic central European rivers, are the playing field. If you’ve ever watched these world events, you know they’re next-level: hundreds of casts, quick fly swaps, and razor-sharp focus. Whether you’re a die-hard comp fisher or more of a drift-and-dreamer, you can’t help but feel a little patriotic pride—and maybe steal a rigging idea or two[1].

Back stateside, the Denver Fly Fishing Show this year was the usual circus, in the best way possible. Post-pandemic, this show has morphed into ground zero for gearheads, globetrotters, and anyone who just loves river chatter. One big thing people noticed: travel is absolutely popping off again. Outfitters, guides, and travel agents were everywhere, hatching plans for Canada, Mexico, and bucket-list Patagonia trips. If you thought you could squeeze in a quiet week in Montana this summer, think again—prime water is gonna be shoulder-to-shoulder. And if you’re dreaming big, the jungle scene in South America is still on fire, with outfitters like Untamed Angling dialing in far-flung adventures that are basically the “African safari” of fly fishing[5].

Speaking of chasing what’s new, the 2025 gear guides just dropped and, not surprisingly, a bunch of field-tested, shiny toys are turning heads. Whether it’s ultralight reels, high-tech waders, or some almost-too-pretty-to-fish bamboo rods, there’s something for every obsession. You might want to actually read the reviews this year, though, because with so many choices, only the field-tested stuff is worth the splurge[4][3].

And let’s not forget, the community’s still tight—magazines like Drake are pushing stories from Wyoming to Hawaii and beyond, but it’s still all about river time, streamside laughs, and that perfect loop. So whether you’re following the USA team’s progress overseas, plotting out a dream trip, or just itching to try the season’s hottest new streamer, there’s never been a better time to be a fly angler in America[2].

Now, who’s ready to sneak out early and hit the water?