Instructional
Loop
Being a Swedish fly-angling rod and tackle manufacturer, Loop is fittingly Eurocentric, which appeals to me. It’s Akademi contains an eclectic mix of how-to information, not just regarding knot-tying and casting, but also fly-reel maintenance. Pay it a visit.
Orvis
Orvis is unmatched in the realm of fly-fishing educational resources. From instructional videos to animated knot-tying, its Fly-Fishing Information and Resources section is comprehensive and trustworthy. I especially recommend exploring the Fly-Fishing Learning Center sub-section.
Cultural and Historical
American Museum of Fly-Fishing
Located in Manchester, Vermont, only a 35-minute drive from the home of Voyageurs (Cambridge, New York), AMFF is the world’s largest fly-angling repository. As such, it maintains an extensive academic program, including the publication of a quarterly journal entitled The American Fly Fisher. Currently, Lefty Kreh’s fly tying bench is on display. If you see it, I believe you’ll agree that it reveals just how down-to-earth Lefty was. Yet whatever is being showcased at the moment, booking a morning or afternoon of guided fly-fishing on the Owl Kill or the Batten Kill – courtesy of Voyageurs – paired with a tour of AMFF makes for a banner day.
Catskill Fly-Fishing Center and Museum
The epicenter of American fly-angling is the Catskills of New York. Amusingly, two towns in particular – Livingston Manor and Roscoe – perpetually battle for pre-eminence (It’s a bit like Ford versus Chevy.). But it was here that developments in Great Britain first took root in North America. Consequently, it is only fitting that there be an institution in the Catskills dedicated to promoting the art and science of fly-angling. And it’s a good one at that. For CFFCM is more than a collection of artifacts and memorabilia. It also is a place where you can develop your fly-angling skill-set and even learn the craft of bamboo rod making. All of it is enough to render CFFCM a ‘must visit’ for the consummate Sport.