A History of Fly Fishing in New England
A History of Fly Fishing in New England
Roots of Tradition and Innovation
This is not intended to be a comprehensive history of fly fishing in New England but rather a snapshot of some of the region's most respected traditions and stories. As this site evolves, we aim to expand on this foundation, offering even more content to enrich your knowledge and enjoyment of our cherished pastime. Tight lines, New England!
Fly fishing in New England is as storied as the rocky coasts, wild rivers, and tranquil lakes that define the region. This beloved pastime has grown from a simple means of subsistence to a revered sport, evolving in tandem with the landscape and culture. The history of fly fishing here is interwoven with notable figures, iconic species, and legendary waters. New Englanders—from the old pioneers to modern conservationists—have played a pivotal role in shaping the sport both regionally and across the country.
The Legends of Fly Fishing in New England
L.L. Bean: The Maine Outdoorsman Leon Leonwood Bean, founder of the iconic L.L. Bean company, was more than a savvy businessman—he was a lover of the outdoors and an advocate for fly fishing. Based in Freeport, Maine, Bean built a business catering to anglers and hunters alike, providing the rugged gear necessary for outdoor pursuits in the often harsh conditions of New England. His company's famous "Bean Boots" became a staple of any serious fly fisherman’s wardrobe. Today, the L.L. Bean store remains a symbol of New England's deep connection to the outdoor world and is still a pilgrimage destination for fly anglers.
Carrie Stevens and Her Feathered Masterpieces Carrie Stevens of Upper Dam, Maine, transformed the art of fly tying with her distinctive and durable patterns, particularly her renowned Gray Ghost streamer. Born in 1882, Stevens was self-taught, her flies mimicking the smelt, a forage fish critical to the trout and salmon in the region. Her creations became the gold standard for streamer patterns, used to target the landlocked salmon and brook trout of Maine’s cold waters. Unlike other tiers of her time, Stevens was a woman working in a male-dominated world, yet her flies became sought after nationwide, marking her place in fly fishing history.
Orvis and the Battenkill Established in Manchester, Vermont in 1856, Orvis is the oldest mail-order retailer in the United States and a keystone of fly fishing innovation. Charles F. Orvis, the company's founder, was instrumental in developing the modern fly reel, and the Orvis Company became a leading supplier of high-quality rods, reels, and flies. The Battenkill River, running through Vermont and New York, became synonymous with the Orvis name. Known for its wild trout, challenging waters, and stunning landscapes, the Battenkill remains a hallowed destination for fly anglers worldwide.
Iconic Waters and Fish of New England
Atlantic Salmon: “The Leaper" New England’s Atlantic Salmon is an icon, once abundant in rivers like the Penobscot, Kennebec, Merrimack and the Connecticut. Today, while wild Atlantic Salmon populations remain perilously low, conservation efforts continue to protect and restore their legacy in Maine’s rivers.
The Sunapee Trout: A Lost Treasure The Sunapee Trout, a variant of Arctic Char, once thrived in the cold, deep waters of New Hampshire’s Lake Sunapee. Known for their brilliant coloration and elusive nature, these fish were prized catches for early 20th-century anglers. Unfortunately, they were driven to extinction due to habitat degradation and competition from introduced species. While they may no longer be found in Lake Sunapee, their legacy lives on as a reminder of the delicate balance between sport and conservation.
Striped Bass: A Coastal Challenge Rhode Island’s coast and the waters surrounding Martha’s Vineyard are famed for their Striped Bass fishing. Fly anglers from all over the world visit to chase these hard-fighting fish during their annual migrations. Stripers, as they are affectionately called, can be caught in shallow saltwater estuaries or from the surf, making for exciting and challenging fishing. Martha’s Vineyard, in particular, has hosted many a saltwater fly fishing tournament, including the prestigious Martha’s Vineyard Striped Bass and Bluefish Derby. Without a doubt, many of us have pursued Stripers up and down the New England coast, from Rhode Island to Maine, making this a shared experience that connects saltwater anglers across the region.
Conservation Efforts and Fly Fishing Organizations
Trout Unlimited and New England’s Waters Founded in 1959 in Michigan, Trout Unlimited quickly found a following in New England, where coldwater streams are the lifeblood of trout and salmon populations. Chapters across the region work tirelessly to protect and restore trout habitat, and many successful conservation initiatives were first piloted in New England rivers. The work of groups like Trout Unlimited has helped restore fisheries, improve water quality, and protect the future of the sport.
The Native Fish Coalition New England is also home to the Native Fish Coalition (originating in Maine), which has its roots in the effort to protect and conserve native fish species like the Artic char in Maine and wild Brook Trout populations throughout the US, to name just a couple. The coalition’s New Hampshire chapter, with its focus on preserving the delicate ecosystems of the state's pristine waters, has drawn support from both local anglers and biologists. Their work is critical as climate change, habitat loss, and invasive species threaten these native populations.
Legendary Waters
Maine’s Pierce Pond Tucked in Maine’s western mountains, Pierce Pond is a storied waterbody that has long been a destination for anglers in search of trophy brook trout and landlocked salmon. The remote and serene environment, combined with the pond’s healthy population of wild fish, makes it a place of almost mythical status for fly fishermen. Anglers can stay at rustic sporting camps that have been serving the area for generations, adding to the sense of stepping back in time.
Vermont’s Battenkill and Connecticut’s Farmington The Battenkill River is not only home to Orvis, but it is also renowned for its challenging fly fishing. Its wild brown trout are notoriously difficult to catch, making it a rite of passage for serious anglers. Connecticut’s Farmington River, another legendary New England water, boasts consistent year-round fishing thanks to coldwater releases from the West Branch Reservoir. It is regarded as one of the finest trout streams in the Northeast, supporting a mix of wild and stocked trout.
Massachusetts’ Housatonic River The Housatonic River in western Massachusetts is another New England treasure, offering excellent fly fishing for trout and smallmouth bass. The river’s diverse habitat, with deep pools, riffles, and runs, provides opportunities for anglers to experience various techniques, from dry fly fishing to nymphing and streamer fishing. The Housatonic’s wild brown trout are especially prized for their size and strength.
Places of Learning and Legacy
The American Museum of Fly Fishing Located in Manchester, Vermont, near the Orvis headquarters, the American Museum of Fly Fishing is a treasure trove of angling history. The museum houses an extensive collection of fly fishing artifacts, including reels, rods, and flies from some of the sport’s most influential figures. It’s a must-visit for anyone interested in the heritage and evolution of fly fishing.
The Milne Special Collections at UNH At the University of New Hampshire’s Milne Special Collections, fly fishing has a unique place of honor. This is the only endowed fly fishing library in the country, housing books, manuscripts, and archives related to the sport. The collection includes works by well-known fly fishing authors and rare historical documents that capture the essence of fly fishing’s development in New England.
Yale University’s Collection Yale University’s Beinecke Rare Book & Manuscript Library also boasts an impressive fly fishing collection, featuring early manuscripts, classic books, and other ephemera related to the sport. The university’s role in preserving the historical documentation of fly fishing adds another layer to the intellectual legacy of the sport in New England.
A Legacy Continues
Fly fishing in New England is more than a pastime—it’s a tradition, a conservation effort, and an evolving art form. The region’s rivers, lakes, and coasts continue to beckon anglers, while the legacy of its pioneers, from L.L. Bean to Carrie Stevens, persists in the flies they tied, the gear they invented, and the waters they cherished. As long as there are cold, warm, salt and fresh waters and fish, New England will remain a cornerstone of American fly fishing culture.
