Fly fishing is more than a way to catch fish—it is a tradition shaped over hundreds of years by the people who practice it. This exhibition explores that history through four key pillars: flies, reels, rods , and the arts . Flies show how anglers study insects and water, turning simple materials into lifelike imitations. Reels and rods reveal changing ideas about balance, control, and craftsmanship as tools evolved alongside rivers and fish. The arts look beyond the waters, featuring paintings, literature, and sculpture that capture the beauty, patience, and quiet moments of fly fishing. Together, these pillars tell the story of a living tradition, continually shaped by anglers—the architects—who blend skill, innovation, and appreciation for the natural world. 

Carl D. Laughlin Jr. (American, 1926-2012)
The Ghost of Theodore Gordon , undated
Oil on board
From the Trophy Art Collection donated by Mike Monier 2019.053.001