When winter settles in and my local waters start to lock up with ice, I start looking forward to one thing: fly fishing show season. It’s the time of year when the rivers go quiet but the community comes alive indoors. The smell of coffee, dubbing wax, and freshly varnished bamboo rods fills the air. For a few days, we all gather under one roof, anglers, guides, fly tyers, and dreamers, talking about trout, travel, and tackle until our voices go hoarse.

Every show feels a little bit like coming home. I walk through the doors and immediately run into familiar faces, people I’ve fished with, learned from, or just shared a beer with after a long day on the water. It doesn’t matter if it’s the Denver show, Edison, or a smaller regional gathering; the energy is the same. There’s a shared excitement that reminds me why I fell in love with this sport in the first place.

Learning, Sharing, and Geeking Out

Even after all this time behind the vise, I still learn something new at every show. I leave with new inspiration for future ties. I remember the first time I met Dave and Emily Whitlock. I was a nobody, yet they welcomed me with open arms. Dave talked about tying, art, fishing in Arkansas, and made me feel like I’d known him for years. One of my prized possessions is their autographed book, Artful Profiles of Trout, Char, and Salmon. Dave went above and beyond, adding a doodle of an angler with a trout leaping from the water — a small piece of art that perfectly captures who he was.

Then there’s the casting pond, that’s where the daydreams start—testing out the latest rods, comparing notes with friends, debating which taper feels just right. I’ve “accidentally” convinced myself I need more than a few new sticks after spending too much time there. But that’s part of the fun, rediscovering the tools of the craft and seeing what’s changed since last season.

And of course, no show is complete without a little shopping. It’s almost impossible to walk past the vendors without picking up something new — a few packs of dubbing, some hooks, maybe a new vise you didn’t know you needed until you tried it. The show specials don’t help either. Discounts on rods, reels, and tying materials always make it hard to resist. I like to think of it as an investment in future creativity… even if my wallet doesn’t always agree.

Meeting Industry Celebrities and Authors

One of the highlights of any fly fishing show is the chance to meet the people who inspire us, the authors, rod designers, and professional anglers. I’ve had the chance to chat with John Gierach, whose books made me daydream of exploring, as well as legendary tyers like Tim Flagler whom I learned from in my early years.

I remember meeting Pat Dorsey, one of the most reknown guides out west, and was treated to stories of the South Platte River and the thoughts behind his fly designs. These encounters are more than just photo ops or autographs — they’re a glimpse into the minds of the people who have shaped the sport. Those moments stick with you, reminding you that even legends are just people who love this sport as much as you do.

The People Behind the Gear

What really makes these shows special are the conversations. You can talk directly to the folks who designed the rods, built the reels, or dyed the dubbing. It’s not about marketing pitches, it’s about stories. You learn that a certain color of marabou came from experimenting in someone’s garage or that a reel design was inspired by an old family heirloom. Those human details make the gear come alive.

Community Over Competition

More than anything, fly fishing shows remind me that this sport is about people. I’ve met mentors, lifelong friends, and even veterans who found healing through fly fishing at these events. Between seminars and fly bins, there’s a deeper sense of connection, a reminder that we’re all just trying to find peace on the water in our own way.

When I leave a show, I always feel recharged. The long winter suddenly doesn’t seem so long. Cabin fever takes a small step back. My tying bench gets reorganized, my gear gets cleaned, and those upcoming spring trips feel a little closer.

Whether you're attending the Sowbug Roundup in Arkansas or The Fly Fishing Show's circuit across the USA, fly fishing shows aren’t just events; they’re a celebration of everything that makes this community unique.