Anglers and Avatars

Locals who create the world-renowned culture of fly fishing beneath the Tetons

In the realm of jewelry, form always takes priority over all but the most critical aspects of function. In fly tying, a similar skill set serves the diametrically opposed principle or function over form. Yet the craft of fly tying yields an etherial, utterly human implement to interact with the natural world. They become the anglers’ avatars to persuade fish that these stunning baits are a part of Nature.

The Avatars

Ideally, flies are governed by function over form. Yet the result is an etherial, utterly human implement to interact with the natural world. These flies act as anglers’ avatars to persuade fish that we are part of Nature.

The Anglers

Across the GYE, a web of fly fishing anglers use calm determination to bridge the divide of man-versus-nature. Recreation is merely a facade for deep, nuanced study driven by profound ideologies. From this the angling community creates a dialogue with entire ecosystems. And along with their tackle they carry the legacies of mentors who showed them the way.

Scott Sanchez

Entomology. Material science. Photography. Ecology. And of course, Fish. Just a few of the subjects Sanchez has mastered in his career as one of the world’s leading fly tiers. He eagerly and generously shares what he knows. And it is plain that even a long conversation barely scratches the surface this man’s mind.

Lena

The ubiquitous sunglasses are positioned above the hat brim to accommodate indoor lighting. With delightful disregard for the competitive culture among anglers, Lena fishes with pure, distilled joy.

Brenda Swinney

Over decades guiding, Brenda has become a first hand witness to the ecological story of the GYE. Her innovative and gracious influence has helped defined fishing in the Gem State.