American Museum of Fly Fishing

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American Museum of Fly Fishing The AMFF promotes an understanding of and appreciation for the history & traditions of fly fishing.

Mission Statement: The American Museum of Fly Fishing is the steward of the history, traditions and practices of the sport of fly fishing and promotes the conservation of its waters. The Museum collects, preserves, exhibits, studies, and interprets the artifacts, art, and literature of the sport and uses these resources to engage, educate and benefit all. Our vision is to capture and share the spirit and joy of fly fishing with the world and generations to follow.

AMFF was deeply saddened to hear of Tom Skerritt's passing on Wednesday, October 21st. He was always extremely generous ...
10/23/2026

AMFF was deeply saddened to hear of Tom Skerritt's passing on Wednesday, October 21st. He was always extremely generous with AMFF, speaking to a captivated audience at our Heritage Award event honoring 'A River Runs Through It' in 2022. His role in that iconic film inspired a generation of anglers, and he will be missed. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones.

Photos from 'A River Runs Through It' and Paul Bruun.

W. Duke Sons & Co. Herring cigarette card, 1888Currently on display at the American Museum of Fly Fishing, Manchester, V...
10/22/2026

W. Duke Sons & Co. Herring cigarette card, 1888
Currently on display at the American Museum of Fly Fishing, Manchester, VT
Gift of Susan and James Heckman
2022.001.075

Romany Rye salmon fly tied by Bill White, c. 1976Gift of William J. White1976.069.001
10/20/2026

Romany Rye salmon fly tied by Bill White, c. 1976
Gift of William J. White
1976.069.001

Ladybug tied by Bob MeadGift of Jim Hardman2004.013.001
10/17/2026

Ladybug tied by Bob Mead
Gift of Jim Hardman
2004.013.001

10/16/2026

October 17: AMFF Open House Festival Weekend

The American Museum of Fly Fishing is hosting its Open House Festival Weekend in Manchester, Vermont, on Friday, October 16 and Saturday, October 17, celebrating the history and culture of fly fishing. The weekend centers around the grand opening of a new exhibition, Foundations in Flow: The Four Pillars of Fly Fishing, which explores the sport's history through flies, reels, rods, and the arts.

Friday, October 16 kicks off with a cocktail reception and first look at the new exhibition from 5:00–6:00 PM, followed by a special dinner at Ekwanok Country Club from 6:30–8:30 PM ($125/ticket, including a seasonal buffet, drink ticket, and mountain views).

Saturday, October 17 runs from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM with free museum admission all day. Highlights include:

- Continuous fly tying demonstrations and instruction
- The unveiling of a new kids' creel exhibit with artist/author Steven Weinberg
-Coupon pack for Manchester businesses
- DIY or guided fishing opportunities on the Battenkill, in partnership with Southwestern Vermont Trout Unlimited and the Batten Kill Watershed Alliance

A full schedule of talks and workshops runs throughout the day, including:

8:00–10:00 AM: Battenkill tree planting (registration required)
10:00–11:00 AM: "Louis Rhead: Angler, Artist, Author" talk with guest curator Dave Bush
11:00 AM–12:00 PM: "Mary Orvis Marbury and the Orvis Legacy" with Steve Woit
12:00–1:00 PM: Guided tour of Foundations in Flow with Curator Jim Schottenham
1:00–2:00 PM: Writing workshop with Matt Smythe
2:00–3:00 PM: Rod maker panel discussion
3:00–4:00 PM: Interactive art workshop (all ages) with Samantha Aronson

The event is sponsored by Orvis, R.K. Miles, Mulligan's, Northshire Bookstore, and Express Copy. Questions can be directed to [email protected].

Hit the link below to learn more and buy tickets for dinner!

https://amff.org/festival-2026/

The American Museum of Fly Fishing is proud to announce that Jack Nicklaus, global golf icon, avid angler, passionate co...
10/15/2026

The American Museum of Fly Fishing is proud to announce that Jack Nicklaus, global golf icon, avid angler, passionate conservationist, and dedicated philanthropist, will receive the Museum’s 2027 Heritage Award. The award will be presented on March 9, 2027, at a private club in North Palm Beach, Florida.

Nicklaus, known worldwide as “The Golden Bear,” has been an angler since childhood and fly fishermen since his college days at Ohio State University. He has long credited fly fishing with providing sporting challenges, opportunities to spend meaningful time with multiple generations of his beloved family and friends, and a deeper appreciation for the outdoors. He was first introduced to the sport by his Ohio State golf coach, Bob Kepler and since then he has travelled the globe as a fly fisher, with bonefish among his favorite species.

Nicklaus has also been a long-time advocate for conservation and the outdoors. He has served for decades on the board of The Everglades Foundation, and previously served on the board and as a spokesperson for the Federation of Fly Fishers (now Fly Fishers International). He is also a former Honorary Chairman of National Hunting and Fishing Day. To further recognize and reinforce his excellence in not only golf, but his lifelong demonstration of sportsmanship and integrity, and his extensive philanthropic contributions, Nicklaus is the first athlete and just the fourth person in history to be honored with the Presidential Medal of Freedom by President George W. Bush in 2005, the Congressional Gold Medal (2015), and the Lincoln Medal (2018).

Learn more through the link below!

https://amff.org/heritage-2027/

Image 1 courtesy of Big Cedar Lodge/Nicklaus Family
Image 2 courtesy of Jim Mandeville/Nicklaus Family
Image 3 by Paul Schlegel
Image 4 courtesy of Sports Illustrated/Nicklaus Family

Lefty Kreh with a 20 1/2 lb. jack crevalle - a world record at the time! Somewhere off the coast of Florida.Photographer...
10/13/2026

Lefty Kreh with a 20 1/2 lb. jack crevalle - a world record at the time! Somewhere off the coast of Florida.

Photographer Unknown
Gift of Bob Popovics
2024.030.027

Jose Wejebe with a peacock bass.Courtesy of Krissy Wejebe2023.041.022
10/11/2026

Jose Wejebe with a peacock bass.
Courtesy of Krissy Wejebe
2023.041.022

William Mills & Son Trout Reel, c. 1885Anonymous Gift, AMFF permanent collection1971.015.004
10/09/2026

William Mills & Son Trout Reel, c. 1885
Anonymous Gift, AMFF permanent collection
1971.015.004

The New Yorker cover, April 29, 1972Cover illustration: Abe BirnbaumGift of James D. Heckman2014.069.025
10/08/2026

The New Yorker cover, April 29, 1972
Cover illustration: Abe Birnbaum
Gift of James D. Heckman
2014.069.025

Address

4070 Main Street
Manchester, VT
05254

Opening Hours

Thursday 10am - 4pm
Friday 10am - 4pm
Saturday 10am - 4pm

Telephone

+18023623300

Website

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