Something has been incredibly encouraging over the past few years. Brands within the fly fishing industry have gone out of their way to emphasize local fly shops. While there have always been “find a dealer” features webpage, direct to consumer sales are much more prominent on most  company’s sites.  However, recent marketing has sought to move people’s feet and wallets to brick and mortar fly shops.

Fly shops are an essential part of the culture of fly fishing. Much more has been written elsewhere about how such stores fill a significantly greater niche than “a place to buy some stuff.” Conservation initiatives, education, and fellowship all take place within the strip malls or old buildings in which shops are housed.

But these businesses aren’t easy or cheap to run. Fly fishing is a tiny slice of the big outdoor/recreational pie. Money moves in a lot more directions than new fly rods. And a few bags of dubbing each month from even the most loyal customers won’t keep the lights on. Add to that economic uncertainty and the ubiquity of e-commerce, and you can understand how the perfect storm for small businesses is always swirling overhead.

Yet the relationship between the brands and the shops has become stronger. Companies selling everything from fly rods to tying scissors have been sending customers to physical stores. Shops have hosted more events promoting their top labels. There is certainly a financial incentive for both to move and sell more. There is also an undeniable rising of the tide that also lifts individual anglers’ boats.

With that encouraging thought in mind, it is prudent to recommend you head to a fly shop this season. Whether it be for gifts or restocking your own core gear, local fly shops are not only worth seeking out: they’re important.

Here’s a list of over 400 fly shops in the USA, categorized by state: