It is believed that fly fishing was first developed in Macedonia in 200 CE and was the first fishing style practiced as a leisurely hobby. Though it may have originated in Macedonia, fly fishing is seen throughout history in various countries, including Japan, Mexico, and Great Britain.
When fly fishing came to the United States, anglers realized there was a difference between the rivers and streams of Europe than what was found in North America. Due to these variances, different techniques and flies were created to better suit the rougher waters they found here. Soon entrepreneurs started selling complete lines of fly tackle and flies throughout the large eastern cities.
Since fly fishing came to the US, it has evolved to include various saltwater and freshwater fish such as bass, panfish, bluefish, and more. And as the varieties of fish grew, so did the flies used to lure them in. Today there are more than 120,000 flies to accommodate the different fish and locations. And it is no wonder there are so many styles of flies with over 50 million anglers residing in the US alone.
Fly fishing is the number one outdoor activity in the US. And as many anglers know we would rather be fishing than shopping for flies, which is why the fly of the month club is the perfect option to keep your line in the water with the latest and greatest flies on the market.
Fly fishing is also just one type of outdoor activity. If you’re looking for other outdoor-related subscriptions, why not check out golf boxes or subscriptions for runners?
Fly of the Month Clubs
- TrueFly Supply
- Gig Harbor Fly Shop
- Freestone Fly Company
- The Blue Quill Angler
- PostFly
- The Fly Crate
TruefFy Supply
TrueFly Supply is run by outdoor enthusiasts just like you. And they aren’t just passionate about fly fishing either; they are also ardent believers in keeping our rivers clean. TrueFly Supply is a fly subscription box company dedicated to providing anglers with a “better subscription fly box.” In addition to the subscriptions they sell, TruFly Supply also has an extensive online store.
Their online store sells top name brands like Reel Grip, Fishpond, Rep Your Water, and Karmik Outdoors. They have all of the fishing essentials you will ever need, such as fly float, dry fly shake, waterproof silicone fly box, rock treads, and more.
TrueFly Supply has several fly subscription boxes, all of which contain the following unless otherwise noted: 24 flies, leader, sticker, mystery item, and educational card. Their boxes are as follows:
- Trout Fishing
- Trout Supply Drops $29
- Pro Trout Supply Drops $49
- Premium mystery item
- Dollar Fly Club – Dirty Dozen $12
- 12 flies
- 1 fly puck
- 2 stickers
- Thrift Box $29 – 1 Time Purchase
- Previous months boxes
- Euro Nymph Supply Drop $34
- Fly Tying Supply
- Fly Tying Supply Drop $34
- Enough supplies to create 16-24 flies
- Mystery item
- Stickers
- Access to a YouTube Video for a tutorial
- Instructional card
- Saltwater Fly Tying Supply Drop $45
- Same as above
- Thrift Shop Box – Fly Tying $34
- Fly Tying Supply Drop $34
- Warm WaterFishing
- Warm Water Supply Drop $29
- Pro Warm Water Supply Drop $49
- Premium mystery item
- Bait-Full Eight – Dollar Fly Club $12
- 8 flies
- 1 puck
- 2 stickers
- Thrift Box $29
- SaltwaterFishing
- Saltwater Supply Drop $29
- Thrift Box $29
All of the memberships also come with 20% discount in their supply shop, free shipping, and flexible memberships.
And if you are interested in winning a free fly fishing box, enter their Fill A Net contest by taking a photo of your net full of trash you collected, then post and tag Truefly Supply and #fillanet.
Gig Harbor Fly Shop
Gig Harbor Fly Shop was first known as the Wilderness Angler, an online fly fishing store that opened in 2004. The founder, Blake Merwin, later opened his first brick-and-mortar shop in 2009, which is when he changed the company name to Gig Harbor. Soon he outgrew the first location and relocated to a larger shop in a busier section of town in 2011.
The Gig Harbor Fly Shop is a full line fly fishing store that offers everything any angler of any skill level could ever need, including things like tying supplies, accessories, rods, reels, apparel, packs, and even kayaks and other watercraft.
Though the folks at Gig Harbor are happy to help all anglers, their focus is to help new anglers learn about the sport. So, in addition to their extensive fly fishing supplies, they also offer introductory classes, on-the-water fishing clinics, and guided tours for saltwater, river, or lake fishing.
Plus, Gig Harbor Fly Shop has a Fly of the Month Club for those looking to receive a regular supply of flies. Each box offers a new selection of flies for $25 per month, including free shipping. The Fly of the Month subscription box comes in 3 options Freshwater, Saltwater, or a combination, which is $45 per month.
Freestone Fly Company
Freestone Fly Company is an online fly store and fly subscription company that caters to all anglers, with a focus on helping beginners get a good start. The online store carries all of the necessities such as fly boxes, indicators, and fly tying kits; plus, a few non-essential items like hats, shirts, and stickers.
Freestone Fly Company also has 2 different subscriptions:
On the Water Subscription Box
- 12-24 premium flies or fly tying gear
- 4+ premium fishing essentials
The On the Water Box is available in 4 duration options:
- Month-to-month for $37.50
- 3-month prepay for $116.85
- 6-month prepay for $227.70
- 12-month prepay for $450.00
Get Out There Starter Subscription
- 5-12 premium flies or fly tying gear
- 2+ premium fishing essentials
The Get Out There Starter Subscription Box also comes in 4 choices:
- Month-to-month for $17.50
- 3-month prepay for $56.85
- 6-month prepay for $107.70
- 12-month prepay for $210.00
Both subscriptions include a membership to Trout Unlimited, Fly Guide with Tricks and Tips, access to exclusive offers, and waterproof stickers. Boxes ship out on the 5th of each month. Shipping costs $1 for boxes shipping within the US and Canada.
The Blue Quill Angler
The Blue Quill Angler opened in 1988, and instead of being a brick-and-mortar store, they are housed in a log barn, which happens to be a registered historical landmark. They are located in Evergreen, Colorado, and are easily accessible to Denver residents too (P.S. if you’re in Denver, there are plenty of great breweries to check out too).
Inside this octogen-shaped shop, you will find everything you need to get started, including expert advice. The Blue Quill Angler is more than just a fly fishing supply store; they also host a variety of classes, including Beginner Fly Tying, Euro Nymphing, Winter Fly Dishing, and Beginner Kids and Women’s classes. Plus, they have a complimentary drop-in class on Saturdays to go over the basics.
The Blue Quill Angler also offers the Pat Dorsey’s Fly Club, a 12-month fly subscription. This fly box comes in 3 options:
- Full Members $299.95
- 12 Flies
- 15% Store Discount
- Half Members $199.95
- 6 Flies
- 10% Store Discount
- Quarter Members $139.95
- 3 Flies
- 5% Store Discount
In addition to the flies, subscriptions include a newsletter containing detailed information about that month’s flies and instructions on creating the flies. All of the boxes are carefully planned to coincide with the season and the various hatches. The different months’ flies are preselected and include:
- May: Puterbaugh Foam Caddis Black
- June: Craven’s Problem Child Olive
- July: Hair Wing Yellow Sally
- August: Cupboard Ant Black
- September: Maldo’s Trico
- October: Lightning Leech Black
- November: Antonio’s Quill Midge
- December: WD40 Chocolate
Fly boxes ship out the beginning of each month.
PostFly
PostFly first started in Brian Runnal’s, the founder, basement in 2013. Runnal was so passionate to get PostFly off the ground that he sold his boat to get started. PostFly was created to help give fellow anglers easier access at an affordable price to premium fly fishing supplies and gear.
Since 2013, PostFly has expanded beyond the basement to become the top direct customer fly distributor globally. Though PostFly offers an array of individual items, its primary focus is on its fly fishing crates. There are 2 primary fly subscription options:
- Guide Series – Starting at $49.95 per month
- Available in Trout, Warm Water, and Saltwater
- 4 durations: Monthly, 3-month prepay, 6-month prepay, and 12-month prepay
- The O.G. Original Box – Starting at $27.95 per month
- Available in Trout, Warm Water, Saltwater, Salmon and Steelhead, and Fly Tying
- 4 durations: Monthly, 3-month prepay, 6-month prepay, and 12-month prepay
Each membership includes free shipping, a variety of premium flies, fly fishing gear, and educational sheets to improve your fishing experience. Domestic shipments ship using USPS, and international boxes go out with DHL. Fly boxes are sent on the 20th of each month.
The Fly Crate
The Fly Crate is a fly subscription company created by Nathaniel Treichler, who started the company from the comfort of his dorm room. Though it got off to a slow start, The Fly Crate has grown into a thriving fly subscription business and a strong community of anglers.
The Fly Crate believes in giving back, so when you shop with The Fly Crate, you will be happy to know that a percentage of their sales will help Project Healing Waters Fly Fishing which works with disabled veterans.
Though The Fly Crate is a subscription-based company, they do have a full online store that offers a variety of fly fishing items such as flies, gear, fly boxes, leaders, and indicators.
Plus, for anglers looking for some fly fishing tips, The Fly Crate has hosts a podcast too.
The Fly Crate offers 3 fly fishing crates:
- Trout
- Month-to-month for $24.95
- 3-month for $24.49 per month
- 6-month for $23.99 per month
- 12-month prepay for $23.49 per month
- Bass
- Month-to-month for $19.99
- 3-month for $19.49 per month
- 6-month for $18.99 per month
- 12-month prepay for $18.49 per month
- Pick & Choose for $19.95, month-to-month plan only
Each of the crates includes premium flies, stickers, and expert advice. The boxes ship out between the 14th-16th of each month.
Blake
Hey thanks for highlighting our program, we appreciate it! A lot of our local anglers have really enjoyed the subscription.