Founded in 1968 by a group of passionate anglers to exhibit and interpret the history and treasures of angling, the American Museum of Fly Fishing (AMFF) has since become the world’s largest collection of angling and angling-related items with reel, fly, and rod collections reaching well into the thousands.
The museum provides the public an educationally visual experience through its extensive art and media collection comprised of over 700 prints and paintings, 90 linear feet of photographs and interviews with nine saltwater fly-fishing pioneers. The AMFF’s unique blend of informational resources with media arts gifts its visitors a comprehensive history of the evolution of fly fishing as a sport, as well as a newfound appreciation for its presence as an art form.
The AMFF showcased its most recent exhibition Reflections: The Angler and Nature in Art, which features pieces of North American art recently donated to the museum and on display for the first time. Visitors can also view other in-house exhibits, participate in gallery programs, and make appointments to use the library or access the collections for research. Afterward, browse the museum’s gift shop, grab a bite to eat at one of Manchester’s many culinary cornerstones or spend the rest of the afternoon angling in the scenic waters of the Batten Kill nearby.
Summer Events
This summer, the AMFF will be holding some exciting events, both virtually and in person.
On August 14th from 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., the AMFF will be holding the 14th annual fly-fishing festival live on Facebook. This event will including Fly Tying demonstrations, Appraisals with Todd Alving and Fred Kretchman, and activities for kids.
The Kids Clinic will also be virtual this summer, with opportunities for kids to learn about fly fishing, safety, appreciating nature, creating art surrounding fly fishing and more. There will be video demonstrations as well as a MayFly Project Curriculum Book, which can be picked up at the museum starting in July.
On September 1, the AMFF will be hosting an outdoor screening of the Fly Fishing Film Tour. Visitors can begin arriving at 7 p.m., and the showing will begin at 8:00 p.m. Snacks and beverages will be available from The Crooked Ram, and admission to the museum will be free of charge during the evening. The AMFF will also be holding a raffle to support the museum.
Hours and Ticket Information
The museum is open November through May, Thursday to Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., and June through October, Tuesday to Sunday from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $3 for children ages 5-14 and free for AMFF members and their guests.
Current Status: In accordance with Vermont state guidelines, masks and physical distancing are required in the museum if you are unvaccinated. They are not required if you are fully vaccinated (i.e. two weeks past your final vaccine dose).
“This is an exceptional museum. The extensive library that contains hundreds of books on fly fishing is impressive.”
—Ward S., Yelp
Take Amtrak to the American Museum of Fly Fishing
Experience this unforgettable attraction via Amtrak to Manchester Station in Vermont—Don’t forget to use the New York By Rail 15% discount!
