A Fly-Fishing Exhibit Like No Other

As I walked into the Creek Bend Nature Center in St. Charles, Illinois, I couldn’t help but notice the excitement in the air. The American Museum of Fly Fishing’s (AMFF) new exhibit, “Time Flies: A Centennial Celebration,” was about to come to a close, but the enthusiasm of the curator, Jim Schottenham, was still palpable. The exhibit was part of the centennial celebration of the Forest Preserve District of Kane County, which was created by an act of the state legislature in 1925. Schottenham, who started as curator in 2022, told me that he got to “play with old fishing tackle,” which he considers the greatest job in the world. As we began our conversation, Schottenham shared a story about George LaBranche, the famed dry-fly hotshot, who lived in Islamorada, Florida. LaBranche’s indirect role in the first deliberate catch of a bonefish on a fly is still remembered today. The story goes that LaBranche was not impressed with the flies used by guide Bill Smith, who brought in two bonefish he claimed were caught on a fly. LaBranche’s criticism motivated Smith to make his own flies, which he eventually used to catch a bonefish on a fly a few months later in 1939. Good curators know that the most interesting information is often the behind-the-scenes stuff. Schottenham is no exception, and his exhibit is full of fascinating tidbits. For instance, he shared the story of Carrie Stevens, who tied her own flies without the use of a vice. Her success with her streamer pattern, which was later developed into the Gray Ghost, helped launch her business.

The Evolution of Fly Fishing

The exhibit takes visitors on a journey through the evolution of fly fishing. One of the highlights is the display of Fred Shaw’s book, “The Science of Fly Fishing for Trout,” which was published in 1925. Shaw’s book features an autographed presentation page signed to Joe Brooks, a famous fly fisher and writer. Another notable feature is the Jock Scott dressed salmon fly, which is considered one of the most popular salmon flies. The display features the fly itself, along with a description of the birds and their feathers used in its construction. As we discussed the exhibit, Schottenham highlighted the importance of presentation in fly fishing. “LaBranche didn’t care about the fly, he was more about the presentation,” he said. This sentiment is echoed in the exhibit, which showcases the various presentation styles and techniques used by fly fishers throughout history.

Confidence is Key

One of the most important takeaways from the exhibit is the importance of confidence in fishing. Schottenham quoted LaBranche as saying, “If you got confidence in what you are doing, you will be successful.” This philosophy applies not just to fly fishing, but to life in general. The exhibit also features a workshop series, which includes beginner fly-tying classes and other programs designed to promote fly fishing and conservation. These programs are a great way for visitors to learn more about fly fishing and get involved in the sport.

Conclusion

As I left the exhibit, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of appreciation for the art of fly fishing. The “Time Flies: A Centennial Celebration” exhibit is a must-see for anyone interested in fly fishing, and I highly recommend visiting the American Museum of Fly Fishing in Vermont (amff.org) to learn more about the history and evolution of the sport. The exhibit is open until June 8, and visitors can learn more about the programming and events associated with it on the Forest Preserve District of Kane County website (kaneforest.com). I hope to see you there!

“I get to play with old fishing tackle. It is the greatest job in the world.” – Jim Schottenham, American Museum of Fly Fishing curator

Fly fishing

A type of fishing that uses a specialized rod and line to catch fish using artificial flies or lures.

Fly pattern

A design for an artificial fly, typically created using feathers, hackles, and other materials.

Key Points
* The American Museum of Fly Fishing’s “Time Flies: A Centennial Celebration” exhibit is a must-see for anyone interested in fly fishing. * The exhibit showcases the evolution of fly fishing and features a range of interactive displays and programs. * The importance of confidence in fishing is highlighted throughout the exhibit, with quotes from famous fly fishers and examples of successful presentations. * The exhibit includes a range of programs and events, including beginner fly-tying classes and creek exploration and amphibian adventure programs.