Community Member Spotlight
Spencer Yee
For as long as I’ve been with the Fly Shop, I’ve known Spencer and can personally speak to his consistent involvement in our fly fishing community. I often catch up with him at the shop to swap stories and talk strategy around our local canals, creeks, and other hidden gems. Spencer is not only an avid fly tyer but also a fierce (and fun) competitor in our annual carp rally—always in the running for both biggest and most fish. When he’s not casting a line, he’s honing his skills as a sharp shot with a bow, proving he’s a true outdoorsman. Whether on the water or off, Spencer is the kind of angler you’d be lucky to spend a day with—curious, committed, and always up for the next adventure.
-Jeff Swanson, AZ Fly Shop Manager
About Spencer Yee
If you’ve spent any time around AZ Fly Shop, there’s a good chance you’ve crossed paths with Spencer Yee. Whether chatting about urban canals, local creeks, or the latest fly patterns, Spencer’s curiosity and passion for fly fishing are contagious. Over the past three years, he’s become a familiar face in our community—and one we’re proud to spotlight this June.
Spencer’s most memorable fly fishing moment? Landing his very first fish on a fly rod at Chaparral Park after several skunked outings. Just as the sun dipped below the horizon, a persistent Spencer hooked into a common carp using a Woolly Bugger. With a tangled reel and the help of his wife by his side, he brought it in—a wild and humbling start that ignited his love for the sport.
For Spencer, fly fishing is more than catching fish. It’s a window into the outdoors, a challenge in patience, and a deeply rewarding craft—especially when a fish takes a fly he’s tied himself. “Watching a fish dart out to bite is magical,” he says, and it’s that exact magic that keeps him coming back.
Beyond the water, Spencer is also a skilled fly tyer and a regular competitor in our annual carp rally. Whether he’s sharing stories in the shop or scouting new water, he’s a true contributor to our growing fly fishing family. And if you didn’t know—he’s also a sharp shot with a bow!
We asked Spencer what AZ Fly Shop means to him, and his answer reminds us why we do what we do: “Having a great staff with knowledgeable and supportive management is the greatest. Local knowledge is priceless.”
His advice to others? “Stay consistent and keep learning.” Simple, solid words from someone who embodies them daily.
Next time you see Spencer on the water, don’t be shy—say hi. We’re lucky to have him in our community.
