Community Member Spotlight
Alan Davis
On behalf of our fly-fishing community, I want to thank Alan Davis for his many years of dedicated leadership as President of Zane Grey Trout Unlimited. Alan has poured his time, energy, and heart into protecting cold-water fisheries, expanding youth and veteran programs, and building a welcoming community of anglers who care deeply about our rivers. His steady presence, thoughtful guidance, and willingness to do the hard work behind the scenes have made an impact that will be felt on our waters, and in our relationships with one another, for years to come. We are deeply grateful for Alan’s service and the legacy of conservation and community he leaves with Zane Grey Trout Unlimited.
-Chris Rich, AZ Fly Shop Founder
About Alan Davis
This month, we are honored to feature Alan C. Davis as our AZ Fly Shop Community Member Spotlight. Alan is a familiar face to many in the Arizona fly-fishing community — not just for his casting skills or his easy sense of humor, but for the deep and lasting impact he’s made as a conservation leader, mentor, and bridge-builder within our state’s coldwater fisheries programs.
Alan has been fly fishing for more than 15 years, which he jokingly says has given him “plenty of time to perfect the art of blaming the wind for bad casts.” Like so many of us, he was pulled into the sport by the quiet challenge, the problem-solving, and the way fly fishing reminds us to slow down and be present. For Alan, the water acts as a “reset button” — a place where life simplifies, perspective sharpens, and connection deepens.
One of Alan’s most memorable days on the water came in 2014 on a small tributary in northern Arizona. After hours of unproductive fishing with a few Trout Unlimited friends, he drifted a dry fly through a shaded seam and, against all odds, a Gila trout rose to take it. It wasn’t the largest fish he’s ever caught, but it was the one that salvaged the day and boosted everyone’s spirits — a perfect reminder that persistence, humility, and a good laugh are often the true rewards of this sport.
Beyond his personal love of fly fishing, Alan has poured years of energy into strengthening the community around it. As President of Zane Grey Trout Unlimited, he played a central role in expanding conservation initiatives, youth education, and volunteer engagement throughout Arizona. From Salt River Saturdays to the AZGFD Outdoor Expo, to supporting the AZTU–Grand Canyon Council Summer Fish Camp, Alan has helped countless new anglers experience their first cast, first fish, and first spark of stewardship for our waters.
When asked about the highlight of his time serving the Zane Grey Chapter, Alan shared that nothing compared to watching people — especially kids and first-timers — light up with excitement as they connected with fly fishing for the very first time. Those moments, he says, made every meeting, planning session, and behind-the-scenes effort worthwhile.
Alan speaks highly of AZ Fly Shop as well, describing it as “the Cheers of fly shops — where everybody knows your name, and nobody judges your casting skills.” He appreciates the warmth, the sense of belonging, and the shared passion for conservation and education that anchor our community. Whether supporting youth camps, furnishing shirts and gear for Teen Fish Camp, or simply helping an angler find the perfect fly, AZ Fly Shop has been proud to stand alongside him in these efforts.
As he reflects on years of casting, teaching, stewarding, and laughing with fellow anglers, Alan shares one of his favorite quotes — a reminder not to overthink what’s in your fly box:
“Ninety percent of what a trout eats is brown and fuzzy and about five-eighths of an inch long.”
In true Alan fashion, it’s a blend of wisdom and humor — and a nod to the simplicity that keeps us all coming back to the water.
Alan, thank you for your leadership, your generosity, and the heart you’ve invested into our fly-fishing community. AZ Fly Shop and the entire Arizona fly-fishing family are grateful for you.
