Community Member Spotlight
Jan McVey
Jan Walked into the fly shop eager to explore a new destination exactly how we all should, open minded. She prepared thoroughly and enjoyed the process of the preparation as much her trip. In New Zealand, Fish, culture, wildlife and locals filled a memories-packed camera roll to recount her trip. As a Community fly shop, we love living vicariously through many of our community members and the level of excitement I was able to live through Jan is what the world needs more of.
-Jeff Swanson, AZ Fly Shop Manager
About Jan McVey
At AZ Fly Shop, our community is made up of passionate anglers who remind us why we all fell in love with fly fishing in the first place. This month, we’re proud to feature Jan McVey, a longtime angler whose appreciation for time on the water perfectly captures the spirit of the fly fishing community.
Jan has been fly fishing for over 30 years, building a lifetime of experiences along the way. Like many anglers, her journey has taken her to incredible places, but one adventure stands out above the rest. Recently, Jan checked off a bucket-list trip to New Zealand’s South Island, where she traveled with Terry and Wendy Gunn to fish several rivers accessible only by helicopter. Between the breathtaking scenery, exceptional guides, memorable lodge hospitality, and incredible fish, it was a trip that perfectly captured the magic of fly fishing travel.
For Jan, fly fishing is about far more than catching fish. After spending 44 years working indoors, the opportunity to be outside—watching sunrises and sunsets on the water—has become something deeply meaningful. She describes fly fishing as a moment of peace and focus: the rhythm of the cast, the movement of the water, and the perfect drift bringing everything else to a pause. In her words, it’s a powerful form of meditation.
Jan also credits much of her growth in the sport to the people who helped guide her along the way. Her advice to fellow anglers is simple but valuable: don’t hesitate to hire a guide. The right guide can dramatically accelerate the learning curve and deepen your appreciation for the sport. For Jan, fishing with Terry Gunn—and the encouragement from Wendy Gunn that first got her into waders—played a major role in shaping her fly fishing journey.
When asked what AZ Fly Shop means to her, Jan’s answer speaks volumes about the community we strive to build: “These people are nice.” Over the years, she’s experienced firsthand how welcoming and supportive the fly fishing community can be, and how many people are willing to help others enjoy the sport.
Her final piece of wisdom for all of us is refreshingly simple: “Fishing is the best way to get off your screen.” In a world where so much of life happens digitally, Jan reminds us that some of the most meaningful moments happen outdoors, rod in hand, standing in moving water.
Jan, thank you for being such a wonderful part of the AZ Fly Shop community. We’re grateful to share the water—and the stories—with anglers like you.
