Community Member Spotlight
Will Rodgers
This month, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Will Rodgers — a familiar face whose energy and enthusiasm light up every gathering.
Will is a passionate fly angler who loves to share the sport with his family. Some of his favorite adventures have been traveling and fly fishing with his sons, creating memories that span beautiful rivers and far-off destinations. His love for the outdoors traces back to cherished days on the water with his father — moments that shaped not only his appreciation for nature, but also his deep connection to family and community.
Beyond his skill with a fly rod, Will is artistically gifted and brings creativity to everything he touches. Whether he’s sharing a story, crafting art, or joining a community event, Will’s charismatic, joyful, and light-hearted spirit reminds us why the AZ Fly Shop community is so special. His friendly presence uplifts those around him and adds color to every conversation.
Next time you see Will, be sure to say hello — and ask him about his favorite fishing memory. You’re guaranteed to leave smiling. Will Rodgers is a gift to the world, and the Arizona Fly Fishing Community is lucky to have him.
-Chris Rich, AZ Fly Shop Founder
About Will Rodgers
This month, we’re thrilled to shine the spotlight on Will Rodgers — a familiar face whose warmth, humor, and enthusiasm light up every gathering at AZ Fly Shop.
Will’s connection to fly fishing runs deep, spanning more than 70 years on the water. From early days fishing alongside his father to the countless trips he’s taken with his three sons, fly fishing has always been more than a sport to him — it’s a thread that ties generations together. Some of Will’s most cherished memories are the adventures he’s shared with his family: taking his dad to Alaska, traveling with his sons to Christmas Island to chase bonefish and giant trevally, and returning to Alaska one October for rainbows so stunning they’re still talked about today. Hunter landed a 29¾-inch bow, Wyatt brought in a 31½-inch bow, and Rhett caught a 30½-inch bow — an unforgettable moment for a father watching his sons experience the same joy he once shared with his own dad.
When asked what fly fishing means to him, Will’s answer captures both wisdom and humility: “It reconnects you with nature, which helps to avoid hubris.” That deep respect for the natural world is woven through everything he does — his approach to fishing, his artistry, and his interactions with others.
Beyond his time on the water, Will is known for his creativity and charisma. He brings an artistic spark to everything he touches, whether he’s tying flies at our Thursday night fly-tying sessions, sharing stories that make everyone laugh, or simply brightening a conversation with his joyful, down-to-earth energy. His presence reminds us that fly fishing isn’t just about the catch — it’s about connection, creativity, and community.
Will also embodies the true spirit of the AZ Fly Shop community. He values the way the shop brings people together through shared experiences, learning, and laughter: “The fly tying on Thursday nights really helped me learn to tie flies again, and the fishing stories are both entertaining and informative. I like the shop’s quality and variety of gear.” It’s this sense of belonging that makes AZ Fly Shop more than a store — it’s a gathering place for people who care deeply about the water, the land, and each other.
When we asked Will if there was a message or quote he’d like to share with the community, he chose one that perfectly reflects his outlook on life and fishing alike — a timeless piece of wisdom from President Herbert Hoover:
“Fishing is a chance to wash one’s soul with pure air, with the rush of the brook, or with the shimmer of sun on blue water. It brings the scenery of nature, charity toward tackle makers, patience toward fish, a mockery of profits and egos, a quieting of hate, a rejoicing that you do not have to decide a darned thing until next week. And it is discipline in the equality of man — for all men are created equal before fish.”
Next time you see Will at the shop or on the water, be sure to say hello — and ask him about his favorite fishing memory. You’ll likely walk away inspired, laughing, or both.
Will Rodgers is truly a gift to the world, and the Arizona Fly Fishing Community is lucky to have him.
