AZFlyShop

Happy birthday to me! Look who I got in the boat! Let’s see what we can do today!

Due to increased fire danger and for public safety, the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests will implement Stage 2 Fire Restrictions beginning Thursday, June 25, at 6 a.m.

All partners in the White Mountain Fire Restrictions Coordinating Group have decided to go into Stage 2 Fire Restrictions for public safety given the increased wildfire potential and fire danger. This group consists of the White Mountain Apache Tribe, Arizona Bureau of Land Management, Arizona State Forestry, Apache and Navajo Counties, and the Cities of Heber-Overgaard, Show Low, and Pinetop/Lakeside and the Apache Sitgreaves National Forests. This group is continually engaged to adapt our fire restrictions with fire danger as we progress into the spring and summer season.

Stage 2 fire restrictions prohibit the following:
• Building, maintaining, attending, or using a fire, campfire, or stove fire, including charcoal, coal, and briquettes, even in developed recreation sites. The only exception is using a stove or grill that is solely fueled by pressurized liquid petroleum or pressurized liquid petroleum gas (LPG) fuels.
• Smoking, except within an enclosed vehicle or building, a developed recreation site, or while stopped in an area at least three (3) feet in diameter that is barren or cleared of any flammable material.
• During the hours of 9 a.m. to 8 p.m., operating a generator, chainsaw or other equipment powered by an internal combustion engine for felling, bucking, skidding, processing, road building and woodcutting or firewood gathering capable of igniting a fire, using an explosive, and welding, or operating any acetylene or other torch with an open flame.

Restrictions and closures typically remain in effect until the area receives significant, widespread precipitation.

Additional information regarding the fire restrictions closure order and an accompanying map can be found on the forests’ website
https://www.fs.usda.gov/r03/apache-sitgreaves/alerts/stage-2-fire-restrictions

One of the greatest gifts my dad ever gave me wasn’t a fly rod.

It was his time.

The fish were just an excuse.

An excuse to spend days together on the water, road trips in the truck, camping under the stars, and conversations I’ll never forget.

As we celebrate Father’s Day, I hope you have the opportunity to spend time with the people who helped shape your life.

And if you’re lucky enough to still have your dad around, give him a hug and tell him you love him.

Happy Father’s Day from our family to yours.

— Chris Rich
AZ Fly Shop 🎣❤️

FishingWithDad

Confession:

Some of my favorite fly fishing memories have nothing to do with fish.

It’s those special moments between casts that make fly fishing so rewarding.

Imagine watching a bald eagle soaring high from 30 yards away.
Or catching a glimpse of a hawk gliding across a sunset.
Or simply floating through a desert canyon, surrounded by towering saguaros.
And those unexpected encounters with wildlife? Pure magic!

The fish are just the reason to get out there.
The real treasure is the experience itself.
Share a photo or tell us about the coolest thing you’ve ever seen while fly fishing.