I've been fortunate enough to get involved in a number of projects in the fly fishing space. Everything from helping design rods, reels, and lines to writing books, running education programs, and drinking with old friends
A while back I was put in contact with Andrew Boeddecker, a level-headed fly fishing angler who had experienced tough times as a beginner and had somewhat of an introverted approach. Along his journey into fly fishing he found that it was tough meeting new people and adding to his skill set. Although located in Minnesota, he had plenty of anglers around but didn't know how to connect. He knew that was the answer because he observed that throughout the fly fishing community, those with the large networks of anglers they fished with, were often the best anglers. A man on a mission he started leveraging his project management background for technology with a large medical company and devised a plan.
Needless to say, that resulted in something pretty awesome and FlyFishFinder™ was born. After five years of countless hours of research and hard work, he had the baseline for a tool that could help. He started reaching out to friends and building a team. That is where I was introduced to me through friends and I came on board to help him with his sales, marketing, and a deeper understanding of fly fishing. FlyFish Finder™ had great bones and was on its way to adding something special to fly fishing that was lacking in my opinion. I jumped on the opportunity to work with someone I believed in and a product that I felt could benefit the community. I saw it solving a lot of the pains I had been dealing with throughout my time as a fly fishing angler. I also wanted the opportunity to contribute to a scenario that I felt would likely be taken on and could end up in the hands of a group that wasn't interested in the stewardship or conservation side of fly fishing and frankly be detrimental to the activity and resources.
FlyFishFinder the App
There's a new tool in town that's set to transform the way you approach your favorite pastime. FlyFishFinder™, launched in early 2025, is an innovative mobile app designed to make fly fishing more accessible, affordable, and enjoyable for anglers of all levels.
There are countless features that set FlyFishFinder™ apart from other apps but it's the benefits of those features that align so nicely. Before we dive in I think it is paramount to understand our direction.
Number one and core to our mantra is that the app is for fly fishing and we don't have intentions of broadening that perspective. That means, that everything we build into the app is geared towards improving the lives of fly fishing anglers and the places we fish. Therefore we have worked countlessly to bring in better mapping details, pros to help educate, alignment with training experts, support of manufacturers that have a similar outlook on quality and conservation, and most importantly, conservation teams that are aiming to maintain and even improve the spaces that fly fishing anglers love and care about.
Learn more about FlyFishFinders™ Conservation Partnerships and ethos.
Let's take a look at some of the tools that are already in the app. I'll go through a few of them briefly but I want you to keep in mind that this is just the start. Not only do we have these tools but we work daily to improve on them and add value to fly fishing anglers and guides. We know that if we can address the needs of these types of anglers then the tool will instantly show its value vs. the other tools that often focus on revenue first.
Comprehensive Mapping
At the heart of FlyFishFinder™ is its impressive mapping system. With 225,000 rivers mapped across all 50 states, including 55,000 trout streams, anglers have an unprecedented wealth of information at their fingertips. The app boasts over 25 filters to help users pinpoint ideal fishing spots and even includes data on 100+ fish species mapped to specific rivers and streams. Compare that to the numbers others are boasting and we far exceed anything out there in volume and in quality.
Community-Driven Approach
What truly sets FlyFishFinder apart is its focus on building a strong fly fishing community. The app allows users to connect with fellow anglers, share tips, and even plan trips together. This network-based approach not only enhances the fishing experience but also promotes conservation awareness among users.
You aren't required to share location data as we know that is a concern of anglers. We allow you to control that 100%. Keeping that in mind we know there are thousands of other aspects of fishing that are often shared, tested, and looked for so get in there and participate.
Expert Insights
FlyFishFinder™ brings professional guides and shops onto a dedicated platform, allowing users to message and learn from the best in the business. This feature bridges the gap between DIY fishing and guided experiences, making expert knowledge more accessible to all.
Talk to pros without the requirement to pay for their services. Instead, get to know them and understand that they are anglers like everyone else and often recall what it was like to be in your shoes. You'll be surprised by what is shared and have valuable information is shared at no cost to you.
The Team Behind the App
FlyFishFinder™ was founded by Andrew Boeddeker, who started the project in March 2019 with no prior software development experience. The team has since grown to include experts in various fields, from geospatial engineering to conservation, and we are all united by our passion for fly fishing. Check us out here on the www.flyfishfinder.com website.
Looking Ahead
As of February 2025, FlyFishFinder continues to evolve and improve. Our team is dedicated to advancing the platform, with plans to add more features and expand our user base. With its combination of detailed mapping, community engagement, and expert resources, FlyFishFinder™ is poised to become an indispensable tool for fly fishing enthusiasts across the country.
It doesn't matter how many years of experience you have instead it is the passion you have to engage, do more, and share. FlyFishFinder™ offers a unique blend of technology and community that promises to enhance your fly fishing adventures. As the app continues to grow and refine its offerings, it's clear that the future of fly fishing is here – and it's in the palm of your hand.
Here is another article I think you'll enjoy.
How do Water Temperatures Effect Fly Fishing
By Christian Bacasa
Host of the Fly Fishing Insider Podcast
Fly Fishing Insider Podcast Official Website
Instagram Fly Fishing Insider Podcast
Instagram Dupeafish
Facebook
LinkedIn
Watch on YouTube
