The Lew Jewett Fly Fishers Club is a Charter Club of Fly Fishers International (FFI). As part of this affiliation, all our regular members are also members of FFI. Formerly known as the Federation of Fly Fishers (FFF), FFI is dedicated to fly fishing education, conservation, and community of fly fishers.

Our club was founded around 1982 by a few FFF members. At the time, the Twin Cities was considered too large for a single club, leading to the formation of the Minnesota Fly Fishers in Minneapolis. Rather than choosing a geographic name, the St. Paul group decided to honor Lew Jewett—a respected figure in the fly fishing world—by naming their club after him.

Lew Jewett played a key role in 3M’s acquisition of Scientific Anglers while working in their Leisure Products Division. He was also a major contributor to the FFF before his passing in 1978. To honor his legacy, the founding members named the club Lew Jewett Fly Fishers.

Like FFI, Lew Jewett Fly Fishers is a method-related club rather than a species-related club. Our motto, All Fish – All Waters, reflects this philosophy. We welcome anglers of all experience levels and focus on the art and technique of fly fishing, whether on a trout stream, in the warm-water fishing for smallmouth bass, or even saltwater flats. Education, camaraderie, and enjoyment of the sport are at the heart of what we do.

That sense of fun is evident in our club traditions. Many fly anglers are familiar with the Saltwater Grand Slam—catching a bonefish, tarpon, and permit on a fly in one day. In true Lew Jewett fashion, one of our founding members introduced the “Bad Slam”: catching a bullhead, carp, and sucker on a fly within one season. The prize? A dried cow pie, proudly encased in a plastic trophy case. To date, only one member has claimed this honor—only to return it two years later when his wife refused to let it stay in the house.

Whether you’re drawn to fly fishing for the challenge, the beauty of the sport, or the connection to nature, our club offers a welcoming community where anglers can learn, share, and enjoy the experience together.