WRITTEN BY
After last year's collab with our friends at Trout Unlimited sold out in less than 24 hours, we knew we had to run it back. We're proud to introduce the second annual Free Fly x Trout Unlimited collab—a limited-edition drop built to celebrate coldwater fisheries and the people working hard to protect them.
Since 1959, Trout Unlimited has been leading the charge in protecting and restoring rivers, streams, and the wild trout and salmon that call them home. Through grassroots conservation efforts, restoration projects, and local volunteer chapters across the country, they've become one of the most respected voices in freshwater conservation. And with our shared belief in protecting wild places and getting more people out on the water, this partnership just makes sense.
This year's collab features original Cutthroat Trout artwork by Ed Anderson, Creative Director and artist at Drift West. Inspired by waterways surrounding his Idaho studio, Ed's artwork brings one of the American West's most iconic fish species to life on our UPF 50+ Bamboo Shade Hoodie—our go-to layer for long summer days on the water.
And because this collab is about more than just gear, a portion of every purchase will be donated directly to Trout Unlimited to support their ongoing conservation efforts.
With Every Hoodie Purchase:
1 Year of Trout Unlimited Membership
Donation Supporting Trout Unlimited Conservation Efforts
A Shared Mission
Here at Free Fly, we aim to protect our wild places, while making way for the next wave of water seekers. And for more than 65 years, Trout Unlimited has been doing exactly that—mobilizing anglers, volunteers, and conservationists to restore rivers and protect cold, clean water from Alaska to Maine and everywhere in between.
Together, this collab is a small way to help ensure future generations can experience healthy rivers, wild trout, and the kind of days on the water that stick with you forever.
The Inspiration Behind the Art
About Drift West
Drift West is an outdoor outfitter and lifestyle brand specializing in world-class gear, experiences, and lodging that rekindle exhilaration and lead you back to the wild. What started in Idaho has expanded to the far reaches of the untamed Alaskan wilderness and all the way to the warm Florida gulf coast. Drift West has no true physical location and instead is a way of living the authentic American spirit through deep connection with the outdoors. This connection underscores the importance of conservation of our rivers and streams, to preserve for future generations to continue this unbridled joy of nature.
This shared mission between FreeFly, Trout Unlimited, and Drift West led us to collaborate with Ed Anderson, Drift West's Creative Director. Ed's art is the heartbeat and inspiration for telling the Drift West story through color and ink. His work, born from the raw pages of field journals, tells the story of the rugged, modern frontier.
About the Art
Based in Idaho, Ed's inspiration stems from the waterways near his Boise studio. Cutthroat Trout being the state fish of Idaho and icons of the American West, it was the natural choice for this project. Generally considered at-risk, with many subspecies listed as threatened or endangered, the cutthroat trout brings awareness to the importance of our mutual mission.
Protecting the Yellowstone Cutthroat
The Yellowstone River—the backdrop for this year's campaign—is the longest undammed river in the lower 48 and home to one of the country's most iconic native trout species: the Yellowstone Cutthroat. But today, these fish occupy just 43% of their historic habitat, making conservation efforts more important than ever.
That's where Trout Unlimited comes in.
Working alongside Montana Fish, Wildlife & Parks, the U.S. Forest Service, and local landowners, TU Project Manager Ashley Brubaker is helping protect and reconnect critical Yellowstone Cutthroat habitat throughout the Yellowstone Basin. From improving fish passage and streamflows to restoring spawning habitat and preventing the spread of invasive trout, these projects are helping ensure future generations can experience this remarkable fishery.
The Yellowstone Cutthroat featured on this year's hoodie isn't just beautiful artwork—it's a reminder of what's worth protecting.
About Trout Unlimited
Trout Unlimited is the nation's leading nonprofit dedicated to protecting and restoring coldwater fisheries and their trout and salmon populations. Through hands-on restoration work, advocacy, and local grassroots chapters, TU helps care for rivers and streams while building stronger outdoor communities along the way.
