From River to Runway: Montana Style Goes Viral

So, this is real. Strangers across the country are dressing up like they are about to throw a hopper on Georgetown Lake… and then not fish. It’s called Anglercore, and it’s basically fly fishing cosplay. Bucket hats, rubber boots, cargo vests? All worn with full confidence that the closest fish is a frozen fish stick.

Meanwhile, in Montana? That’s just called Wednesday.

Montana’s Been on This for Generations

Out-of-staters are paying top dollar for the “authentic fisherman aesthetic,” while your uncle has been rocking the same pair of patched-up Simms since 1998, still smelling like the Blackfoot. The look everyone’s chasing? We invented that look. Out here, Anglercore isn’t ironic. It’s how we keep sunburn off our ears and leeches off our ankles.

Function Over Fashion

Some influencer in SoHo will drop two hundred bucks on a vintage fly vest with zero plans to ever touch a fish. Ever seen someone try to make waders sexy on a sidewalk? I have tried to pull it off a few times after a duck hunt while getting breakfast at the diner. I quickly learned that waders are not made for going out in public

Here, that vest carries flies, floatant, nail clippers, maybe a little jerky. Every pocket has a job. Fashion? Sure. But also: survival.

Wear It if You Like: but Maybe Give Fishing a Shot

Look, we’re not gatekeeping. You want to throw on your new Orvis hat and imagine you’ve wrangled a cutthroat before, go for it. But don't show up to the dock with no intention of casting a line. If you're going to dress the part, then you'd better get to fishing.