From the American Museum of Fly Fishing:
Manchester, VT – The American Museum of Fly Fishing (AMFF) is proud to announce that world-class angler, entrepreneur, humanitarian, educator, travel host, and record chaser Meredith McCord will receive the 2026 Izaak Walton Award. A special celebration honoring McCord will take place on November 18, 2026, at the Briar Club in Houston, Texas, bringing together members of the fly fishing, conservation, and outdoor communities, along with family and friends, to celebrate her extraordinary contributions to the sport.
Established in 2014, the Izaak Walton Award recognizes individuals who embody the spirit of The Compleat Angler through their passion for fly fishing, commitment to conservation, and meaningful engagement within the angling community. Past recipients include Steve Huff, Bob Popovics, Guido Rahr, Nancy Zakon, Paul Bruun, Paul Dixon, Flip Pallot, Tom Rosenbauer, Rachel Finn, Jim Klug, James Prosek, Tom Davidson, and Ed Jaworowski.
Meredith McCord has become one of the most influential voices in modern fly fishing through her pioneering work in global travel angling, particularly for giant trevally and other saltwater species. A long-time advocate for women in the sport, McCord has inspired anglers around the world through her writing, speaking engagements, hosted travel programs, and mentorship. She holds more than 220 International Game Fish Association (IGFA) world records and awards, including IGFA’s Top Female Angler of the Year and Grand Champion of the Ladies Tarpon Fly Tournament in Islamorada, Florida.
“Meredith exemplifies the adventurous spirit, leadership, and generosity that define the Izaak Walton Award,” said Gardner Grant, Board President of the American Museum of Fly Fishing. “Her impact on the sport extends far beyond the water. Through storytelling, mentorship, conservation advocacy, and her passion for connecting people to fisheries around the world, Meredith has inspired a new generation of anglers.”
Founded in 1968, the American Museum of Fly Fishing preserves and promotes the history and traditions of fly fishing through exhibitions, education, conservation, and community engagement. Located in Manchester, VT, with a satellite gallery at Johnny Morris’ Wonders of Wildlife National Museum and Aquarium in Springfield, MO, AMFF serves as the steward of the world’s largest collections of angling artifacts, art, and literature, celebrating centuries of fly fishing history and culture for anglers across the country and around the world.
For more information, please contact Sam Pitcher at spitcher@amff.org.
Learn more and get tickets here: https://givebutter.com/2026-amff-iwa