Fishing Made Simple | Eagle Claw Blog

Eagle Claw: Celebrating 100 Years

Written by Eagle Claw | Sep 9, 2025 6:22:13 PM

Eagle Claw: 100 Years of Innovation
Denver, CO – March 1, 2025 – More than a century ago, Andrew D. McGill set out to create a better fly. The immediate success of the Wiltless Wing Fly established an innovative approach that soon led to the creation of the Eagle Claw fishhook, a breakthrough that forever changed fishing and launched Eagle Claw as a leader in innovation, quality, and performance.

100 Years of Dedication to Anglers
A century later, much has changed, but one thing remains the same: Eagle Claw’s commitment to crafting fishhooks in the USA, serving its customers, and supporting the people behind the brand. While our hooks are proudly made in Denver, Colorado, Eagle Claw also designs and offers a full line of tackle that is globally sourced to meet the needs of every angler. That dedication is stronger than ever, delivering premium, performance-driven gear anglers can count on.

Modernizing for the Future
At 100 years strong, Eagle Claw isn’t slowing down. In the last five years, we have improved every stage of hook production, from point shaping to tempering and finishing, through state-of-the-art upgrades that set a new standard in precision and consistency. Powered by American-made wire and refined in Denver, Colorado, our process honors tradition while driving the future of American fishhooks.

A Legacy of American Fishhooks
The McGill family’s dedication to building American fishhooks spans generations. From Andrew D. McGill’s first Wiltless Wing Fly, to his wife Madeline guiding the company through growth, to their son Lee blending innovation with a focus on people, Eagle Claw has remained rooted in crafting fishhooks in Denver, Colorado.

Today, that tradition continues with Drew McGill, Lee’s son and current Chairman of the Board, who leads Eagle Claw with a relentless focus on the future. His vision ensures Eagle Claw remains the most modern hook manufacturer in the world, right here in the United States.

The Next 100 Years
As we celebrate a century of innovation, Eagle Claw stands at the crossroads of legacy and vision. Still family-owned. Still producing fishhooks in Denver, Colorado.