It’s time to get out on the streams and creeks seeking big trout in the wild. Here’s the gear to help make it happen.
Alpacka
Rendezvous
Light, at just 10 pounds, and packing down to a very manageable 20 inches by 9 inches, this two-person packraft is your ticket to fly-fishing adventure without the hassle of dragging in a drift boat or canoe. Once on the water, it hauls up to 800 pounds of people and gear and it handles quite well in the current, making it possible to cast as you go or stop and wade along the way.
$1,700; alpackaraft.com
Redington
Field Kit Trout
Want to get in on the fly fishing game but not yet ready to plop down big bucks for the gear? This all-in-one set gives you rod, reel, and line (plus a soft case to hold it all) at a nice price. And don’t think this setup is not ready for prime time. The 9-foot, 5-weight rod features medium action that can help a beginner get the feel for casting, but it’s still responsive enough for experienced anglers, too. That means you can keep using it even as you upgrade to higher-end models.
$390; farbank.com
Orvis
Helios D 9’ 5-weight Fly Rod Outfit
When you are ready to pay for an outfit that matches your evolving skills on the river, invest here. This nifty package includes a buttery 9-foot, 5-weight Helios D rod, which has the finesse to land dries exactly where you want them, whether casting close or across the stream, as well as the backbone to deliver light streamers into deep pockets. A Mirage LT II reel is up for any fight and PRO Trout Textured fly line and backing seals the deal.
$1,656; orvis.com
Smith
Guide’s Choice
Good shades are mandatory when fly fishing, and not only do the slick Guide’s Choice protect your peepers from the harsh glare of sun on streams, they also improve your ability to see fish (and strike indicators) in the water. Credit that super power to the ChromaPop lens, which is both polarized to see through surface glare and makes colors “pop” so you can make out that rainbow hovering above the river rocks.
$215; smithoptics.com
Flylow
Phil A Shirt
The folks at Flylow put the fun in mountain sports and this fish-pattern shirt gives you a bit of river style (we can’t confirm it helps catch anything). It’s made of 100% cotton and will stay light and cool when the sun beats down on the river.
$40; flylowgear.com
Korkers
Swift Sandal
We are big fans of wet wading in the summer, when all the extra bulk of boots and neoprene is just too hot and, frankly, unnecessary. Korkers already designs some of our favorite big-time wading boots and they scored with these light sandals that include an interchangeable sole system to switch from traction to felt, depending on the river bottom conditions. That makes them comfy even when you are not fishing, too.
$120; korkers.com
Patagonia
Men’s Swiftcurrent Expedition Zip-front Waders and Forra Wading Boots
Built for long days in cold water and harsh elements, these smart, sturdy waders can handle everything from Alaska to North Carolina in the winter. The outstanding front pockets hold all the gear you need to have on-hand, and the suspenders are easy to adjust to the perfect fit. Pair them with the new Forra boots, which are comfier than your old wading boots and provide all the Vibram traction you need to clamber over rocks and wet trees.
$799 waders, $299; boots; patagonia.com
Yakoda
Convertible Utility Pack
This soft pack can ride at your hip or over your chest and holds all the flies, tippet, indicators, and other stuff you will need to adapt to hatches and the ever-changing particularities of trout. The pockets are easy to access and customize to your kit, and the built-in tippet holder makes it simple to tie on in a hurry.
$172; yakodasupply.com
