Fly Fishing Gear to Get Started

Must Haves:

  • Fishing License with Trout Stamp

    • Buy One Here

    • If you are 65 or older, check out the lifetime license option at a reduced rate!

  • · Jacket with pockets, a fanny pack, or some sort of fishing vest, chest pack, sling pack.

  • Fly rod (4 or 5 wt. best for small streams)

  • Reel with line (wt. of line matches the wt. of the rod)

    • If you are starting from scratch, ask for help at the store or from a buddy. Consider purchasing a combination kit (rod, reel, & line already spooled on the reel)

  • Leaders, tapered (length to be similar to length of rod)

  • Nippers to cut tippet & leader (can be a fingernail clippers)

  • Hemostat/forceps/small pliers to pinch down barb on hook or getting hook out of fish’s mouth.

  • Tippet material (4x & 5x)

  • Assortment of flies (The store, or a buddy, can help you get flies found on the stream you plan to fish.)

  • If wading: waders and wading shoes/boots

Helpful to Have:

  • If wading, a wading staff

  • Wading Belt

  • Eyeglass magnifiers

  • Weights (split shot)

  • Fingerless gloves

  • Hat

  • Fishing net

  • Whistle

  • Sunblock & bug repellent

  • Floatant (a product that will keep the dry flies afloat)

  • Some women carry toilet paper, just in case no port-a-potty around!

  • Strike Indicators (bobbers)

  • Flashlight if fishing at night

  • Water & snack


    Contact Diane Brown (dmb490@gmail.com) or Judi Sittler (jlsittler@comcast.net) with questions.

When Fishing:

Check out stream conditions before you leave home!