We have all the best new fly-fishing gear to get you out on the water and catching fish.
Orvis
Helios #D Blackout Rod
The 9-foot, 5-inch version of this sweet stick was designed for the ability to cast quickly and efficiently from a drift boat. Those same qualities make it quite effective at perfectly placing dries and managing nymphs, while mending on big water from the bank. Pack it for that big trip on legendary waters like Montana’s Madison River. $998; orvis.com
Maine Fly Company
Tumbledown
This 7-piece, 9-foot 5-weight rod is ideal for backpacking or big day trips up to alpine lakes. It weighs just 3.6 ounces but delivers moderate to fast action to chuck muddlers or loft tiny dries to those cutthroats. Founded in 2018, the core New England company is committed to rediscovering the art of rod building. $340; maineflyco.com
Ski Town All-Stars
Printed Trucker Hats
You need that lucky hat if you want to catch fish, and we can recommend no lids better than Vail’s Ski Town All-Stars. The mountain-town messages—they range from “Mend” to “Putin Skis in Jeans” to “Go Back to Texas”—make you feel at home on Colorado waters. $36; skitownallstars.com
Costa del Mar
Lido
These shades both help sharpen your vision when you are chasing trout on the water and look sharp when you’re telling fish stores back at the brew pub. With lens options in color-enhancing, polarized glass, and polycarbonate they perform and protect. Plus, the nose pad and temple ties secure them without turning you into a dork. $209–$259; costadelmar.com
Dakine
Mission Fish Waist Pack 12L
We are big fans of the waist pack. It’s easy to swivel and reach into the pack while you are on the stream, and it keeps all your gear handy for quick changes. Made from recycled nylon and Bluesign-approved material, Dakine’s new fishing fanny pack can handle lots of abuse and has the space to bring all you need to the river. $150; dakine.com
Patagonia
Women’s Swiftcurrent Waders and River Salt Boots
Lightweight (just over 2 pounds) and breathable—and designed with the female shape in mind—these waders are just the ticket when you are going to be spending long days out in the stream. Plus, they are made of recycled polyester and you can trade them in or have them repaired through Patagonia’s Worn Wear program. The River Salt Boots provide plenty of traction on slick rocks but still hike comfortably down the trail. $499 waders, $299 boots; patagonia.com
Redington
Trout Field Kit
This kit gives you all the gear you need to get after it. A 9-foot medium-fast-action rod is easy to cast in various conditions; a Redington Run reel brings ’em in, and Rio Gold trout line completes the set. It’s ideal for beginners. But what about knowledge and skills? Fear not. Parent brand Far Bank just launched a series of learn-to-fish videos hosted by trout whisperer Simon Gawesworth. Pair the lessons with your new kit and slay them. $390; farbank.com
Orvis
CFO III Reel
The 50th-anniversary edition of this standby is not just beautiful but also performs just as well as it did back in 1971 when fly-fishing innovator Stan Bogdan revamped the original design that put Charles Frederick Orvis in the fly-fishing pantheon back in 1874. $328 (3-5 weight); orvis.com
