Equipment List

I am happy to provide this info to make sure you are equipped properly. This is my standard list for first timers so bear with me on the details.

WADERS: Stocking foot breathable waders with suspenders and belt. Prices range from $120 to $400. You can get a serviceable comfortable wader for around $140.

BOOTS: Felt sole wading boots are a must. Make sure they are comphy as you will live in them for a while. Some of you may prefer felt soles and studs.

CLOTHES: This is the most important aspect. You HAVE to be comfortable to enjoy yourself so it is best to be prepared. Weather can and will be variable. Even though we expect early fall-late summer type weather, rain and high winds are very probable. Also the temperature can drop very fast so the layered approach is best. The van will always be close by and the guides can carry an extra windbreaker during the day. I like flannel shirts, a good rain/wind jacket, a fleece jacket and have a heavy fly-fishing jacket if the cold sets in. For your legs get some fleece pants to put under the waders. Thermal undies of whickering material provide good protections and keep you dry and good heavy socks are a good idea.

RODS: If you are limited to one rod, take a 6 wt. Medium to Fast Action 7½” to 8”. One floating line and one sinking or sinking tip line. If you can manage to take two rods, I would also take a 3 or 4 wt. rod. We will be fishing spring creeks and dry fly waters where a light-weight rod will be a delight to fish. But you also will be needing to throw streamers into lakes and across hefty rivers so a 6 or 7 wt. will be required. A sinking line (I prefer a Teeny 200) is a must to fish lake shorelines and deep runs in order to get your fly down. Most rods in the market are good enough; you don’t have to hock your wife’s jewelry. Only very experience casters can appreciate and use the functionalities and niceties of an expensive rod.
You just need something to get the fly in the water.


REEL: a simple reel with good drag and space for fly line and 150 ft. of backing. A second spool is recommended so you can change from floating to sinking lines readily. How good should the drag be? It depends on how fast you can run in waders!


FLIES: Basic patterns and sizes that you must have (highlighted items means heavy use). You should have at least two of each and perhaps four of the highlighted sizes.

Dry Flies:

Patterns Sizes

Yellow Humpys 16,18
Parachute Adams 16,18,20
Irresistibles 18, 20
Emerger 16,18
Tan Elk caddis 14,16
Caddis emerger 16
Royal Wulff 16, 18
Orange stimulators 8,14
Madame X 8,12
Trude 14

Nymphs

Hare's Ear 14,16
Prince 14,16
Bead Head Prince 14,16
Pheasant Tail 16,18
Bead Head Ph. Tail 14,16
Bead Head Caddis 14
Caddis Larva or pupa 16,18

Streamers

Wooly Bugger black 4,8 (Also in bead heads)
Wooly bugger olive 4,8 (Also in Bead heads)
Muddler Black 6,10
Sculpin 6
Flash Wooly buggers 4,8 Olive or green

And any other thing that you can throw into the drink. Again, I highly recommend that you place an order with the guides down in Patagonia for a hot assortment based on their experience. Besides getting the flies, this commits them to make sure you catch fish and they will provide some flies of their own if necessary to insure that you do.

FLY BOX: Get a good fly box. Because of the wind, it is better to get the ones that have individual compartments for the dry flies and a flat foam part for the streamers and nymphs.

LEADERS: Tapered leaders in 9 ft. Length. Get one 0X, One 3X and One 5X.

TIPPET MATERIAL: A good set of tippet spools in all sizes from 1X down

GLASSES: Polarized glasses are a must. Get polarized covers for your prescription glasses. Also if you have bad reading eyesight as I do, good cheap reading glasses (in case they fall into the drink) are a must. I like the new inserts that you can attach to the inside of your sunglasses to provide a combination that is tailored to your needs. They will have them at the outfitters or a good Drugstore.

VEST: You need to carry the stuff with you. If you do not have a fishing vest, I have a couple of lightly used ones that I can let you use. They may not close on you but will do the trick.

You will also need: LINE CLIPPERS, FORCEPS OR A KETCHUM RELEASE TOOL, DRY FLY FLOATANT (GINK), RETRACTOR REEL OR CLIPS to hang things from your vest.

IMPORTANT: The guides will have their stuff and I have extra of everything so whatever you do not get, we can still get by. Waders, boots clothes and flies you need to have.

Suggested Catalog links:

L.L.Bean
The Fly Shop
Cabela's -- Fly Fishing
Dan Bailey Homepage
Orvis -- Fly Fishing