Chasing bugs and hatches around the west with our fly rods in tow is a game of variables and small margins. Showing up prepared, feeling well-equipped and dialed-in is a must. Whether we're looking for bugs on larger western rivers such as the Green or the Henry's Fork, or wading freestone mountain streams our; our tackle is going to be specific to the situation. Take a look below for our favorite products and the gear that we trust for when it comes time to hunt for heads & hatches.
I want to impress, also, that personal preference weighs in to so much of this and choices in tackle often boil down to what feels right to you.
What can you fish comfortably and confidently? Take your time to cast and select a rod to fit your needs. We're here 7 days a week and will always be excitied to step outside and compare rods before investing in your next stick.
For us here in Utah, we’re fishing primarily small to medium sized water and if you asked most any of us here in the shop what our go to rod is for fishing dry flies, you’re likely going to hear some flavor of 4wt. Rods like the R.L. Winston Pure II or WT “Tom Morgan Favorite”, Scott G-Series, or Sage Classic R8 are more traditional, slower casting rods that lend themselves to delicately presenting dry flies to rising trout. All of these come in lengths that can be tailored to the size water you’re fishing. 7'9", 8’, 8’3”, 8’6”, 8’8” or 9” lengths are available amongst these rod series and all have their own personalities. Another option not to be overlooked is fiberglass, known for it's extremely slow action, excels in short casting and in-close fishing situations.
Utah’s Green River as well as the world class waters of our neighboring states such as the Henry’s Fork, Madison River, South Fork of the Snake or Yellowstone are famous for a reason. Fishing hatches on these bigger pieces or water often demand more out of our tackle and 9’ 5wt & 6wt rods are commonly preferred for fishing larger bugs, longer leaders, wind and [sometimes] bigger fish. Rod series such as the Sage R8 Core, R.L. Winston Air II, and Scott Centric are designed with more backbone for these situations, though still versatile and lightweight in hand.
Are you making a 15’ cast or a 45’ cast? Are you throwing a 7.5’ 4x leader or a 14’ 6x leader? A #Mo8 foam Salmonfly or a #16 PMD? Fly line tapers are all over the board now adays and these are the questions I’m going to ask before making a decision as to which line to pair with which rod, and which fishing scenario. Slower casting rods and delicate presentations prefer true to industry standard weight fly lines and longer or double tapers such as the Rio Technical Trout or the Scientific Anglers Amplitude Trout. Faster action fly rods, larger flies, wind and weight are variables that may call for heavier fly line tapers. Half size or full size heavy fly lines such as the Scientific Anglers Infinity or MPX tapers, Rio Gold XP & Rio Gold Max.
Let’s be honest here, we’re trout fishing. The modern day fly reel is far over built for what we’re doing out there. That being said, I’m looking to invest in products that are not built cheaply and are going to last for a lifetime of chasing fish and pulling line. Hatch Reels are amongst the sturdiest out there and the Hardy heritage series reels such as the Perfect or Lightweight Series are staff favorites for their simple, functional and timeless drag systems & aesthetics. Lamson offers solid reels across all price points, all equipped with the same drag system that has worked great for decades. You’ll notice across all of the reels that we carry the lack of plastic parts and small pieces that are destined to fail. Get something that you don’t have to worry about for years to come.
I would say that the two things that will get me to turn around if I’ve forgotten them are a sufficient supply of floatant and good quality polarized glasses. Otherwise, I’m always carrying a thermometer to look for those magic temps. This helps me gauge the likeliness of a hatch and taking notes to compare against other seasons builds my experience banks to plans in seasons to come. Leaders and tippet to adapt to any situation, and well stocked fly boxes with all of the bugs are also essentials.
It just so happens that most major western hatches occur in two of the hottest months of the year, so dress appropriately. Sun protection, quick dry bottoms, good boots for long days, and more. Here are some of our favorite pieces of gear to stay comfortable on the water.
