Happy Holidays from everyone here at Western Rivers! Shopping for an angler like us can be tough, and that's where the
2025 Western Rivers Holiday Gift Guide comes in to play!
We know fly-fishers can be tough to shop for, so our staff has made suggestions for each of 8 categories that describe the angler you're shopping for or the type of gift you would like to find! Follow along for our staff's picks for gifts small to large, for beginners to experts and spanning all price ranges.
We're always here in the shop to help out, make suggestions and bounce ideas off of but if you want to start the brainstorming before stopping by or placing an order, take a look below.
Click a category above or scroll down for gift ideas!
Margie - “An MFC Fly Box surprise” - Pick out a fun and fishy looking MFC box and have an employee pick out a dozen flies for your recipients' local waters.
Bryce: Gift Card for a Private Casting Lesson with Nick Teynor. One of the most common reasons we see a lot of people take up fly fishing is the mesmerizing cast we’ve seen played out on the big screen or a river somewhere. A private casting lesson with our own FFF certified instructor not only gives you a solid foundation on where to start or build in your journey, but puts you way ahead in the overall learning curve when it comes time to hit the water.
Steve: A fly box with an assortment of flies - You can never have enough flies or fly boxes for that matter, especially when you are starting out. Most new flyfishers rarely have enough variety in their fly selection to have a successful day on the water. That said regardless of your ability or where you are in your fly-fishing journey, as I said you can never have enough flies.
Anthony: Patagonia 5L Stealth Switch Pack - This pack is the perfect starter or upgrade item for someone just getting into it, building a kit for themselves and needs organization and simplicity all in one. This pack is a great size, fits all the essentials, without being too complex.
Logan: Patagonia Pheasant Tail Simplicity Fly Box - Along with their new book, Patagonia has put together a selection of flies that the authors enjoy tying and fishing due to their productivity and simplicity. This is an awesome selection of productive flies for beginner and veteran anglers alike.
Garret: Bajio Sunglasses - New anglers often overlook the importance of good polarized sunglasses or don't want to invest in to them despite being one of the most important tools in our kit!
Wilkes: Patagonia Guidewater Backpack: The Guidewater backpack is one of my favorite products we have in the shop. The backpack is completely waterproof keeping all gear inside perfectly dry. One key element that I utilize frequently is its packability. It is comfortable while it's packed full and can be compressed into a smaller package when less stuff is being carried. It's the perfect item for a traveler because it performs incredibly on flights, exploring around, and fishing all across the globe.
Margie: Patagonia Black Hole Cubes - Choose from a ton of different fun colors and sizes (3L, 6L or 14L) for all your traveling needs, great for boots and waders, gear or just personal essentials.
Bryce: Hatch Nomad 2 Pliers - For anyone who’s traveling, whether jungle or saltwater a good pair of pliers with a side cutter is a necessity. These are a perfect gift as most anglers will opt for a budget friendly version, and be pleasantly surprised with these top shelf pliers, as you get what you invest in this particular tool. On each trip I host there’s usually a few who have these Hatch pliers and for those of us lucky enough to have a pair we know they are worth every penny.
As an added stocking stuffer for the angler who travels, regardless of species, the SA Regulator Spool. Numerous times on trips we’ve had to reload lines, swap lines, fix messed up backing, this spool makes the job a breeze and I never leave on a trip without it.
Steve: Winston Air 2 5pc Fly Rod - These new trout 5pc fly rods by Winston are so much more convenient to travel with. They easily fit in most checked luggage, or in the overhead if you are carring the rod on a flight to your next fly-fishing adventure, but that’s not what makes them special. Typical of any Winston, they are simply beautiful rods to fish and cast.
Anthony: Fishpond Tailwater Tying Kit - It’s about to be tying season over the winter months and the Tailwater Tying Kit is the perfect bag to complement any fly tyer. It has ample storage and can fit some of fly tyings larger feathers and materials as well as having dedicated storage for, vice, tools, and thread.
Margie: Patagonia Recycled Wader Tote — Made from used waders the bag is stylish, handy and waterproof!
Bryce: Patagonia W’s Terrebonne Joggers - After gifting my wife a pair, I believe she now has a handful of these joggers. Not only are they a great layer under waders on a warm day or super quick drying for a wet wading session, they are flat out comfy. They also make them for men, so I speak from experience. We’ve purchased several of these to give as gifts as well and whether it’s for on the water, lounging around the house, at the yoga studio, or out on your favorite run they’re sure to be a hit.
Steve: W’s Patagonia R2 Crossstrata Pants - Finally there’s a decent under the wader pant for women. The new R2 Crossstrata will add comfort to a cold weather day on the water on even on the coldest day. They’re also good looking and comfortable enough to be worn on those cool days hanging around outside or when out walking the dog since they are fairly wind resistant.
Anthony: W’s Patagonia R2 Crossstrata Pants - These pants are not only comfortable but they are the perfect layering piece whether you’re out early mornings or on cold days, the R2 fleece is very warm and insulating, an excellent piece for winter time or colder weather.
Logan: W's Patagonia R1 Air Jacket - These are, in my opinion, one of the most comfortable and versatile pieces in the store. They are soft, warm, and breathable and look good enough to wear out!
Blaine: Simms Women's Coldweather Fleece - Fuzzy & warm: two things that I think all women can get behind in a hoody or jacket!
Margie: Loon UV Fly Tying Kit - For precision in those tiny bugs to a nice clear coat on bigger euro nymphs, great kit. Well made and easy to use.
Bryce: Dr. Slick Finishing Scissors - I’ve been tying with these scissors for years, and even though there are lots of great new innovative scissor options out there, you’d be hard pressed to find a more convienent scissor for tying. With the non traditional pinch style setup I find these to be the most comfortable and easiest to leave hooked on my finger throughout spinning up bugs. No more setting scissors down between using and fumbling to get your fingers through loops. For a very reasonable price surprise the tyer in your life with their new favorite pair of scissors.
Steve: Dr. Slick Razor Scissors - These scissors will spoil that fly tyer on your list. Having a good pair of really sharp scissors for tying flies is a game changer. These sissors are truly “razor” sharp and will add to the tier's enjoyment since they cut so cleanly and easily. They are definitly a significant step up in sharpness than what most fly tyers use to tie their flies. Match them with a Smhaen Bobbin and they’ll really be set and appreciative.
Anthony: Loon Rechargeable UV Infiniti Light - Having a UV light is one of the essential tools for any fly tyer, beginner or expert. The light gives you lots of options for sealing your thread on your fly or covering your flies body for extra reinforcement. Being able to recharge your light is also a huge bonus, stop worrying about batteries keep tying more flies!
Logan: Patagonia Pheasant Tail Simplicity Book - This new book from from Yvon Choinard, Craig Matthews & Mauro Mazzo dives in to the many ways to tie with the Pheasant tail feather as well as techniques in which these flies are most productive. A very interesting and well rounded explanation in how to keep your fly tying simple and productive.
Steve: Patagonia R2 Techface Hoody - This piece is a shop favorite. It’s not only good looking, but you’ll be hard pressed just to save it for wearing around town to stay comfortable in cool weather. This R2 Hoodie will definitely find it place on your days on the water, but they’ll definitly make it around the campfire at the end of a good day of fishing.
Margie: Simms Wool Half Finger Gloves - Keep your hands toasty through all the different Utah weather without sacrificing any dexterity!
Bryce: Scientific Anglers "Launch Pad" - This is going to be really niche, but if your buying a gift for an angler who loves to fish saltwater, jungle, carp, or for anything off of a casting platform, the SA Launch Pad is the perfect surprise they didn’t know they needed. Several years ago I was on a trip where 1 of the guides had this on their skiff, and it was a dream, we utilized it constantly. The next couple days on a different boat that didn’t have it, I realized how handy these were. Several of the guys on that same trip came home and we now all travel with one of these rolled up in our kit. There’s not a lot of these out there so it makes it the perfect sneaky gift that probably isn’t on their radar.
Anthony: Patagonia Swiftcurrent Wading Jacket - If you need protection from the wind, rain, snow, or sun, Patagonias wading jacket is light weight, very protective, full of features such as pockets for fly boxes, a net ring for hanging a net, internal organization pockets, and adjustable cuffs to keep the elements out.
Logan: Skwala Thermo 350 Hoody - These wool midlayer pieces from Skwala are 95% merino wool making for a good looking and ultra comfortable layering piece that'll keep you warm on the coldest of days.
Garret: Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Sling Pack - When you're packed for a long day on the water or in a boat, you want to make sure you're prepared ad protected form the elements. Fishpond's Thunderhead series of packs are completely waterproof so your gear, lunch and extra layers stay protected from whatever the day throws at you.
Blaine: Patagonia Swiftcurrent Traverse Waders - The new "Traverse" wader from Patagonia are our favorite waders on the market right now. They are the perfect blend of durability, functionality and value and are the ideal weight for anything from the hottest summer days to the mid winter midge hatches.
Bryce: Taf Shaffer Design Buckles, Bolo Ties, and Cuffs - A friend gifted me a buckle from Taf a few years ago, and not only was it a complete surprise, but one of my most cherished gifts I’ve received. I reached out to Taf a few months later and asked if she’d let us carry some pieces in the shop. Whether you’re wearing it everyday or on special occasions, her pieces are sure to draw compliments and allow that angler in your life to wear their passion around.
Blaine: Hatch Iconic 5+ Custom Artist Series - Hatch reels have been our go-to's for years and what's cooler than an awesome reel in a limited edition custom colorway and design?! These are limited releases so when they're gone, they're gone!
Steve: Patagonia Houdini Jacket - Of all the clothing and jackets we sell in the shop, this is the most utilized jacket that I own. It’ packs up so small, if I’m doing something outside, it comes with me. From chasing steelhead in the fall to tarpon in the Florida Keys, this lightweith, windproof and waterresistent jacket is always with me. I’d can think of all the times the piece has save me from, being wet or cold.
Anthony: Bajio Sunglasses - One thing that most people have but might be due for an upgrade on is quality sunglasses. Bajio sunglasses are full glass lenses, offer a multitude of different frames so you can choose the perfect frame with the perfect lens to boost your fishing game on the water.
Logan: Scott GT Fly Rod - They may have everything but they probably don't have the brand new (as of November '25) fly rod from Scott Fly Rods. The new GT blends modern technology with traditional approach for a light, crisp and presentation oriented rod for western trout waters.
Garret: R.L Winston Bamboo Fly Rod - There is little in the fly-fishing world that is more special than a handmade bamboo fly rod made by Winston in Twin Bridges, Montana. These are functional pieces of craftmanship and art that serve as extremely useful and fun fishing tools!
\Wilkes: Howler Brothers H Bar B Snapshirt - Howler Bros has been creating fashionable and effective fishing apparel out of Austin Texas for the past 15 years. They have an extensive range of technical clothing as well as specific designs. I have been a fan of the Howler Bros snapshirts for some time now due to how lightweight and breathable they are. The soft fabric offers sun protection during the long days in the sun as well as a casual shirt to wear whether it's going to the grocery store or eating dinner. Overall I love the ability to blend fishing apparel and everyday comfort.
Margie: Howler Brothers H Bar B Snapshirt - Stylish on and off the water, the Howler Brothers pearl snap H Bar B Shirt is such a must, especially if you have a dinner date right after you're done fishing, with no time to change clothes because that "last cast" wasn't really your last cast.
Bryce: Patagonia Island Hopper Shirt - Whether it’s traveling, out on the town at dinner, or wearing to the shop daily, this is one of my go to button down shirts. It dresses up for those fancy occasions and can be worn just casually. It’s mostly cotton, so when traveling and jet setting it doesn’t get stinky after a long day on planes, trains, and automobiles.
Anthony: Patagonia R1 Techface Jacket - Fashions meets functionality with this piece from Patagonia, everyone should have something that can be worn as a layering piece under their coats while out fishing but at the same time be able to wear just the jacket when you get back from your adventure and still look nice. The R1 technology allows for breathability and keeps you feeling warm without it being too much.
Logan: MiiR/Western Rivers Traveler Mug - This thing goes everywhere with me. Sitting on the bank of your favorite run on the Provo with a hot coffee or tea is an underrated enjoyment. So is a pre-mixed G&T on the lawn at an outdoor concert (Red Butte for all you locals).
Nick: Skwala Sol Wading Pant - I got a pair of these to wet wade with in the summer and they are so light and comfortable that they quicky became my go-to summer pant for those hot days outside!
Nick: Pocketguide to Western Hatches - This is one of our all time favorite resources for identifying and learning about the bugs we see and expect to see on the waters that we fish. It's great to keep at the Fly Tying desk at home or even in your pack to reference while on the water!
Wilkes: Fishpond Riverkeeper Digital Thermometer - As temperatures across the world continue to rise, water temps throughout the west are consistently rising in the hotter months. A good trout angler is one who prioritized the overall health of the fish. The Fishpond Riverkeeper Digital Thermometer is one of our favorite accessories we have. Its simple design makes it so easy to use while providing accurate reading. One of my favorite things is the built in clip allowing it to be attached to other pieces of gear. My favorite thing to do with the thermometer is to attach it to the end of my net and submerge it to find the most accurate temperature. Its durability and effectiveness make it something that I never leave on a trip without.
Bryce: Fishpond Fly Puck - I started using one of these on my saltwater trips, whenever I change flies or cut one off I throw it in the puck. At the end of each day I give all the flies a rinse in freshwater and set them out to dry. I use it daily on those trips, plus it’s become my catch all fly bin in my trout fishing vest. Makes for a great cheap gift and stocking stuffer that any fly angler can utilize. If you want to make it even better, buy a few special flies to put in it for them.
Steve: Patagonia Natural Sun Hoody - One can never have enough of these. Although most of us just wear these hoodies in the summer months for comfort and sun protection, they are equally as useful as a base layer during the colder months of the year. Personally I prefer to wear these comfortable hoodies to fish and ride my bike in as a layering piece fall, winter and spring.
Anthony: Grayl Ultrapress Water Filter Bottle - These bottles are true game changers when you are out for a long weekend without a constant source of drinkable water. Simply filter any water found in your environment straight through the bottles built in sleeve and filter, which also helps you save on weight in your pack and worry on your mind.
Logan: Fishpond Lariat Gear Straps - These are designed primarily to hold a rod tube to your backpack but these easily secured, strong and stretchy straps are great to have in the kit and come in handy more often than you may think!
