FLY FISHING GEAR CHECKLIST

Packing well is always a challenge and having the right fly fishing gear is essential to having a successful trip. Please refer to our fly fishing checklist before you bring a pile of unnecessary fly fishing gear. We’ve done this for a while, and we know how important some of your fly fishing gear is to you. But save yourself the stress and pack efficiently by keeping in mind that you don’t need to bring it all.We want to make your trip as enjoyable as possible, please do not hesitate to contact us with any additional questions you may have.

WHAT TO BRING ON YOUR FLY FISHING TRIP

GENERAL CHECKLIST:

Packing well for a trip is always a challenge and having the right fly-fishing gear is essential for your success and enjoyment. That said, it is also important to pack efficiently and thoughtfully, and to leave behind the extraneous gear that you will not need. Please refer to our fly-fishing gear checklist before you bring a pile of unnecessary tackle; we’ve done this for a while, and though we know how important some of your favorite gear is to you, we can help you streamline the packing and planning process by helping you leave behind the tackle that you just don’t need to bring.

We want to make your trip as enjoyable as possible, so do not hesitate to contact us with any additional packing questions you may have.

Fly-fishing rod and reel outfit – see length and line weight recommendations for the listed rivers if you have questions. Make sure that fly line is in good working order, clean and free of cracks.
Waders, wading boots, and other personal fishing gear – essentially, the gear that you will you want on your body during the course of the fishing day.
Rain jacket, fully waterproof.
Clothing appropriate for the length of stay. Consider the clothes that you will want to wear fishing, and the clothes that will be comfortable in our relaxed and comfortable lodge setting.
Hat - wide-brimmed, for sun and eye protection.
Polarized sunglasses, ideally with some sort of retainer.
Day pack or fanny pack.
Sunscreen, SPF 20 or higher.
Insect repellant.
Personal medical supplies and prescriptions.
Personal hygiene supplies - toothbrush, shaving kit, hairbrush, etc.
Spare corrective eyewear, glasses, or contact lenses.
Camera or smart phone.
Books and other reading materials.
Compact binoculars.
Bandana or buff.
Flashlight or headlamp with extra batteries.

CLOTHING CHECKLIST

NON-FISHING ATTIRE: Linehan Outfitting lodge and cabin settings are very casual, and no special attire is necessary. Blue jeans, khakis, shorts, casual shirts, fishing shirts are all common. Evenings can get chilly depending on the season, so a fleece or sweater is recommended.
OUTERGARMENTS: Waterproof rain jacket, preferably lightweight and packable. We ask that you always carry this with you! Fishing-specific Gore-tex or similar products are best. Layer for changing weather conditions; we recommend quick-drying synthetic materials such as polyester, nylon, etc. Even though you may be visiting in summer, it’s always a good idea to include a good fleece jacket or similar wind-blocking product. Long-sleeved, quick drying fishing shirts, pants and shorts are recommended; gloves and stocking cap just in case.
UNDERGARMENTS: Long underwear, top and bottom, at least one pair. Mid-weight, quick-drying wool or synthetic is most versatile. For cold weather and days spend wading or floating, we recommend heavyweight underwear or fleece garments under breathable waders.
FOOTWEAR: Sandals are great for float fishing. Neoprene booties and/or non-cotton socks. Technical wool or synthetic fleece socks are the best bet.

FLY FISHING CHECKLIST

RODS AND REELS

8 1/2 or 9-foot rod with 5 or 6 weight floating line is most appropriate and versatile.
3-4 weight rods for small streams.
5-6 weight rods for bigger rivers.
Matching reels and lines.
Sink-tip line on a separate reel or spool.

LEADERS AND TIPPETS

9 to 12-foot tapered leaders work throughout season. Monofilament leaders are fine.
Spools of 3X, 4X, 5X, 6X tippet material.
Most versatile leader is 9-foot 4X.

WADERS AND WADING BOOTS

Lightweight/breathable waders with layers underneath.
Felt-soled wading boots.

OTHER STANDARD GEAR

Fishing vest, hip/chest pack, or other pack type item to hold gear.
Fly floatant, liquid or powder/shake.
Nippers.
Forceps.
Optional - net and wading staff.

MONTANA LICENSE INFORMATION

Montana fishing licenses can be bought very easily at local sporting good stores and other locations around the state and more hunting and fishing information is always available through Montana Fish, Parks, and Wildlife.