Fall is when fly fishing starts to get serious again.
Cooler water, fewer people, and hungry trout make it worth taking a hard look at your gear before heading out. This isn’t about replacing everything in the garage; it’s about upgrading the pieces that actually make a difference. Replace that beat-up fly line, rebuild your leaders, restock tippet, and go through the fly boxes. Make sure the waders aren’t leaking, and the boots still have enough bite for slick North Georgia rocks. If you’ve been fishing the same entry-level rod and reel for a few years, this is also a good time to upgrade. A better 4- or 5-weight setup with a quality floating line will give you better presentation, more control, and enough backbone when a good fish decides to head downstream.
Then focus on the little things that actually help put fish in the net. A good pair of polarized glasses is worth every penny, as is a quality rubber net that’s easy to reach when you need it. Add fresh nippers, floatant, indicators, split shot, and a tippet holder that keeps everything organized instead of buried in a vest pocket. I’d also make sure you have a good waterproof pack and lightweight layers you can stuff inside when the afternoon warms up. None of this needs to be complicated.
The goal is simple: eliminate the little gear problems that cost you time on the water, and make sure that when a good trout finally eats, you have everything you need to get trout in the net. Here’s what I recommend:
From Top Left:
1. Emerger Cameron Side Bag: I’ve been using this bag for a couple of seasons, and my love for this bag grows more and more every trip. It’s a bigger bag, so it’s great for long days or fishing after a long hike. It’ll hold a lot. It’s extremely well made, wears well, and will last WAY longer than I need it to.
2. Smith Barra Polarized Sunglasses: Invest in a good, lightweight pair of sunglasses that reduce glare and provide that crisp, polarized view. I like something with some side blockers to cut out the wind.
3. Orvis Pro HD Underwader Pants: I can’t recommend these enough. Just the right thickness to wear like some joggers, but all the functionality you need on cold to chilly mornings (add a tight layer underneath when it’s REALLY cold and you’ll be fine).
4. Ball and Buck Active Anorak: Super high-quality anorak with all the right pockets. The Ball and Buck Active line is prime tech, and it works.
5. Poncho Stonington Flannel Shirt: The best working flannels on the market. They have just enough stretch to allow any movement, and are thick enough to provide warmth. The patterns are out of this world. Totally worth the investment.
6. Duck Camp Terrain Guard Softshell Vest: I like the way Duck Camp is going. Their camo patterns are killer, but I’ve seen the functionality of their designs make some smart strides over the past few seasons. This soft shell vest is a prime example: great weight/colors/etc., but the pocket designs, the side stretch, and the high neck are exactly what you want when you are out in the stream.
7. Yakoda Supply Nippers: Super cool. This is a one-time buy. They’ll last forever.
8. Flypond Yampa Hand Net: I’ve tried a lot of different nets, and I always come back to Fishpond. They’ve got it figured out.
9. Yakoda Supply Utility Pouch: For the quicker trips. A well-designed smaller bag that hooks to your waders or can be strapped to your waist. Holds everything you need and doesn’t get in the way. Very grab-and-go.
10. Smartwool OTC Merino Socks: Do not forget your feet! I’ve had to cut fishing trips short because my feet were freezing. I always round up on socks: go one level thicker than I think I’ll need. And Smartwool is my go-to.
11. Loop Strom 9′ 4wt Rod: You’ve got a 3 wt and a 5 wt…and you’ve been eyeing that 4wt. I’m here to tell you, it’s a GO-TO for me up in North Georgia and Western North Carolina. Tough enough to sling some small- to medium-sized streamers and delicate enough for nymphs and dries. A true utility player.
12. Benchmade Mini Adira Knife: I always have a Benchmade clipped to me when I’m fishing. There are 25 reasons I think I’ll need it, and 10X reasons I haven’t thought of yet. But when I’m out there, I need something dependable and sharp. Benchmade checks those boxes. And I always get a bright color, as it’s easy to spot if I drop it in the water.
13. Skwala Carbon Wading Boots: I’ve been a Simms G3 Guide Boots wearer for years. I love them, but they get a little heavy for my quick trips. These new boots from Skwala are built for speed. They are SUPER light and a great option.
What did I miss?
