Packing List: Fly-Fishing

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Which Fly Works Best?

Ask a hundred grizzled anglers this question and you're likely to hear one name pop up more than any other: The Woolly Bugger. In terms of sheer pounds of trout tricked, the Woolly Bugger ranks as a serious contender for the title of all-time champ.

What does it imitate? Some say a baitfish. Others argue a nymph or a crayfish. Then again, perhaps it mimics a hot dog laden with condiments. The important thing is that it works.

When dry flies or nymphs won't produce, tie on a Woolly Bugger and swing it through a juicy-looking run. Retrieve your line with quick six-inch strips and brace yourself for an electrifying strike. Your odds of a catch increase if you fish Buggers during the low-light periods just before dawn and just after sunset.

As for sizes and colors, you've got a wide spectrum to choose from, but it's hard to go wrong with #10s and #12s in classic black. And a bonus: It's one of the easiest patterns to tie.

Get Geared Up

Want specific gear recommendations? Visit GEARZILLA, GORP's gear blog for all things travel, outdoor, and active.

Cold-Weather Clothing

• Microfiber or wool long underwear (top and bottom)
• Midweight fleece jacket
• Breathable wading jacket or rain jacket
• Wool hat or wind-blocking fleece hat (balaclava for really cold weather)
• Neoprene fingerless gloves (improves dexterity)
• Heavyweight wool socks
• Waders (neoprene or breathable with fleece pants)
• Wading boots

Warm-Weather Clothing

• Brimmed hat
• Microfiber casting shirt (or other light and cool shirt)
• Microfiber shorts
• Lightweight merino wool socks
• Breathable waders
• Wading boots (or wading sandals for "wet wading" when it's really warm)

Fishing Gear

• Rod and rod tube
• Reel
• Line
• Flies
• Fly boxes
• Leaders
• Spools of tippet (sizes 3X-6X common)
• Floatant
• Wading belt
• Wading staff (for stability in strong currents)
• Fishing vest or pack
• Net (with soft nylon mesh for safe catch and release)
• Quick-release lanyard for net
• Polarized sunglasses and floating security line
• Headlamp, pinch light, or small flashlight
• Nippers
• Forceps
• Stream thermometer
• Strike indicators
• Zingers (allows for quick access to tools)
• Camera (waterproof, single-use variety is an economical option)
• Sunscreen
• Insect repellent
• Water bottles/hydration pack
• Fishing-specific bag or pack with waterproof compartment for boots, mesh bag for waders, reel pockets, etc.