Quick-Start Fly Fishing Gear Checklist

☐ 9' 5-weight graphite fly rod (medium-fast action)

💡 We recommend: A graphite rod is the best all-around choice for beginners. Lightweight, responsive, and affordable — perfect for Washington lakes and rivers.

 

☐ Fly reel with sealed disc drag
💡 We recommend: A large arbor reel with a disc drag system for smooth tension control and reliability across species.

 

☐ Weight-forward floating fly line (WF-F)
💡 We recommend: A 5wt Weight Forward Floating line — versatile, forgiving, and ideal for trout in the Pacific Northwest.

 

☐ 75 to 100 yards of Dacron backing

 

☐ 7.5' to 9' tapered leader (4X–5X)

 

☐ Matching tippet (nylon or fluorocarbon)
→ Tip: Match your tippet size to your fly. Smaller flies = thinner tippet (e.g., 5X). Larger flies = thicker tippet (e.g., 3X). Easy fix for better casting.

☐ Breathable stockingfoot chest waders

 

☐ Wading boots with rubber soles (cleats optional)

 

☐ Optional: Felt soles (check local regulations)

 

☐ Optional: Zippered-front waders

💡 We recommend: Zippered waders. If you’re the kind of person who drinks coffee while you fish, you already know why.

☐ Personal flotation device (PFD)

 

☐ Emergency whistle (required on small watercraft)

 

☐ Polarized sunglasses (eye protection + glare reduction)

 

☐ Collapsible wading staff for balance and depth-checking

 

→ Tip: For more, read Stay Safe on the Water: 10 Fly Fishing Safety Tips from Olympic Fly Fishers of Edmonds

☐ Raft, float tube, or pontoon boat (8'+ recommended)

💡 We recommend: A framed pontoon with a raised seat and oarlocks that allow a full, natural stroke. Safer and more efficient for longer distances.

 

☐ Kick fins (snug fit over wading boots)

 

☐ Rod leash (protects gear from loss)

 

☐ Dry bag for valuables

 

☐ Hand or foot pump + repair kit

 

☐ Oars (for pontoon boats — check reach and oarlock height)

☐ Nippers (line trimming)

 

☐ Hemostats or pliers (hook removal, depth gauging)

 

☐ Strike indicators (for subsurface fly detection)

 

☐ Retractors/zingers (keeps tools handy)

 

☐ Dry fly floatant + bottle holder

 

☐ Rescue knife (rust-resistant, one-hand open)

 

☐ Microtrash container (for clipped tippet and packaging)

💡 We recommend: Build a starter box with versatile, proven patterns in multiple sizes. Focus on flies that catch fish in a wide range of water types, such as...

 

☐ Parachute Adams – dry fly

 

☐ Elk Hair Caddis – dry fly

 

☐ Stimulator – attractor dry fly

 

☐ Hare’s Ear – nymph

 

☐ Pheasant Tail – nymph

 

☐ Prince Nymph – attractor nymph

 

☐ Pat’s Rubber Legs – stonefly nymph

 

☐ Woolly Bugger – streamer

 

☐ Zebra Midge – midge pattern

 

☐ San Juan Worm – attractor

 

☐ Egg Pattern – spawn imitation​