Fly-Fishing Gear Reviews

Patagonia's Cotton Steersman Shirt

On your bod Patagonia's cotton Steersman shirt, because, seriously, technical wear for a fishing shirt? patagonia.com

Fishpond San Juan Vertical Chest Pack

For day trips, Fishpond's San Juan Vertical Chest Pack fits two fly boxes and a flask—more than you need, unless you need a guide. fishpondusa.com

Orvis Mirage Large Arbor

Mount your big sticks with Orvis's bombproof Mirage Large Arbor. orvis.com

Sage Z-Axis

If you have fine taste—or at least think you do—consider Sage's nine-foot, five weight Z-axis, which is remarkably smooth for a fast-action rod, and accurately dropped tiny midges to eager 16-inch rainbows and browns on Colorado's Frying Pan River. sageflyfish.com

Ross Evolution LT Reel

Mount your light rods with Ross's 4.2-ounce large-arbor Evolution LT reel. rossreels.com

Simms Rivershed Boot

Swap out your parasite-infested felt soles for Simms's Vibram-soled Rivershed Boot, which won't infect other rivers. You barbarian. simmsfishing.com

Simms G3 Guide Pant

Tuck your fisherman's shirt into Simms's Gore-Tex G3 Guide Pant. simmsfishing.com

Temple Fork Lefty Kreh Finesse

Temple Fork's stiff yet delicate six-foot-nine, one-weight Lefty Kreh Finesse drops flies through small slots in the foliage and leaves little excuse for not starting a quiver. templeforkflyrods.com

Winston Boron

For high-sticking dries into open mouths on the far bank, we prefer the new ten-foot, four-weight addition to Winston's Boron series—it's stiffer than some of the company's other models but still features that classic buttery feel. winstonrods.com