Unlike coarse anglers and, to a lesser extent, those who go in pursuit of trout in lakes and reservoirs, stream and river fly fishers are wanderers, and must go lightly laden. One of the best fly fishers we know, carries nothing but a rod, a few flies stuck into a sheepskin patch pinned to his shirt and a spare spool of tippet nylon in his pocket.
Few of us would choose to fish as sparsely equipped as that, but the example is a valuable one. Wear a fishing waistcoat if you will — it will enable you to carry everything you need neatly stored and ready to hand — but creels, fishing bags, picnic baskets, fish basses and suitcases full of flies have no place at the riverside.
Which is not to say that we should not take with us what we need or that we can get away with ill chosen or ill matched fishing tackle. Good, well balanced equipment is essential both to confidence and to consistent success (the two go hand in hand), and two of the great benefits of river fly fishing are that we need relatively little fishing tackle and that even the very best is not outrageously expensive.
It might seem logical to choose a rod first and then to match the fly line or lines to it. In fact, it is not. The weight and profile of the line to be used is dictated by the size and nature of the water we mean to fish, and the line should therefore be chosen first, a suitable tool subsequently being matched to it.
Clothes worn for fly fishing should be warm, comfortable, waterproof and, above all, unobtrusive to the fish. In all but the coldest weather, we generally recommend wearing a fishing waistcoat over a shirt or pullover. In its back pocket, we keep a very light and compact but fully waterproof nylon anorak.
When considering the colour and shade of clothing, it is important to take account of the kind of background against which you will be fishing. On open water, where the fish will see you against the sky, light grey or blue may be appropriate.
Where you are likely to be fishing chiefly against a background of trees and bushes, mid- to dark brown or green will be more suitable. For grayling fishing on crisp autumn and winter days, we would even encourage an inelegant but highly practical camouflaged parachute jacket.
A broad-brimmed hat is an almost essential part of the fly fisher’s equipment. Apart from keeping one warm and helping to protect one’s head from fast-moving flies, the brim shades the eyes from the sun and, with the help of polaroid glasses, makes seeing into the water very much easier.
Finally, waders should be reasonably robust and, most important, they should provide as secure a foothold as possible in the types of river you expect to fish. Those with cleated soles similar to the ones found on Wellington boots simply will not do when wet and slippery stones and rocks have to be negotiated; indeed, they can be positively dangerous.
Felt soles are said to be much better. Our personal preference is for waders with thick, semi-rigid, studded soles, which have proved safe on most surfaces.
Start with a moisture-wicking base layer to pull sweat away from skin, then add an insulating mid layer that traps warmth without bulk—a fleece or synthetic blend works well both on exposed shorelines and along riverbanks. Cap the system with a lightweight, breathable shell treated for DWR to shed spray or unexpected drizzle. Focus on materials such as polyester microfleece and nylon ripstop that dry fast and resist odor; these fabrics keep anglers comfortable during long shore-stalking sessions. Packable layers are vital for fluctuating weather; a compressible vest or hoodie can stow in a vest pocket until a wind shift calls for extra warmth. Prioritize stretch-woven panels in elbows and knees to maintain casting mobility while staying dry even after a quick wade.
Stormy-weather fishing demands sealed seams and breathability to avoid the sauna effect inside your gear. Opt for hardshell jackets rated 20K/20K for waterproofness and breathability, featuring taped or welded seams to block rain without trapping sweat. Complement with waterproof pants with articulated knees and adjustable cuffs to keep splash out while casting from wet banks. Look for packs with drainage ports and waterproof zippers—these keep tackle dry and ready whether a squall hits mid-trip or you’re crossing a swollen creek. Ventilation options such as pit zips or mesh-lined pockets help regulate heat. Check for lightweight, hydrophobic materials advertised for river and rough weather use to ensure comfort and protection all stormy day.
Spring’s cool mornings mean layering with a thermal base and breathable fleece, plus a wind-blocking vest for shoreline fishing. When temperatures climb, shift to moisture-wicking synthetic shirts with built-in UPF for sun protection, paired with convertible pants that ventilate and zip off into shorts. Summer calls for sandals or airy wading shoes, long-sleeve sun shirts, and wide-brim hats to balance ventilation with sun safety. Don’t forget lightweight rain shells ready for sudden storms that pepper southern rivers; pack them in your belt or vest. Transitioning into fall, reintroduce insulating layers, heavier socks, and quick-dry gloves. Target fabrics tagged for “seasonal fishing” or “thermo-regulating performance wear” so your clothing itinerary always matches the forecast.
Polarized sunglasses are non-negotiable for spotting fish and protecting eyes from glare; choose lenses with scratch-resistant coatings and hydrophobic treatments that keep vision sharp. Neck gaiters offer multi-use sun, wind, and insect protection—opt for breathable, quick-dry blends in angler-friendly prints. Smart storage solutions like modular vest pockets or waterproof sling packs let you stash fly boxes, tippets, and small tools without sacrificing mobility. Consider magnetic zipper pulls and interior compartments sized for forceps or strike indicators. Don’t overlook lightweight wading belts with D-rings for landing nets or retractable tippet holders. These accessories keep your fly fishing kit organized and ready so you can focus on the drift, not untangling gear.
Stocking-foot waders pair with wading boots for superior ankle support and are ideal for technical river crossings where rock gripping matters; their slim profile excels in fast streams. Bootfoot waders simplify donning, saving prep time for shoreline anglers who value convenience over aggressive traction. Chest waders extend higher up the torso, providing better insulation on cold-water days and preventing water ingress when navigating deep pools or swollen rivers. Match neoprene thickness and seam construction to your temperature range and mobility needs, and always check for reinforced cuffs to resist abrasion on jagged rocks. Lightweight breathable materials keep you agile while ensuring breathability; taped seams prevent leaks no matter which wader silhouette you choose.
Fast rivers demand agile clothing that resists snags and dries quickly; look for ripstop fabrics with abrasion resistance across thighs and knees. Layer with smooth, low-profile garments that slide over rocks rather than catching, and prioritize reinforced cuffs to stop burrs from shredding your gear. Bright, contrast colors help partners spot you in moving water, while reflective trims boost visibility near fast currents. Wading boots with aggressive soles pair with slim, elastic cuffs on pants to keep debris out. Keep a compact, waterproof jacket within reach so sudden current-driven spray doesn’t soak your tackle bag. Focus on motion-friendly silhouettes labeled “river ready” for tackle clothing engineered to balance protection, dexterity, and ease of movement on churning banks.
Post: Fishing Tackle & Clothing For The Job
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