The Fly-Fishing Essentials of 2015

Published: May 14, 2015

Be better equipped, catch more fish.—Nick Kelley

(Photo: Michael Karsh)

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Be better equipped, catch more fish.
—Nick Kelley

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Howler Brothers Gaucho shirt

This lightweight, quick-drying cotton-poly pearl-snap ($80) kept us cool on blazing summer days. And with an extra touch of embroidery, it seamlessly transitioned from river to taco stand.

This lightweight, quick-drying cotton-poly pearl-snap shirt ($80) kept us cool on blazing summer days. And with an extra touch of embroidery, it seamlessly transitioned from river to taco stand. howlerbros.com — This lightweight, quick-drying cotton-poly pearl-snap ($80) kept us cool on blazing summer days. And with an extra touch of embroidery, it seamlessly transitioned from river to taco stand.
(Michael Karsh)

Sage Accel 590-4 rod

The medium-fast ($595) is ideal for throwing tiny dry flies. It’s our new favorite for sneaking out to fish the evening caddis hatch.

The medium-fast Accel ($595) is ideal for throwing tiny dry flies. It’s our new favorite for sneaking out to fish the evening caddis hatch. sageflyfish.com — The medium-fast ($595) is ideal for throwing tiny dry flies. It’s our new favorite for sneaking out to fish the evening caddis hatch.
(Michael Karsh)

Montana Fly Company Artist Series flask

There are a number of ways to salute the fun of catching big fish on hoppers, but our favorite is a swig from a stainless-steel ($30). The artisans at Columbia Falls–based Montana Fly Company produce 59 designs per year, from Johnny Cash holding a redfish to hook-jawed browns.

There are a number of ways to salute the fun of catching big fish on hoppers, but our favorite is a swig from a stainless-steel flask ($30). The artisans at Columbia Falls–based Montana Fly Company produce 59 designs per year, from Johnny Cash holding a redfish to hook-jawed browns. montanafly.com — There are a number of ways to salute the fun of catching big fish on hoppers, but our favorite is a swig from a stainless-steel ($30). The artisans at Columbia Falls–based Montana Fly Company produce 59 designs per year, from Johnny Cash holding a redfish to hook-jawed browns.
(Michael Karsh)

Cheeky Fly Fishing Boost 350 reel

Cheeky’s 5.1-ounce ($219) won’t tire your arm, and the drag system can handle the hardest-fighting rainbows.

Cheeky’s 5.1-ounce 350 ($219) won’t tire your arm, and the drag system can handle the hardest-fighting rainbows. cheekyflyfishing.com — Cheeky’s 5.1-ounce ($219) won’t tire your arm, and the drag system can handle the hardest-fighting rainbows.
(Michael Karsh)

Howler Brothers Silver King hat

A cap may be the most important piece in a fisherman’s kit. This foam-lined canvas ($27) conforms to your noggin and shields you from the sun.

A cap may be the most important piece in a fisherman’s kit. This foam-lined canvas snap-back ($27) conforms to your noggin and shields you from the sun. howlerbros.com — A cap may be the most important piece in a fisherman’s kit. This foam-lined canvas ($27) conforms to your noggin and shields you from the sun.
(Michael Karsh)

Simms Surf shorts

Summer is the time to fish in shorts. The ($50) features a microfiber-poly fabric that sheds water, dries fast, and has a healthy amount of mobility. The cargo pocket holds a fly box and tippet.

Summer is the time to fish in shorts. The Surf ($50) features a microfiber-poly fabric that sheds water, dries fast, and has a healthy amount of mobility. The cargo pocket holds a fly box and tippet. simmsfishing.com — Summer is the time to fish in shorts. The ($50) features a microfiber-poly fabric that sheds water, dries fast, and has a healthy amount of mobility. The cargo pocket holds a fly box and tippet.
(Michael Karsh)

Brodin Landing Nets Phantom Gallatin

The ($85) uses the same plastic as baby bottles, which means it lacks the carcinogens of standard nets. Small enough to fit on your back, but big enough to bring in a trophy. ��

The Phantom ($85) uses the same plastic as baby bottles, which means it lacks the carcinogens of standard nets. Small enough to fit on your back, but big enough to bring in a trophy. brodin.com — The ($85) uses the same plastic as baby bottles, which means it lacks the carcinogens of standard nets. Small enough to fit on your back, but big enough to bring in a trophy.
(Michael Karsh)

Fishpond Chaco Z/2 sandals

The ’s ($110) Vibram sole sticks to wet rocks even in a ripping current, and the webbing dries quickly—our feet warmed up in minutes.

The Z/2’s ($110) Vibram sole sticks to wet rocks even in a ripping current, and the webbing dries quickly—our feet warmed up in minutes. fishpondusa.com — The ’s ($110) Vibram sole sticks to wet rocks even in a ripping current, and the webbing dries quickly—our feet warmed up in minutes.
(Michael Karsh)

Fishpond Westwater Roll Top pack

Hip packs work for nearby excursions, but to access wilderness streams you’ll need capacity. At 36 liters, the ($150) swallows fishing gear plus camping supplies. And the recycled nylon fends off the densest thickets.

Hip packs work for nearby excursions, but to access wilderness streams you’ll need capacity. At 36 liters, the Westwater ($150) swallows fishing gear plus camping supplies. And the recycled nylon fends off the densest thickets. fishpondusa.com — Hip packs work for nearby excursions, but to access wilderness streams you’ll need capacity. At 36 liters, the ($150) swallows fishing gear plus camping supplies. And the recycled nylon fends off the densest thickets.
(Michael Karsh)

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Lead Photo: Michael Karsh

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