Because trout don’t care if it’s cold, wet, or miserable—so neither do we.
Winter’s on its way out, but the rivers don’t wait.
Snowmelt rolls down from the hills, turning trickles into current.
The water’s cold, the banks are muddy, and the first bugs of the year start to hatch.
It’s the signal—spring is here, and the fish are waking up.
Trout start to move again, rising in slow water and chasing streamers in the deep.
And if you’re the kind of angler who’s been watching the forecast and checking water levels all winter—you already know it’s time.
You’ll deal with cold hands, wet gear, and weather that changes by the hour.
Because this is when it all kicks off. The first casts, the first takes, the first fish of the season.
Here’s the gear that gets it done when spring hits and the rivers come alive.
The Core Fly Fishing Kit
Rod & Reel
👉 Rod: Echo Carbon XL 9’ 5wt – Light, versatile, forgiving. Solid for beginners or vets (Consider a 3wt for the smaller streams and fish!).
👉 Reel: Redington Rise or Lamson Liquid – Smooth drag, sealed bearings, won’t cry in the rain.
👉 Line: Rio Gold WF5F – A good all-around line that casts clean in variable conditions.
Flies (Spring Hatch Box)
👉 BWOs, Midges, Caddis, Stonefly Nymphs: Zebra Midge, Pheasant Tail, Elk Hair Caddis, RS2s
💡 Pro tip: Match the hatch, but have attractors. Fish aren’t always smart, but they are always hungry.
Tippet & Leader
👉 9’ 4x and 5x leaders
👉 Tippet spools (4x–6x) – Rio or Orvis SuperStrong
Apparel: Spring is Wet, Cold, and Sneaky
👍 Waders: Simms Freestone or Orvis Clearwater – Not ultralight, but bomber and built to last. Don’t cheap out here.
👍 Wading Boots: Korkers with interchangeable soles – Great for varied terrain, especially slippery spring rock.
👍 Rain Shell: Outdoor Research Helium AscentShell – Light, packable, actually breathable.
👍 Base Layers: Merino wool top & bottom – stays warm when soaked and won’t stink like synthetics. Go with Smartwool or Icebreaker.
👍 Insulation: Patagonia Nano Puff or Arc’teryx Atom LT – Light warmth for pre-dawn starts or cold fronts.
👍 Hat & Gloves:Brimmed hat to cut glare, fleece gloves with fold-over fingers. Dexterity + warmth = win.
Utility Kit
🎯 Pack or Sling: Fishpond Summit Sling or Patagonia Stealth Pack – Enough space for fly box, snacks, water, and layers.
🎯 Forceps, Nippers, Floatant: All the little stuff that saves your day. Don’t forget Gink, a zinger, and a spare tippet ring.
🎯 Net: Nomad Hand Net – Lightweight, carbon/fiberglass, doesn’t spook fish or absorb funk.
🎯 Dry Bag (small): For phone, keys, and that sandwich you don’t want tasting like river.
⚠️ Bonus Gear for Spring Conditions
☕️ Thermos of hot coffee or broth – moral support in liquid form (cold beer for those warmer days 🍻)
🐑 Towel in the car – you’ll need it.
🦟 Bug spray & sunscreen – spring means all kinds of bites.
🩹 Small first aid kit – barbed hooks love flesh.