GEAR FOR WESTERN TROUT FISHING
MONTANA FLY FISHING EQUIPMENT LIST
PREPARE FOR YOUR TRIP TO MONTANA
From the famous Blackfoot River featured in A River Runs Through It to the Madison River, Yellowstone, and more. Our curated selection of Montana fly fishing gear has tested over generations of anglers and guides who work for our Missoula fly shop. Shop the gear below, be prepared, and make the most of your next trip to fly fish in Montana.
FLY RODS
Here are our recommendations on what to bring:
- Small Dry Fly: 9' 4-weight or 5-weight for long leaders and delicate presentations
- Dry Fly/Nymph: 9' 5-weight or 6-weight for windy days and stoneflies or terrestrials
- Streamer: 9' 6-weight or 7-weight
FLY REELS
Ensure that your reel has a capacity of at least 100 yards of 20 lb. backing. Here are our recommendations:
FLY Lines
- Small Dry Fly: 4-weight or 5-weight weight forward presentation floating line
- Large Dry Fly/Nymph: 5-weight or 6-weight oversized floating fly line
- Sinking Streamer Line: 6-weight full sink line (200-300gr)
LEADERS & TIPPET
- Leaders: 9' tapered leaders in 3x - 5x (2-3 of each size). Additional 1x leaders for streamers.
- Tippet: 1x - 6x in both nylon/monofilament and fluorocarbon. Typically, 3-5x for dry flies and nymphs, 1-2x for streamers.
Destination Fly Assortments
These fly assortments have been hand selected by our staff and guides from decades of experience on Montana's famed waters.
DRY FLIES
While each season varies and different flies will be necessary month-to-month or even weekly, here is a general list of flies to bring during peak fishing season. For more information, visit our Montana fly fishing hatch chart.
- Large Dry Flies: Chubby Chernobyl, Plan B, Hoppers, Chernobyl Ants, Stimulators, Humpies, Wulffs, PMX (Sizes #8-12)
- Small Dry Flies: Tan and Olive Caddis (#12-16), Parachute Adams, Purple Haze, Emergers, Cripples (#14- 20)
Nymphs
- Frenchies, Rubberlegs or T.J. Hookers, Pheasant Tail, Guide's Choice, Hare's Ear, Perdigons, Spanish Bullet, San Juan Worms
Streamers
- Conehead Buggers, Sparkle Minnows, Leeches, Galloup's Dungeon (make sure to bring articulated patterns both thin and bushy)
APPAREL
Depending on your trip timing, you could be wet wading or fishing in waders and puffy jackets. Always check the weather forecast, dress in layers, and be prepared for the conditions.
WADING
Depending on your trip, you could be floating in a drift boat on big rivers or wading small creeks, and everything in between. A sturdy pair of wading boots and reliable waders are a must-bring for any Montana fly fishing trip.
Fishing & Travel Packs
While you'll need a travel bag to carry your clothes and fishing gear, we recommend having a bag and/or wading pack for use in the boats to organize flies, leaders, tippet, and your essentials like sunscreen, tools, etc.
Tools & Accessories
From pliers to nippers and more. It's good to have a few useful tools on hand.
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Our satisfaction is our top priority, which is why we proudly stand behind every product with our 100% satisfaction guarantee. From fly lines to wading shoes and rods, we’ll ensure you have the right gear—if it’s not a perfect fit, we’ll exchange, credit, or refund to make it right.
HOSTED FLY FISHING TRAVEL
Travel with the Hackle crew and explore pristine fly fishing destinations all over the world. From Bristol Bay to the flats of Espiritu De Santo and so much more. When you travel with our team, we'll take care of the crucial travel details so you can focus on practicing your double haul or unwinding after a long day on the water.
VIEW HOSTED TRIPSMONTANA'S PREMIER FLY FISHING SHOP
HAVE A QUESTION?
Need help planning for your destination fishing trip or want to talk shop with the crew at the Hackle? Contact us today and a member of team will be happy to assist you so you can make the most of your time on the water.
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