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Fly fishing is a gear-intensive sport. Rods, reels, waders, packs, flies, and hundreds of other little gadgets help anglers find fish, cast to fish, and catch fish. But this long list of equipment can make shopping for fly fishers difficult, especially if you don't fish yourself. So, we rounded up the best gift ideas for every type of fly angler to help you out.
Below, you'll find many fly fishing essentials, but we also included some off-the-water ideas like books, fish camp apparel, and even bracelets. So whether the angler you're shopping for is a trout bum or saltwater fanatic, there's something on this list that will improve their days on and off the water.
Simms G4Z Wader
The Simms G4Z wader took home the top slot in our fly fishing wader roundup this year. It is comfortable, durable, and offers a great fit. This is Simms' premium wader and my go-to for year-round fishing. I could go through all the features, but all you need to know is that this is the best fishing wader on the market.
Hardy Sovereign Fly Reel
If the fly angler in your life has any sense of taste, they are going to love the Hardy Sovereign. I picked up the 7/8 version for steelheading, and I was blown away by the power and smoothness of this disc drag. It was easy to adjust via the dial on the frame, and the reel had more than enough power to fight giant chromers. This is also the most classic-looking fly reel I've ever owned. I'm obsessed with just looking at it. The Sovereign comes in four sizes, from 5/6 to 9/10, and two colors. I recommend black because it gives off a more traditional style look. Either way, your fly angler will be showing off this reel to their fishing buddies for years to come.
Duck Camp Game Series Hat
Wearing a hat with a graphic of a fish on it is in style right now, and Duck Camp makes the best in the game. One of my favorites is the tarpon hat, but they also have options for redfish, bass, trout, and many other species. They're comfortable and perfect for fishing and everyday wear, too.
Field & Stream Fishing Shirt
Take it from our Editor-in-Chief (and avid fly fisherman) Colin Kearns: the new Field & Stream fishing shirts are good. Each one is made with a breathable and water-resistant UPF material and has a bunch of functional features like a hidden zipper pocket, a sunglass slot, and even a built-in microfiber cleaning cloth on the hem.
Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod
The Orvis Clearwater fly rod is a favorite among the Field & Stream editorial staff. In previous years, it took home the best value award in our fly rod test, and it is still a bang for your buck today. The Clearwater comes in line weights ranging from 2 to 12. It is the perfect beginner's rod, but also a good addition to the experienced angler's arsenal. It is easy to cast, has a great feel, and performs close to many other premium rods. Plus, it comes with Orvis' 25-year warranty.
Smith Hookset Sunglasses
Smith released their new Hookset polarized sunglasses last summer, and I've worn them on every fishing trip since I got them. The glasses feature Smith's proprietary ChromaPop technology, which is a fancy term for saying these shades are crystal clear. I've worn them in the Florida Keys, Carolina's salt marshes, and across many Western mountain streams. They are lightweight, comfortable, and provide full coverage from bright sunshine. They come in 10 different glass lens tints.
Free Fly Breeze Pant
If you're shopping for a saltwater fly angler, get them these pants. I have three pairs myself and I wear them almost every time I step onto a flats boat. They're extremely lightweight, very comfortable, and offer great UPF protection. The Breeze pant comes in five colors, and there is a cropped Breeze pant version for women.
Duck Camp Fishing Shirt
This was my go-to saltwater fishing shirt all year. It is lightweight, breathable, and very comfortable. I had no issues with casting or movement. This Duck Camp shirt doesn't stick to your skin, and it is stylish enough to wear around town after you get off the water.
Sight Line Provisions Bracelet
These leather bracelets are designed with a metal badge in the shape of a fish. You can personalize the bracelet by choosing your angler’s favorite species of fish. My favorites are the trout and tarpon skinny bracelets, but Sight Line Provisions offers five different species and many other cool fly fishing related badges.
Orvis Mission Switch Rod
The Mission Switch is the perfect Great Lakes steelhead fly rod. It's 11 feet long and comes in 7- and 8-weight versions. I opted for the 8-weight model this fall while fishing the Salmon River. It is well-balanced, comfortable in hand, and has enough backbone to fight giant chromers. How do I know? I landed multiple 30-plus-inch fish on this rod, and it handled each with power and precision. It is easy to make roll casts with the Mission, but it also feels great when you want to bomb a two-handed cast across the river.
Orvis Mirage LT Reel
Of course, I needed to pair my new Mission rod (above) with a reel for my steelhead trip: Enter the Mirage LT. This reel comes in four sizes to target anything from tiny trout to giant steelhead. I picked up the 7-9 wt version, and it didn't disappoint. As the name implies, this reel is lightweight without sacrificing power or durability. The drag is strong and super smooth. It handled long, explosive runs from big chromers without issue. Orvis offers it in both left- and right-handed retrieves and in four different colors. I opted for purple because why not go with some flash?
SF Landing Net
Every fly angler needs a quality landing net. This one is a favorite among fishermen of all levels thanks to the rubberized net that doesn't tangle, mold, or, most importantly, hurt the fish. The bamboo and hardwood handle holds up well in wet conditions and is strong enough to land those bigger bites.
Buff CoolNet UV Neck Gaiter
Buff's CoolNet neck gaiter helps protect anglers from harmful UV rays on the water. It is made from recycled water bottles and is designed to keep you cool and comfortable. All Buffs feature a 4-way stretch technology and can be worn in 12 different styles. Buffs come in all colors and patterns, so you can personalize the gift as well.
Loon Complete Fly Tying Tool Kit
The Loon Complete Fly Tying Tool Kit has everything a fly tyer needs to get started or improve on their existing kit. The set has ten tools, including scissors, a bobbin, a whip finisher, and many more accessories. Loon tools are durable and offer innovative solutions to many common tying problems.
Turtlebox Speaker
If you've never seen or heard a Turtlebox speaker, you're missing out. I bring one on every fishing trip, whether I'm gearing up at the truck, hanging around camp, floating on a drift boat, or running across the bay in a flats boat. The speaker is fully submersible, and the Gen 2 version even floats. It is one of the few speakers that can withstand the conditions anglers find themselves in regularly. Plus, you can pair two of them together for a surround sound experience.
All The Time in the World
The late John Gierach is one of the most well-renowned fly fishing writers of all time. His last book, All the Time in the World, is a collection of short fishing stories that take the reader from his home stream in Colorado to rivers all around North America. It is a joy to read and a book all trout anglers should have on their nightstand.
Fishpond Tacky Original Fly Box
The original Tacky fly box is my favorite way to organize and store nymphs and midges. It can hold up to 336 flies and has a slim profile that is easy to carry in your waders. I like the silicone material, which makes it easy to secure flies, and the magnetic closure is perfect for quick access on the river.
Orvis Rocks Glasses
They'll love kicking back with a cold drink in these fish-themed rocks glasses after a successful day on the river. Made with eco-friendly ink, the Orvis glasses are designed by award-winning scientific illustrator and conservation artist Karen Talbot.
Fly Fishing Knot Cards
This helpful set of cards is the perfect fly fishing gift for beginners. It contains easy-to-follow diagrams for how to tie 14 essential knots, and even comes on a carabiner they can clip to their fishing vest or sling pack to have it on hand when they need it.
TroutRoutes Subscription
TroutRoutes allows anglers to find public access, navigate private/public boundaries, mark fishing spots, watch flows, and locate boat ramps. Plus, anglers can use many of these features in the backcountry without service. The Pro subscription can be had for $58.99 per year.
Field & Stream Print Subscription
This year marked the rebirth of Field & Stream magazine. We printed two 160-page journals that feature stunning photography, beautiful artwork, and the excellent storytelling F&S is known for. The cover of the spring journal features a painting of a brook trout leaping for a mayfly. Both journals include stories about fly fishing as well as many other great features. You can buy the journals individually or sign up your angler for a yearly subscription for $35 (limited holiday pricing).
Marsh Wear Lenwood Tech Shirt
This performance fishing shirt from Marsh Wear is perfect for saltwater fishing or summer days on the trout stream. It is comfortable, lightweight, and breathable. Plus, it can be worn around town as an everyday shirt.
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For more than 125 years, Field & Stream has been providing readers with honest and authentic coverage of outdoor gear. Our writers and editors eat, sleep, and breathe the outdoors, and that passion comes through in our product reviews. You can count on F&S to keep you up to date on the best new gear. And when we write about a product—whether it’s a bass lure or a backpack—we cover the good and the bad, so you know exactly what to expect before you decide to make a purchase.
