Fly Fishing Clothing and Accessories

These are our fly fishing Experts' top tips for choosing and using your fly fishing clothing and accessories.

Fly Fishing Clothing and Accessories

These are our fly fishing Experts' top tips for choosing and using your fly fishing clothing and accessories.

Sunglasses for Fishing - The Right set of Shades

Polarized sunglasses protect your eyes from the sun’s glare that’s reflected on the water. George “Squid” Sideris, retired fly-fishing buyer and Jans Expert for over 30 years explains, “The horizontal filter in polarized sunglasses removes that glare so we can see better and keep our vision sharp, which will help in hooking fish. Plus, we all need eye protection when the fly is whizzing by our eyes at 70 miles an hour.” Polarized sunglasses also allow you to peer below the river’s surface into the fish’s world and see where they hide from predators and wait for food. Quality polarized sunglasses help you find a target so you know where to cast your line.

Dress For Success on the River

Weather changes quickly in Utah, and wearing the right clothing is important when you’re fly-fishing. Mountain Recreation Expert Chris Wistner suggests wearing lightweight, quick-drying clothing and packing extra layers.

-Top layers: Chris recommends shirts that are lightweight, heavily vented and built with fabrics with a UPF (Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of 30+. Look for features that include convertible sleeves and zippered front pockets for added convenience. For extra warmth, pack a 3-season wool or fleece jacket for mild conditions, or a stormproof, all-weather jacket for unruly wintertime fishing.

-Bottom layers: Lightweight, quick-drying pants with lots of pocket room are essential for any fly fisherman. Be sure to avoid bulky features that will bunch up under your waders. For inclement weather and extra warmth in cool temperatures, be sure to wear a fleece or wool first layer.

-Waders: Waders made with multiple layers of GORE-TEX or other fully waterproof material will ensure that water is kept out. Micro fleece pockets and neoprene booties will keep you warm, while built-in gravel guards will extend the life of your waders.

Accessory Checklist

We recommend packing five essential items for a day of fly fishing, regardless of the season:

  1. Polarized sunglasses
  2. Magnifying glasses if you are over 45; a rack of PBR if you are under 45
  3. Water-hydration pack or stream filter
  4. Sundries: lip balm, sunscreen, bug juice, snacks and cigars
  5. Big landing net for positive reinforcement

Clothing Technology

With fly fishing-specific clothing evolving, Jans Mountain Recreation Expert Larry Culley recommends investing in two high-performance technologies as you’re shopping for new fly fishing clothing.

Insect repellent: Fly fishing companies have developed insect-repelling clothing that requires no toxic bug spray or chemicals. Using nature as inspiration, clothing manufacturers found a synthetic repellent that mimics the bug-repelling qualities given off by chrysanthemum flowers, so fly fishermen have a non-toxic alternative to bug spray.

UV-resistant: Some companies have developed UV-resistant fabrics that work better than sunscreen. The latest gloves, neck gaiters, shirts and pants contain UPF (ultra violet protection factor) of 30+, and shield your body from intense sun rays while you’re in the water. The UPF doesn’t wash out and holds up even when it’s wet.

Wading Soles

To find the best wading soles for you, consider what type of fishing will you be doing and where you like to fish. Do you fish mostly spring creeks that have sandy bottoms? Or are you fishing boulder infested mossy rocks? Maybe you fish small streams that require a lot of hiking to get to, or maybe you never leave the sanctuary of your drift boat. Jans expert, Chris “Wis” Wistner, fishes all of those situations and has had the opportunity to test felt, felt sole, studded felt, Vibram, and studded Vibram soles. Says Wis, “I prefer felt soles. You can hike with them, get in a boat or raft with them, and you won’t kill yourself on those moss ridden rocks.” The expert angler adds that “no matter which wading boots best suits your needs, all of them can and will transport invasive species, so you must always be a good steward to our watersheds and clean your gear. It’s gonna take all of us to prevent the spread of invasive species.”

Take Care of Your Gear

“A little maintenance goes a long way,” says Russ Coburn, Jans CEO and fishing expert. Don't store your gear until it has dried completely. Keep your reel lightly lubed and clean, and dress your line weekly if you fish a lot. If you’re fishing blue water (saltwater), much more care is required. Daily rinsing followed by a clean cloth wipe-down usually suffices. If you’re going to store your saltwater gear for a long time period, take the reel completely apart, wash it carefully and lightly lube it. Some people even remove their lines to be sure to avoid a problem down stream.

Now you have the knowledge—what do you need to hit the trails or slopes?

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