Recommended Gear List

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Spring Fishing (March, April, May, June)

Our weather normally hits a peaceful stride sometime during the month May.  We can, however, have an occasional rain or snow storm that for some make it seem crazy to be fishing…but I’m not one of them.  Then the clear blue skies reappear a few minutes later and have you wondering why you would ever want to be anywhere else. The saying goes, “If you don’t like the weather in Montana, wait 10 minutes.”  Remember this when packing for your trip to trout laden Southwest Montana.

Items to bring:

  • A pair of breathable waders that convert to chest waders
  • Felt or non-slip rubber soled wading boots
  • Rain jacket with hood
  • Layers of wool or fleece
  • Windproof Jacket
  • Warm hat and gloves
  • Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses and a hat that shades the sun
  • Camera
  • Small waterproof case

Dressing in layers is always a priority as we may have every piece of clothing on to start the day, and end up fishing in our summer shirts and shorts by the end.

Summer Fishing (June, July, August, September)

These months are filled with cool temperatures as we begin the day, and lead to gorgeous, but sometimes hot afternoons.  New technology from leading manufacturers of fishing clothing offer good options and long sleeve SPF rated shirts can be lifesavers on these hot days.  They keep you warm in the morning and block the sun’s rays in the afternoon, keeping you cool and comfortable.  Shorts and pants are also available in the SPF lines of clothing.  You will see most anglers on the river donning their fishing shirts, shorts, and sandals, but as I have experienced, never leave the launch without the proper rain gear – even if the weather man says otherwise.

Items to bring:

  • Rain jacket with hood and waterproof pants
  • Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses, and a hat that shades the sun
  • Camera
  • Chap-stick and hand cream
  • Small waterproof case
  • High SPF rated shirts and shorts

Fall Fishing (September, October, November)

As we close out summer fishing, we revert back to our fall equipment list and again are prepared for the unexpected Montana weather changes.  Indian summers are common in Southwest Montana as we regularly see days in the mid 70’s during this time.  However, being located in the Rocky Mountains, snow and rainstorms are common during September, and continue to be more prevalent as we move into October and November.

Items to bring:

  • A pair of breathable waders that convert to chest waders
  • Felt or non-slip rubber soled wading boots
  • A good, warm, water-whisking base layer
  • Wool or Fleece Layers
  • Wool socks
  • Warm hat and gloves
  • Rain jacket with hood
  • Windproof Jacket
  • Polarized sunglasses

Angling Equipment Recommendations

Due to the variety of fishing techniques used on our rivers, an all-around rod for dry flies, streamers, and nymphing is essential.  A 9’ or 9.5’ 5 weight or a 9’ or 9.5’ 6 weight will handle any situation you will encounter.  Having a good fast action rod will help you load and cast your line into the wind and handle those streamer and nymph rigs as we search for big trout.

A large arbor reel with plenty of backing is always a good idea when fishing the waters in our area.  The strength of these fish will amaze you, and often you will be into your backing in a matter of seconds.  Load your reel with about 100 to 200 yards of 20 or 30 lb backing and attach the corresponding WF fly line.  You can even place a WF6F on your 5 weight and a WF7F on your 6 weight to give your rod more punch.

I prefer tapered leaders that are 7.5’ in length, as we are able to make them longer if necessary or use them as-is right out of the package.  We fish mostly 3X and 4X 100% fluorocarbon tippet, as these fish will often break off 5X and 6X like it is spider’s silk.

Just like the weather, the fly we use may change frequently throughout the day, so call ahead and ask us what will be hatching during your trip.  As always, Tight Line Adventures provides every fly you will need for your trip at no extra cost, and will have exactly what it takes to entice even the pickiest of trout.