Featured in our March 2018 issue: Here Are Six Angler Essentials For Exploring Blue Ridge Trout Streams
Prime fishing season is right around the corner and we couldn’t be more excited! Whether you’re in the market for new waders or in need of a new pack, these fly fishing essentials are sure to help you get the most out of your time on the water. If you’re looking for places to fish, check out our eight favorite trout towns across the Blue Ridge.
Patagonia Rio Gallegos Zip-Front Waders | $599
Equipped for the gnarliest of cold weather conditions but just as comfortable in cool early spring waters, Patagonia’s Rio Gallegos Zip-Front Waders are the company’s top-of-the-line offering. Notable features include the TIZIP waterproof front zipper and trimmer upper-body fit that still allows easy layering.
Sage Spectrum LT Reel | $349
Sage’s Spectrum LT reel is the perfect compliment to the Mod, bringing lightweight toughness with its sealed carbon drag system. The one revolution drag knob offers quick and precise drag settings and provides the kind of power and smoothness you’d expect from a large traditional drag system, only without the bulk or weight.
Redington Women’s Siren Wading Boots | $150
Specifically designed for female anglers, the Siren wading boots offer exceptional performance, durability, and comfort neatly packed into a style that looks as good as it performs. These boots are tough enough to stand up to years of abuse and provide comfortable protection with rubber rands and soles. They also dry quickly as a result of quick-drying and quick-draining synthetic materials, and with an approximate weight of just 2.6 lbs, they allow for swift movement even in the face of slippery rocks and strong currents.
Costa Montauk Polarized Glasses | $260
The Montauk is a new core fishing frame that features ventilation openings to create better airflow for sweat management. The frame lies as close to the lens as possible, meaning that sweat will not pool in the groove of the frame but roll off instead. There are also small holes in the temple tips so that when sweat rolls back on the temple, it can then rush out and leave your view fog-free.
Fishpond Fully Submersible Thunderhead Backpack | $300
This is one of the toughest and most attractive fishing specific backpacks on the market today. It has a fully waterproof TIZIP zipper, making the bag completely airtight and submersible. Store your camera, flies, extra layers, and snacks knowing they will be safe after a long day on the water.
Sage Mod 4 Weight Rod | $850
If there’s a better trout specific fly rod on the market, I’ve yet to find it. Sage designed the Mod specifically with trout fishing in mind, and the 4 weight version is ideal for Southern Appalachian angling. Sage calls this moderate action rod the seven iron of their lineup because it’s ideal for shorter, tighter casts that require delicate presentation and pinpoint accuracy—two skills critical for success when searching out trout on the narrow, rhododendron-choked waterways
