Bozeman Fly Fishing Packing List

Packing For Your Day Trip

What's Included?

Bozeman fly fishing trips with Fins and Feathers Guide Service include the use of essential fly-fishing gear during your trip.

Bozeman fly fishing guides will have fly rods, reels, and fly lines, all tailored to the day's tactics. Additionally, essential terminal-tackle gear like flies, leader, tippet, split shot, and fly-floatant will be provided. Waders and wading boots are provided if needed; we rarely use them between June and October.

Guides will also provide non-alcoholic drinks and lunches on full-day trips. Half-day trips include non-alcoholic drinks.

Guests typically ride to and from the river with their guide following a meeting at our office just west of Bozeman. However, meeting logistics are flexible and prone to change based on where we will be fishing and where our guests are staying during their vacation.

The drift boats and rafts have enough storage space for each angler to bring a small backpack or tote bag containing personal items for the day. Waterproof bags are helpful but not mandatory, as the boats have dry compartments available for items like phones and cameras if necessary.

Recommendations

Personal Gear

• Polarized Sunglasses with a Copper or Amber tinted lens (avoid grey if possible)
• Hat for sun protection
• Buff or Sun Mask for sun protection
• Gloves (sun gloves during the warm seasons and fleece for the cold months)
• Clothing layers including a base-layer, midweight fleece, and insulated jacket (weather dependent)
• Sandals or shoes that can get wet (ankle-deep wading is sometimes needed to get in and out of the boat)
• Light-weight, breathable pants offer protection from biting insects and the summer sun
• Tops with UPF protection and built-in hoods are highly recommended during the summer.
• Neoprene Socks/Booties if you intend to use our wading boots for wet wading
• Rain Jackets and Pants for the summer months.
• Sunscreen, Insect Repellant, and Sanitary Wipes/Sanitizer
• Medications and prescriptions (including Epi-Pens - especially if you are allergic to insect bites or stings)
• Snacks like granola bars, chips, and fruit that you would like to have during the day.
• Guests are welcome to bring alcohol on the trip; please let your guide know during check-in if you intend to do so.
• A small bag or backpack to keep your belongings handy and organized

Fly Fishing Gear ( if you prefer to bring your own)

• A medium–fast action 9’ fly rod in 5 or 6-weight for all-around use with a floating fly line
• A fast action 9' fly rod in a 6 or 7-weight for streamer fly fishing with a sink tip fly line
• Reels with an adjustable drag are preferred and helpful when fighting large trout from a drift boat
• Waders and non-studded boots in the spring and fall - we can provide these if you prefer not to travel with them.
• Check out our comprehensive gear guide for more recommendations.

Fins and Feathers Guide Service has been outfitting Montana fly fishing trips for over two decades. Being prepared with the essential personal items on this list will help ensure that you have a great experience on your day trip with our Bozeman fly fishing guides.

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