9-foot, 6-weight fly rod (stiff 5-weight will work as well) Matching fly reel with a smooth drag system (important for big fish) Fly Line Weight Forward Floating (don’t be afraid to line up one size)

7.5-foot, 2x leaders Tippet: 2x, 3x, and 4x (bring plenty, these are standard for big fish in spring) 8lb Maxima Ultragreen

Streamers (e.g., Black/Olive/White/Brown Woolly Bugger, Sculpin imitations) Nymphs (e.g., San Juan Worms, Hare’s Ear Nymphs, Pheasant Tail Nymphs) Dry flies (e.g., Blue Wing Olives, March Browns #12 and #14 Chubbies) Emergers (for tricky fish in spring hatches)

Lightweight waders (preferably breathable) Quick Dry Pants and Sandals Fishing boots/neoprene sock (comfortable with good support) Polarized sunglasses (a must for spotting fish) Sun-protective clothing (long sleeves and UPF-rated fabrics) Hat and sunscreen (essential for sun protection) Waterproof rain jacket (for sudden afternoon storms) Light gloves (to protect from sun) DO NOT wear shoes or boots with heavy lug soles, lots of straps, or anything that will grab your fly line. Vans, flip flops or light wading boots are preferred.

Large fly box (for organizing summer hatches) Fishing net (leave this at home) Cooling towel and Buff (helpful in the heat) Hydration pack or water bottle (staying hydrated is crucial) Sun Block and Chapstick ( crucial )

9-foot, 6-weight fly rod (or stiff 5-weight) Matching fly reel (smooth drag for big fish) Fly Line Weight Forward Floating (don’t be afraid to line up one size)

7.5-foot, 2x leaders Tippet: 2x, 3x, and 4x (for big fish and fast-moving water)

Streamers (e.g., Baitfish imitations, Zonkers) Dry flies (e.g., PMDs, Caddis, Trico, Grasshoppers) Terrestrials (e.g., Beetles, Ants, Hopper patterns) Nymphs (e.g., Zirdles, Copper John, Stonefly nymphs, Caddis larvae, Pheasant Tail) Emergers (to catch the fish feeding in the surface film)

Lightweight waders (preferably breathable) Quick Dry Pants and Sandals Fishing boots/neoprene sock (comfortable with good support) Polarized sunglasses (a must for spotting fish) Sun-protective clothing (long sleeves and UPF-rated fabrics) Hat and sunscreen (essential for sun protection) Waterproof rain jacket (for sudden afternoon storms) Light gloves (to protect from sun) DO NOT wear shoes or boots with heavy lug soles, lots of straps, or anything that will grab your fly line. Vans, flip flops or light wading boots are preferred.

Large fly box (for organizing summer hatches) Fishing net (leave this at home) Cooling towel and Buff (helpful in the heat) Hydration pack or water bottle (staying hydrated is crucial) Sun Block and Chapstick ( crucial)

9-foot, 6 and 7-weight fly rod (stiff 5-weight will make due) Matching fly reel with a smooth drag system Floating Fly Line

7.5-foot, 2x leaders Tippet: 2x, 3x, and 4x (big fish are still in the mix during fall) 8lb Maxima Ultragreen

Streamers (e.g., Sculpin patterns, Zonkers, Zirdles, conehead Woolly Bugger) Nymphs (e.g., Stonefly nymphs, Beadhead Prince Nymphs) Dry flies (e.g., Blue Winged Olives, Mahogany Duns) Terrestrials (Grasshopper patterns for late-season hatches) Egg patterns/ beads (for fall spawn)

Waders (keep warm and dry) Wading boots (no spikes or studs) Cold-weather rain gear (100% waterproof and insulated if possible) Thermal base layers (for cold mornings and evenings) Polarized sunglasses (for spotting fish, even in lower light) Hat and gloves (cold mornings and evenings) Warm jacket (windproof and water-resistant) Puffy Jacket

Fishing net (leave this at home) Multiple fly boxes (bring backups for fall hatches and streamers) Simms Rain Bibs https://www.simmsfishing.com/collections/mens-rain-bibs-pants/products/simms- challenger-bib Hot drink thermos (coffee or tea can keep you going) Sunscreen (even in fall, the sun can still be strong) Hydration pack or water bottle (important to stay hydrated in cold weather)

Waterproof case for phone Multi-tool or forceps (for hook removal) Montana Fishing License ( https://ols.fwp.mt.gov/ ) Backup flies (always bring extra in case of break-offs) Snacks (quick energy boost for long days on the water)