In our Man Makes Fire guide to the best fly fishing gifts for 2023 and beyond, we recommend core gear most every fly fisher needs, could use, or would appreciate. Some fly fishers already have some of this gear, but gear wears out, breaks down, and gets lost. Plus, some of these best gift ideas for fly fishing fanatics are for fly fishing gear that’s been improved with new features.
In a hurry?
Skip down to the Fly Fishing Gifts recommendations!
For most, learning to fly fish is a long-term process where you acquire new gear, try it out, and settle into the systems that work for your favorite streams, rivers, and lakes. For instance, for fishing close to a campground, a fly fisherman might go light with just a lanyard of core accessories and a fly box. But for an all-day outing on favorite river far from the road, waders with a backpack designed for fly fishing might be the smartest way to chase the fish of a lifetime. If you need some additional help recognizing great fly fishing gifts, long-time fly fisherman and gear expert Chris Maxcer has some recommendations in our How to Choose Fly Fishing Gifts section at the bottom.
Table of Contents:
- Fly Fishing Gifts Under $25
- Fly Fishing Gifts Under $50
- Best Fly Fishing Gifts 2022
- Best Fly Fishing Gifts for Her
- Best Gifts for Fly Fishers Who Have Everything
- Best Fly Fishing Gifts for Dad
- Bonus Fly Fishing Stocking Stuffers
- How to Choose Fly Fishing Gifts
Fly Fishing Gifts Under $25
1. O’Pros 3rd Hand Rod Holder
Best fly fishing gift under $25
The handiest fly fishing accessory this year is still the awesome O’Pros 3rd Hand Rod Holder. It is ingeniously simple to use but super versatile and very useful on the water. Here’s why it’s cool: When you’re wading in the water, it’s hard to hold your fly rod while tying on a new fly or releasing a fish. The O’Pros 3rd Hand Rod Holder has perfectly sized clips that hold just about any fly rod. It also rotates to let you choose the angle of your fly rod, letting you keep the fragile tip up in the air where it’s safe. Plus, the latest new and improved version now has a ‘push to lock’ mechanism that lets a fly fisher lock the angle of the holder so it can’t move. It’s especially good when you want to grab a quick photo of a fish before releasing it — or even carry a second rod while fishing. To learn more, check out our full 3rd Hand Rod Holder review . . . or just nab one now before they’re gone!
Check shipping/pricing buying options:
- O’Pros 3rd Hand Rod Holder . . . also available from Amazon.com
Note: If stock runs out, also try Aventuron.
2. Loon Outdoors Rogue Quickdraw Forceps
We had no idea that a few simple adjustments to the standard fly fishing forcep could result in such an improvement — the Loon Outdoors Rogue Quickdraw Forceps is a fantastic take on one of the most popular fly fishing accessories today. Fly fishing forceps are sometimes called hemostats and they’re basically a fancy set of pliers that let fly fishers remove hooks from the jaws of fish. The Rogue Quickdraw includes oversized, rubberized finger hole handles . . . and then takes this design to new level by adding a carabiner-like clip built into the handle. If you’re looking for a gift for a fly fisherman who has everything — or a fisherwoman, of course — these Loon Outdoors Rogue Quickdraw Forceps will make a great gift for pretty much every freshwater fly fishing fanatic.
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Gift Bundle Option: The Loon Iconic Tool Kit includes the Rogue Quickdraw Forceps as well as the handy Loon Nip n Sip XL nippers.
3. Any Derek DeYoung T-Shirt
Derek DeYoung’s artwork delivers bold, bright and colorful fish designs. The colors aren’t always photo-realistic, but the color palettes and fish themselves are instantly recognizable to any avid fly fishing enthusiast. You can nab most sizes for both men, women and sometimes kids — and choose from plenty of colors. Shipping is reasonably fast, too, through DeYoung’s offerings on Amazon.
Check shipping/pricing buying options:
4. Smith Creek Rig Keeper
The Smith Creek Rig Keeper is an ingenious little fly fishing accessory that lets your fly fisher save dropper rigs. What the heck does that mean? Fly fishers will often tie two flies on the end of their line, a lead fly and a dropper fly, which is often tied to the bend of the hook on the lead fly. The Smith Creek Rig Keeper lets your fly fisher wrap dropper rigs around the foam core and connect them to their vest, sling pack, fishing backpack, or hip pack to save for later. If your fly fisher fishes for trout in freshwater rivers and streams, the Smith Creek Rig Keeper is one of our favorite fly fishing stocking stuffers.
5. Oros Strike Indicators
The new Oros Strike Indicators have an ingenious design: The patent-pending Oros Strike Indicators screw apart to let a fly fisher’s leader fit directly in the middle of the two halves. This can reduce tangles and simplify strike indicator positioning. Better yet, Oros manufactures these strike indicators with a biodegradable additive that accelerates biodegradation. Why is that good? If you happen to lose one, it will break down in the environment (instead of becoming litter that lasts for years).
6. Magnetic Net Release
A magnetic net release lets a fly fisher attach their net to the back of their vest to keep it out of the way while fly fishing, but once they need it, it pops off for easy access and use. Brilliant. Works great as a fly fishing gift stocking stuffer. Even though magnetic net releases have been around for awhile now, there are plenty of fly fishers out there who don’t have one yet.
- White River Fly Shop Magnetic Net Release
- Dr. Slick Magnetic Net Keeper
- Scientific Anglers Magnetic Net Holder
7. South Fork Products Duo Magnetic Fly Holder
The South Fork Products Duo Magnetic Fly Holder is a super cool fly fishing accessory that holds flies securely while you’re fishing. The system uses a base plate with magnets that lets you attach the holder to a lanyard, a zinger, or even between fabric like fly fishing waders. Why is it cool? The Duo Magnetic Fly Holder is great for situations where you’re switching flies and want to get your new fly in front of feeding fish faster. It’s perfect for swapping out a fly during a hatch because you don’t have to worry about losing the fly or taking the time to put it back in the correct fly box.
Version Options: The single-sided South Fork Products Solo Magnetic Fly Holder works just as well but costs less and works better for use through waders or fly fishing vests.
8. Fly Fishing Books
Here’s what’s great about fly fishing . . . when a fly fisher is stuck inside and can’t be out fly fishing, reading about fly fishing is the next best thing. Newbies can use some how-to books while veterans can dream about new places to throw a line, making these a versatile fly fishing gift option.
Check shipping/pricing:
- Fifty Places to Fly Fish Before You Die: Fly-fishing Experts Share the World’s Greatest Destinations
- Fifty More Places to Fly Fish Before You Die
- Orvis Fly-Fishing Guide
- Patagonia’s Simple Fly Fishing
Need more ‘Under $25’ fly fishing gift ideas?
Jump to our Fly Fishing Stocking Stuffers section below!
Fly Fishing Gifts Under $50
9. Fly Fishing Chest Pack
The chest pack has been replacing old-school vests for a lot of fly fishermen and women. Why? They focus what you need right under your nose, giving you great access. Better yet, because they’re positioned above your waist, you can use a chest pack while wading and you won’t get your gear wet. You can find smaller chest packs for under $50 (but larger packs with more pockets and more supportive shoulder straps can push past $50). Here are several great options:
- Allen Company Fall River Chest Pack – Hard to find, but it’s our favorite low-cost chest pack
- Fishpond San Juan Vertical Chest Pack – Under $50, smaller but very high quality
- Orvis Safe Passage Chip Pack – Orvis has a great ‘fully-loaded’ option for newbies
- Simms Freestone Fishing Chest Pack
10. Simms Taco Wader Bag
The Simms Taco Wader Bag is one of the best, simplest fly fishing gifts. What makes it a great gift? It’s almost a necessity — but not quite — which means a lot of fly fishers don’t end up buying it themselves . . . even though they most certainly would appreciate a Taco Wader Bag. Why? If your fly fisher uses stockingfoot waders and boots, there is always the issue of getting them on and off. When they’re dry, you want a clean spot to stand so that you don’t poke any holes in the bottom of your waders. This Simms Taco Wader Bag unzips into a circle, turning it into a mat. So far so good. When you return from the river all wet, you can take your waders and boots off on the unzipped Taco Bag then simply zip it all up. The vent mesh lets moisture escape. As Simms says, it’s large enough for two pairs of dripping waders and their muddy boot companions. The biggest benefit to the Simms Taco Wader Bag is that it has a simple but very useable design. It’s a great gift for fly fishers.
Alternative options: Shop similar wading bags from Fishpond, Orvis, and Redington at AvidMax — with free shipping — here.
11. Measure Net
The Measure Net is one of the most brilliant fly fishing inventions ever created. First, nets help fly fishers land fish more easily and release them unharmed. The key benefit of the Measure Net is the built-in ruler that lets you easily measure the length of the fish. It works well and takes the guesswork out of length — and it’s particularly great for new fly fishers who sometimes care a bit more about the size of the fish they catch!
Alternative option: The EGO Blackwater Trout Net also includes a built-in net measuring bag.
To learn more about fly fishing nets, check out our buying guide to the 10 best fly fishing nets.
12. Wingo Outdoors Wading Belt
While we’re on the topic of stylin’ fishing belts, your fly fisher has probably been using a drab black wading belt that comes with most fly fishing waders. Does it work? Definitely. Does your fly fisher technically need a colorful new wading belt? Nope. But that’s why a new Wingo Outdoors Wading Belt might be a good gift — particularly if your fly fisher appreciates a pop of color! And just to be clear, a wading belt is a belt that goes around the outside of fishing waders to help seal the waders in case a fisher falls down in the water. Wading belts prevent the waders from filling with wader during a fall, which makes them life-saving, must-have gear.
13. Smith Creek Rod Clip
The Smith Creek Rod Clip is a hands-free rod holder that you can pin most anywhere. It’s super simple but ingenious. It works particular well for fly fishers with vests, but you can also pin it to a shirt, wader suspenders, or any over-the-shoulder strap. You can also hang it from a waist pack (but your fly rod will hang a bit lower). It’s great for changing flies, tying on new tippet, or holding your rod while you get a quick photo with a monster fish right before releasing it.
14. Fly Fishing Lanyard
A fly fishing lanyard is basically a specialized necklace with attachment points for commonly used fly fishing accessories like clippers, tippet, floatant, and forceps. If your fly fisher doesn’t wear a vest or chest pack, the lanyard is a must-have accessory that works well with or without waders. Lanyards also pair particularly well with waist or lumbar packs. But wait, there’s more: Lanyards are great fly fishing gifts for kids and newbies, but they’re handy for experienced fly fishers, too. We like to attach a small fly box to ours, which gives us everything we need for quick jaunts down to the river or around base camp.
Check shipping/pricing:
- Dr. Slick Lanyard
- Orvis Lanyard — with or without Orvis floatant, forceps, tippet, and nipper
15. Practice Casting Rod
Fly fishing is more about timing and rhythm than brute strength. These mini rods let you practice the basic motions of fly casting just about anywhere. And while you won’t be using one to cast to a rising trout, the motion and rhythm has a soothing effect on the angry bear inside of stressed fly fishers everywhere. Oh, and it’s a great learning tool for newbies and kids, too, which makes it a particularly good fly fishing gift for beginners.
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16. Hoppers, Hoppers, More Hoppers — and Streamers
There are not many types of flies that you can safely buy for most any trout-focused fly fisherman, but one of the safest is a set of hopper patterns. Most every fly fisherman uses hoppers for summer fly fishing at some point during the year. Not only do they bring big trout up from the bottom, they are particularly effective when used with smaller dropper flies tied to the end of the hook. Because hoppers are versatile and get used, they make great fly fishing gifts.
As for streamers, if your fly fisher likes going after big fish, especially in the spring, streamers are always welcome. Because a good streamer fisher goes deep, streamers get lost on the bottom of the river, which makes replacing them an ongoing fly fishing gift. Of course, if you just slip one in a stocking, it’s hard to go wrong with a Mini Drunk and Disorderly baitfish pattern.
Check shipping/pricing:
- Trout Fly Assortment – Four Best Grasshopper Collection
- Perfect Hatch Premium 9-Pack Hopper Fly Assortment
- All Fly Assortment Packs at Cabela’s
17. Cliff’s Bugger Beast Fly Box
If your fly fisher likes to throw big flies, they’ll appreciate a big fly box, and the Cliff’s Bugger Beast Fly Box is arguably the best. The inside is lined with slots that let you fit — and organize — large streamer patterns. How do you know if your fly fisher needs a Beast Fly Box? First, if they like to fish in the spring when the water is high, there’s a decent chance they’ll be throwing meat, which means they’re using big streamers to attract big trout. Second, if your fisher uses a drift boat or raft, they’ll almost certainly appreciate a Bugger Beast Fly Box. Finally, if your fisher is doing any saltwater fishing, big fly boxes are critical. So basically what we’re saying is that most any half-serious fly fisher will appreciate a Bugger Beast.
18. Fly Fishing Vest
If your fly fisher likes to kick it old-school but can appreciate a modern update to the classic fly fishing vest, a new fly fishing vest can make a great fly fishing gift. Vests are great for fly fishers who fish more technical water — think very small flies in clear, soft water.
Check shipping/pricing:
- Allen Gallatin Ultra Light Fishing Vest — outstanding price-to-value ratio
- Simms Tributary Fishing Vest — excellent value with a comfy collar!
- Fishpond Sagebrush Mesh Vest — one of our favorites, so good
19. Any Derek DeYoung Hoodie
Remember the Under $25 Derek DeYoung T-Shirts noted above? You can get Derek DeYoung designs in hoodies, too. So cool.
Check shipping/pricing:
Best Fly Fishing Gifts 2023
20. Fly Fishing Sling Pack
A new variation on the chest pack is a “sling pack,” which is lets you carry your gear on your back, but when you need it, spin it around to your front for easy access. The zippers and orientation are designed to work when pulled in front of you. The key benefit? You can carry more gear than a typical chest pack allows. A good sling pack is a splurge kind of item, so they make great fly fishing gifts.
Check shipping/pricing:
- Orvis Sling Pack
- L.L.Bean Deluxe Sling Pack
- Umpqua Steamboat 1200 ZS Fly Fishing Sling Pack
- Simms Freestone Sling Pack
- Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Sling — waterproof!
21. Rodmounts Sumo Car-Top Rod Rack
For those rivers that are bordered by roads, it’s nice to be able to stow your fly rod on your vehicle and then drive up the river to a new spot. When you get out, boom, your long and ungainly fly rod is ready to rock and roll. Dedicated rod mount systems used to use magnets but as more vehicles use non-magnetic aluminum body panels, powerful suction cups — like those used on the Rodmounts Sumo Car-Top Rod Rack shown above — are the way to go.
22. Fly Rod and Reel Case
Most fly rods are about 9 feet long because it’s a versatile length. The handiest rods we go for are those that break down into 4 pieces, which makes them easy to pack and travel with. While some premium rods ship with their own protective rod cases, not very many include a built-in spot for a reel. When you have a case with a reel spot, you can pack your rod and reel together. It saves a bit of time, and when a fly fisher hits the river, it’s hard to be patient.
Check shipping/pricing buying options:
- Temple Fork Rod and Reel Carrier
- White River Fly Rod and Reel Case
- White River Double Fly Rod and Reel Case
- Simms GTS Double Rod Reel Case — rugged upgrade option!
23. Rod, Reel & Tackle Travel Case
Remember the fly rod and reel case? A fly rod, reel and tackle case takes fly rod protection and organization to a whole new level. These cases are great for frequent flyers who need great gear protection, but they’re also great for weekend fly fishers who load up the pickup or SUV and go. Most cases can hold multiple fly rods, multiple reels, fly boxes, and critical fly fishing accessories.
Check shipping/pricing:
- Allen Cottonwood Fishing Rod and Gear Bag — best entry-level priced option by far
- Orvis Carry It All – two size options
- Simms GTS Rod and Reel Vault – best durability
24. Smith’s Guides Choice Polarized Sunglasses
We don’t understand the physics of light, but we know something about glare, and when you’re on the water, certain angles of sunshine create glare on the surface of water, making it hard to see beneath. Polarized sunglasses cut this glare the best, letting a fly fisher spot fish beneath the surface, which often makes for some of the best fly fishing experiences. If your fly fishing fanatic hasn’t splurged on a pair polarized sunglasses yet, that’s your cue pick these as your next fly fishing gift. Our favorite fly fishing glasses are the Smith’s Guide’s Choice polarized sunglasses. The Smith Guide’s Choice sunglasses deliver outstanding optical quality in a wide range of lens and frame options. Plus, the self-adjusting spring hinges deliver all-day comfort. The regular versions will work for most people, but if you have a particularly small or large head, Smith offers S and XL versions, too. Check out our full review of the Smith Guides Choice Sunglasses for more detail.
Additional polarized sunglasses options at various price points:
- Flying Fisherman San Jose Polarized Sunglasses
- Costa BlackFin Polarized Sunglasses — the key benefit is the excellent quality, the drawback is the price point
- Orvis Superlight Tailout — excellent price-to-value ratio here
25. Fly Tying Tool Kit
A fly tying tool kit is a good way to get a fly fisher into tying their own flies. For some, fly tying becomes a life-long passion. Fly tying tool kits make excellent fly fishing gifts for any fly fisher who wants to learn a little about fly tying . . . but has hesitated to make the leap.
Check shipping/pricing:
- Colorado Anglers Gunnison River Fly-Tying Kit – best low-cost entry-level option
- Orvis Fly Tying Kits — upgraded quality over most kits
26. Fly Fishing Duffel Bag
One of the things that works against fly fishermen (and women!) getting out of the house is preparation — are you ready to go at a moment’s notice or do you need to put everything together? Go bags solve this problem. We like to throw most of our fly fishing gear into a single large expedition duffle bag that will hold 4-piece rods, wading boots, waders, a net, fly boxes, reels, fishing regulations, a first-aid kit (always a good gift, by the way), and more. When you get a chance to hit the river, all you have to do is grab your bag and leave with confidence that you have all the core gear you need. Go bags are nearly life transforming tools, and as such, they turn into fly fishing gifts that last years.
Check shipping/pricing:
- Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Duffel
- L.L.Bean Adventure Duffle
- YETI Panga 75
- Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag — get the black version with the sweet Fitz Roy Trout logo
Here’s a closer look at the sweet Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Bag w/Fitz Trout:
Check out our full Patagonia Black Hole Duffel Review for more detail.
27. Pontoon Boat
Pontoon boats are great because they break down and pack up small so you don’t have to own a pickup or a trailer to use one. Plus, single fly fishers can run them by themselves. Most importantly, there are some rivers where you just can’t get to the biggest fish without using some sort of water craft. If your fly fisher unwraps a pontoon boat as a gift, look for the broad smile as their fly fishing brain furiously churns through rivers and lakes that are suddenly open to new casts.
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28. Wading Boots
A good pair of wading boots makes fly fishing easier and safer — they provide support and traction, and they tend to hold up well under water by not losing their shape over time. Typically, wading boots are used with a pair of stocking foot waders so they are sized a bit large because the stocking (neoprene) foot of the waders takes up space. But wading boots are also great for hot-weather summertime fishing. In this case, a set of neoprene booties are the way to go. Check out our guide to the 10 Best Wading Boots, which includes a section on wading boots for women fly fishers, for more detail, as well as ultra-rugged options.
Check shipping/pricing:
- Korkers Buckskin Wading Boot — a popular, can’t-go-wrong boot with both felt and rubber soles
- Simms Tributary Wading Boot — outstanding price-to-value ratio
29. Stockingfoot Waders
Stockingfoot waders tend to be more versatile than waders with boots connected to the ends of them. Why? The waders can fail and you don’t lose your boot investment. Also, separate boots tend to fit better and provide better support. So we’re fans of stockingfoot waders. Waders are like most other pieces of gear. More expensive sets will be more durable and last longer . . . but these days an entry-level pair will usually get the job done for a few years for most weekend fishers. Check out our guide to the 10 Best Fly Fishing Waders for more detail on this game-changing fly fishing gift idea — especially if you want to surprise your fly fisher with some high-end Patagonia or Simms waders.
Check shipping/pricing:
- Frogg Toggs Hellbender II Stocking Foot Waders — best entry-level waders
- Orvis Ultralight Convertible Wader — best midrange, lightweight waders
- Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Waders — best all-around high-end waders
30. L.L.Bean Spin/Fly Combo
Not all fly fishermen are complete fly fishing snobs . . . some just like to get out on the water any chance they can get and they’ll happily use a spin fishing outfit in order to cast a line and catch a fish. For these sorts of fishing fanatics, one of the best gift ideas for fly fishing is, ironically, an easily packable spin-fly combo. Our favorite is the L.L.Bean Spin/Fly Combo Outfit, which includes two complete rods!
31. White River Fly Shop Hobbs Creek Trout Net
The White River Fly Shop Hobbs Creek Rubber Bag Trout Net is an affordable entry-level fly fishing net. The clear rubber net bag is safe for fish while the laminated wood delivers a classic look. (For more detail on nets — including upgrades for more experienced fly fishers — check out our 10 Best Fly Fishing Nets guide.)
Check Shipping/Pricing:
32. Wading Jacket
A great fishing jacket will help a fly fisher keep fishing when the weather turns cold, as well as work well for tooling around a camp or hiking back to the truck. If your fly fisher goes after steelhead or salmon or doesn’t let bad weather stop the fishing, a fishing jacket is a great fly fishing gift.
Check shipping/pricing:
- Frogg Toggs Cascades Sportsman’s Wading Jacket
- L.L.Bean Emerger II Wading Jacket — outstanding value
- Simms G4 PRO Wading Jacket — arguably the best
- Orvis Wading Jackets — several price ranges, all great
33. Smith Creek Rod Rack
The Smith Creek Rod Rack is a simple but ingenious interior rod rack. It uses straps and window suction cups to create an overhead rod rack that’s adjustable for most any SUV, wagon, van or hatchback. If your fly fisher is moderately handy, odds are they could create attachment points to use the Smith Creek Rod Rack inside of a pickup canopy, a boat or a garage. It all packs down small into the included drawcord bag.
Check shipping/pricing:
34. Waterproof Camera
If your fly fisher wants to create fishing videos, a GoPro action camera is the best move. But a more traditional waterproof camera is perfect for a wider variety of fly fishers. A good rugged, waterproof camera will let a fly fisher shoot video of a beautiful fish — including underwater release shots — as well take photos of the brilliant landscapes they visit. What really sets a good waterproof camera apart from an action video camera like a GoPro — or a smartphone camera — is the optical zoom lens. The zoom lens lets you snap photos of deer crossing the stream that you can actually see in the photo when you’re sharing it with your friends. The Olympus Tough TG-7 is our favorite because it starts up very fast, shoots great video and does everything pretty darn well — including up close macro photographs of cool insects like stoneflies, caddis flies and mayflies. Waterproof cameras make particularly great fly fishing gifts for active fly fishers.
Check shipping/pricing:
35. Shelta Seahawk Water-Ready Sun Hat
Shelta’s first hat was invented for standup paddleboarding but the company quickly gained a following by many water sports enthusiasts, including those who fish. Why? Shelta revolutionized the active sports sun hat by creating a stiff bill that won’t flip up in the wind or droop when it gets wet. Better yet, Shelta modernized the design of the standard boonie hat by shaping the hat so it doesn’t look like you’re wearing a floppy mess. The result is a water-ready, quick-drying, purpose-built sun-shading hat that protects your ears and the back of your neck and looks damn cool doing it. It makes a great fly fishing gift because it’s not everyone else’s ball cap . . . and you give it because you want your fly fisher to stay safe from the sun. Lots of winning going on here. For more detail, check out our full Shelta hats review.
Check shipping/pricing:
- Shelta Seahawk Hat — from Amazon.com
- See All Shelta Sun Hats from Shelta — to check 5 different size options!
36. Ultralight or Heavy Duty Fly Rod Combo
Chances are, your fly fisher primarily uses one favorite rod for most of his or her fishing adventures. That’s cool. But there’s a decent chance that your fisher would like to try something radically different — like fishing with a super ultralight fly rod for skittish fish or small creeks . . . or going big for coho salmon or steelhead. In this case, the best way to encourage a different kind of fishing is with an inexpensive fly rod and reel combination. Choose a 7.5-foot 3-weight for ultralight action or a traditional 9-foot 8-weight for a rod that’s heavy enough to take on salmon or steelhead — or better yet, a spey rod. If your fly fisher wants to get into say, steelhead fishing on bigger water, try the Orvis Clearwater 7-weight 13′ rod. Read our best fly rod and reel combo guide to learn more about typical freshwater combos or simply consider the excellent price-to-value ration on the wide range of purpose-built Orvis Clearwater Series combos (link below).
Check shipping/pricing:
- Orvis Clearwater Series — options for small creeks to wide open saltwater
- L.L.Bean Quest Fly Rod Outfits — great price-to-value, comes with a rod/reel case
37. Fly Fishing Waist Pack
A fly fishing waist or hip pack brings the benefits of a sling pack with super-simple access. You can keep your waist pack behind you out of the way while fishing, but when you need to change flies or gear, you can rotate the pack to the front for easy access. The only downside is for fly fishers who wade into deep water up to their waist — the packs can get wet. The solution is a waterproof waist pack. (Check out our guide to the best fly fishing hip packs for more detail.)
Check shipping/pricing:
- Umpqua Bandolier ZS Sling — this minimalist wonder is both a sling pack and a waist pack, so you can shift to sling mode when wading deep
- Orvis Guide Hip Pack
- Simms Freestone Fishing Hip Pack — newly updated!
- Fishpond Thunderhead Submersible Lumbar Pack — waterproof and fantastic
38. Inflatable Life Vest or Belt
Fly fishermen tend not to wear life jackets. Foolhardy? Maybe. A great compromise is an inflatable life vest. These blow up instantly with a tug on a cord if a fisherman gets into trouble . . . or they can be inflated by blowing into them in case the instant CO2 method fails. Either way, fly fishermen often fish in frigid water, and an accidental dunking can get dangerous fast because it’s hard to swim in cold water for more than a couple minutes.
Check shipping/pricing:
- Bass Pro Shops Manual Inflatable Life Vest
- Bass Pro Shops M16 Manual Inflatable Belt Pack— this waist-belt version is good for skeptics
39. Fly Fishing Pliers
There are two trends going on when it comes to fly fishing pliers — the first is that freshwater fly fishers are starting to invest in higher-end fishing pliers because they work so darn well. In a lot of ways, they’re just easier to hold and handle than typical forceps. The second trend is that, as more people get into saltwater fly fishing, more and more kinds of manufacturers are making aluminum, stainless steel and titanium pliers. These metals don’t rust or corrode like standard steel, so they are the go-to pliers of choice. Plus, the hooks and fish tend to be larger in saltwater, so you need a burly set of pliers to get the hooks out safely and effectively. The built-in cutters on these pliers also easily handle thicker line. No matter what, most fly fishing fanatics can appreciate a good set of lightweight aluminum pliers — and they probably haven’t splurged on a pair yet, which make fishing pliers one the best fly fishing gifts for 2022 and beyond.
Check shipping/pricing:
- Gerber Magniplier
- Cheeky 550 Pliers — great cost-to-value
- Orvis Mirage Pliers — made in the USA!
- Simms Flyweight Plier — made in the USA!
40. Fly Fishing Gloves
Fly fishing gloves are used for keeping your hands warm and your fingers nimble, but they’re also great fly fishing gifts because they offer protection from the sun.
Check shipping/pricing:
- Buff Angler III Gloves — free shipping
- Orvis Sunglove
41. Roof-top Fly Rod Carrier
A rooftop fly rod carrier lets you store a fully-rigged fly rod safely. While traveling to a fishing spot, the rod and reel is protected. Once you arrive, you don’t have to put a rod together, saving you a couple minutes of precious fishing time. Yeah, two minutes, big deal, right? But have you met a fanatic fly fisher? Every minute counts. In addition, you could rig up multiple fly rods, say, a streamer rod as well as a dry fly rod. These rooftop fly rod carriers also feature locks, which means your fly fisher can wander into a fly shop or grab a sandwich in a restaurant and not worry about losing expensive gear.
Check shipping/pricing:
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- Yakima DoubleHaul Rooftop Fly Rod Carrier — Yakima awesomeness for up to four rods/reels
- River Smith 2-Banger Rooftop Fly Rod Holder
- Thule RodVault Series
- Trxstle CRC System 3.0 Fly Rod Carrier — extends to the size you need!
42. High-Quality Day-Tripping Cooler
One way or another, your fly fisher will spend the day, if not days, outdoors and off the beaten path. So a high-quality cooler will always make a great gift. Some of the best soft coolers are waterproof and do a great job of keeping drinks cold — for more detail, check out our guide to the best soft coolers. Meanwhile, the hard-sided YETI Roadie 24 is surprisingly great — and you can sit on it, which is handy when you’re taking off your wading boots.
Check shipping/pricing:
- YETI Hopper Flip 18
- Engel HD30 — big but lightweight with superior insulating capabilities
- YETI Roadie 24
Fly Fishing Gifts for Her
Most great fly fishing gear is gender-neutral . . . and occasionally downright bland. But some gear — including, waders, wading boots, and clothing — is actually tailored for women. Here are some great fly fishing gift ideas for women:
43. Anything FisheWear
Remember the Orvis Sling Pack with the bright ‘Fishe’ color option above? If your lady fly fisher appreciates bold, colorful designs, you’ll be hard pressed to go wrong with any product from FisheWear. The company was founded in Anchorage, Alaska with a vision to create comfortable, functional and fashionable clothing for women. The popular Fishe leggings come in unique and cool patterns like Groovy Grayling, Troutrageous Rainbow, and Abstract Char — and they make a great gift idea for women fly fishers. If you can’t figure out your fly fisher’s size, don’t worry — FisheWear has created a growing line of gear and signature Fishe products. For instance, you can’t go wrong with a Fishe Dry Bag. If you’re looking for stocking stuffer-type accessories, check out the Fishe Nippers, Forceps, or the super cool Fishe Poly Fly Box.
44. Taylor Joyce Prints & Stickers
These trout prints and stickers aren’t just for women fly fishers, of course, but they’re produced and sold by Taylor Joyce who is indeed a woman fly fisher. If her active @taylor_joyce Instagram account is an indication of her fly fishing prowess, she likely catches more trout than most guys — and logs far more days out on the water, too. In any event, her affordable Mountain Brown Trout Print is one of our favorites. If you’re looking for a stocking stuffer or an add-on gift, be sure to check out her sticker options, including the cool Trout Bum Sticker Pack.
More Women’s Fly Fishing Gear Options:
- Shop all ‘Women’s Fly Fishing’ Gear & Clothing at Patagonia!
- Shop all ‘Women’s Fishing Apparel & Gear’ at Simms!
Best Gifts for Fly Fishers Who Have Everything
46. Stio Eddy ‘Drift’ Shirts
What to get the fly fisherman who has everything? This is a tough question. Because the aforementioned O’Pros Third Hand Rod Holder is relatively new, it’s a great fly fishing gift for most anyone. Still, for 2023 our best gift for a fly fisherman who has everything is the Stio Eddy Shirt for men or the Stio Eddy for women. While the Stio Eddy is a great lightweight sun-blocking, fast-drying stylish shirt for on-the-water use, it’s also nice enough for mountain town bars, restaurants and outdoorsy date nights. As near as we can tell, most everyone looks great in these shirts — the price and level of quality turn them into excellent gifts for hard-to-shop-for fishers. We’re big fans.
47. ThermaCELL Mosquito Repellent Device
Mosquitos can ruin a good fishing trip, no doubt about it. While traditional mosquito repellant sprays and lotions work pretty well, it’s not the only line of defense. ThermaCELL devices heats up a specially scented mat to release a vapor that repels mosquitos to create a 15 foot zone of protection. ThermaCELLs work great for fishing camp, hanging out while having lunch, or for those times where you stay in one spot, patiently working an area of water. If your fisher seems to have everything, ThermaCELLs can be pleasant fly fishing gifts you’ll get thanked for after they save the day.
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Best Fly Fishing Gifts for Dad
48. Black Lantern Glass Set
If your fly fishing dad likes to kick back and drink beer from a glass — or is a whiskey drinker — check out screen-printed glass sets by Black Lantern. The fly pattern designs are classic. The glasses are manufactured in the USA and the designs are hand-printed from Black Lantern’s studio in Estes Park, Colorado.
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49. RepYourWater Socks, Hats & Caps
RepYourWater makes fly fishing hats for states in the U.S., as well as some species-specific hats and socks, like the cool Minimalist Rainbow Hat, Minimalist Cuttie, and Minimalist Brown Trout hats.
50. Wading Staff
If your fly fisher is getting on in the years, a wading staff is a critical tool for helping him or her wade into rivers, as well as get up and down banks without falling. Of course, even adventurous young guys can use a wading staff. On rivers with poor visibility, a wading staff can find hidden holes and drop offs, and on shore, help fend off rattlesnakes. In addition, one of the most dangerous things a fly fisher can do is fall down in the water while wearing a pair of waders without a wading belt wrapped snugly around their waist — water rushes into the waders, filling them and sinking the fisher. A wading staff helps reduce the chance of falling. Problem is, a lot of fly fishers don’t invest in one until they’ve had a spill. Consequently, wading staffs make excellent fly fishing gifts.
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Bonus Fly Fishing Stocking Stuffer Options!
There are a lot of small fly fishing accessories and gadgets that make good stocking stuffers for fly fishers. A good set of pliers, a fancy nipper, strike indicators, tippet, tippet rings, or fly floatant are all accessories that make good fly fishing stocking stuffers. Browse the fly fishing accessories and tools sections of these online stores below to find them in stock and ready to ship:
- Cabela’s ‘Fly Fishing Accessories’
- Orvis ‘Fishing Tools & Accessories’
- L.L. Bean ‘Tools & Boxes’
- Bass Pro Shops ‘Fly Fishing Accessories’
How to Choose Fly Fishing Gifts
Finding great gifts for fly fishermen — and women! — seems hard, but finding fly fishing gifts is easier than you might think. There are a lot of fly fishing gifts that do not require you to know what kind of fly fishing your fly fisher is doing. For instance, we’re steering you away from finding the perfect sinking fly line. Why? You probably don’t know what weight is needed or whether the sinking line should be full sink or just a sinking tip. The same goes for high-end fly rods and reels — but if you were going to splurge on a rod for a trout fly fisher, it would be hard to go wrong with the Orvis Helios 3D in a 9-foot 5-weight — and you can even personalize the reel seat.
As for high-end reels, most any fly reel over $200 is pretty sweet these days, but it’s hard not to love the new and unique Abel Vaya Series with a custom paint job — the cost is jaw-dropping, but the finished product is a work of art. After you get done drooling and come back to reality, there are a lot of great fly fishing gifts to consider below.
For specific fly fishing gifts, jump back up to our favorite fly fishing gifts that most every fly fisher can use and appreciate — delivered with a reasonable mix of price points and quality for the cost.