This packing list provides the basics you’ll want to have on every guided trip. It isn’t intended to cover every base you might need to cover when you’re fishing on your own in the region. Check out our Regional Fishing Planner for lots more details for your own fishing.The real key is to be prepared for changing weather. Even in the summer the weather can drop 30 degrees during sudden thunderstorms, and if all you have is a tee shirt and shorts, you are not going to be happy.

We’ve produced a PDF version of this list if you’d rather print it out. You can do so at this link.

Note that we send an electronic itinerary form after receipt of deposit for every booking. This form includes much of the following information specifically tailored for the trip you have booked.

Clothing

As noted above, having the right clothing for the weather is critical. We suggest numerous interchangeable layers predominately made from synthetic quick-dry materials. The following items are what we suggest during average peak season weather. Add layers earlier and later in the year and/or when the weather goes bananas in summer.

  • Angling or outdoor shirt – we strongly suggest a long-sleeve synthetic button-up, tee shirt, or sun hoody; short sleeves invite sunburns and bug bites
  • Angling or outdoor pants – we strongly encourage lightweight long pants rather than jeans or shorts
  • Light fleece jacket or vest
  • Lightweight windbreaker – this Patagonia Houdini is what Walter wears or carries; it packs down to the size of a soda can
  • Breathable raincoat or wading jacket – opt for a lightweight/breathable model in summer and a heavier model from mid-September through mid-June
  • Rain pants are encouraged for any boat trip
  • Ball cap or broad-brimmed hat with a chin strap
  • Warm cap from September through May and during summer cold snaps
  • Fingerless gloves at all times except July. Add full gloves or mittens from October through May
  • Sun gloves if you burn easily
  • BUFF or similar sun gaiter, or opt for “sun hoody” tee-shirts
  • Sturdy Teva-style sandals (not flip-flops) or water shoes for warm-weather boat trips
  • Lightweight hiking boots and hiking socks for any YNP hike-in trip when we expect to be more than 1.5mi from the road
  • Spare socks (or sandals) to wear after any trip in which we’ll be wet-wading

We suggest bathing and washing clothes in unscented or lightly-scented soap before your trip, as well as avoiding cosmetics and floral-scented deodorants. The fish don’t care, but the bugs (especially biting flies) seem to bother women more than men, and we chalk this up to the usual scents in women’s lotions, soaps, etc.

Personal Gear

Fishing Gear

We provide all rods/reels, flies, and terminal tackle if required. Use the following guidelines if you plan to bring your own tackle.