Missoula Spring Fishing can be a walk in the park. Or not. A lot of the time we see weather. Wet weather, Cold weather, Windy weather. A lot of unfavorable conditions can roll over the mountains quickly. To enjoy a day on the water in the spring you have to be prepared. Prepared with layers, gear, and fishing equipment.

This is  a quick run down of some of the Essential Gear we have here in The Missoulian Angler Fly Shop right now to make your time on the water chasing Skwalas and Trout more productive and enjoyable.

Glasses: New Glass can be a life changer. In the often dark light that spring time comes with it can be hard to see. If you are still wearing the same beat up glasses your wore last hopper season it might be time for some new ones. The new Costa Del Mar Glasses we have here in the shop are amazing. The 580G lenses really seem to make thing look “HD”. If you are in the market for a new pair of shades check out the new Costas. It’s money well spent. In my opinion, the most important piece of fishing gear you own are your glasses. Just ask any Missoula Fishing Guide what they couldn’t spend a day without, and I bet their answer will be their glasses.

HydroFlasks: I can’t talk about these enough. They really are amazing. Stop buying water bottles, thermos’s, and growlers that wear out, break, and don’t work. These things are bomb proof. If you want to keep your beverage hot or cold all day, buy a HydroFlask. I have 3 of them and I never get on the water with out them. They now have a pint glass as well. All the badass features of a normal Hydro, in a pint glass. What more do you want.

Simms Montana TechWool Zip Top : From Simms… “A requisite layering piece from Simms’ Montana Wool collection, the new Techwool Zip Top uses local ranch and farm sourced wool fibers for a moisture-dumping, heat-holding beast true to the company’s Made in Montana roots. The clean-wearing top features insulation against the elements thanks to 21-micron wool fibers, while a fleece-lined collar and flatlock stitching provide ultimate next-to-skin comfort for versatile performance on and off the river.” This is an awesome new layer that not only preforms on the river, but it looks nice enough that you can wear it to Plonk or Lolo Peak Brewing for a beverage when you get off the water.

The Other Stuff:

Fly-Agra. It’s a no brainer. If you haven’t switched over to it you are doing yourself a disservice. This stuff is amazing. I will bet you a dozen Skwalas you can’t find a Missoula fly fishing guide bag without Fly-Agra.

The New Zealand Strike Indicator: If you want precision in your nymphing game this should be in you bag of tricks. This system works. If you have bee on the fence about trying it out, just do it. I promise you won’t regret it.

Hoo-Rag: We are now carrying Hoo-rag here at The Missoulian Angler Fly Shop. The newest Seamless Bandana. We have a custom print that looks pretty awesome. You have been inside all winter and if you are anything like me, you look like you haven’t seen the sun in a long time. Don’t let your nose and ears get roasted during a day on the water. They are also great at keeping the wind burn down. If you plan on spending a season on the water, get one. Your ears and nose will thank you.

Flies: We have ’em! Some people say we have the largest fly selection in Missoula. We have over 60 different Streamer patterns and more skwalas than you know what to do with. If you are looking for an awesome fly selection come check ours out. It won’t disappoint. And if you can’t find the bug you have spent years looking for, we do custom fly tying. Just give us an idea and we will crank ’em out for you.

Well there it is. Some spring time gear that makes your day fly fishing in Missoula a little bit better. There is a lot more in the shop that I don’t have time to mention. You will just have to come over and check it all out.

-The MAngler

…Because you fish