Montana Fly Fishing Trip Gear List: 10 Must-Have Picks | Backpacker
Montana Fly Fishing Trip Gear List: 10 Must-Have Picks
Grant Garcia works the floor at The Backpacker. This August he took two weeks, a truck, and a fly rod across the country. Here is how it went, and what he would pack again.
The Plan Was Simple
Give ourselves two weeks to go across the country and catch as many trout as we can along the way.
After about a half dozen 7-to-10-hour road trips under my belt, I felt ready for a proper adventure. Montana was the perfect destination for my passion for fly fishing, and a solid trip to put the truck, my gear, and myself to the test.
Why Early August Is the Window
This time of year offers some of the absolute best weather for camping and fishing. With summer winding down up north, we got consistent low-to-mid 70s during the day and down to about the 40s at night — with one night dropping to a whopping 28 degrees.
Early August is prime time for hopper and terrestrial season, and the fish did not disappoint while we were throwing those big bugs.
Montana for trout is like Louisiana for redfish. Happy fish are everywhere, and the culture follows around it.
The Route: Four Parks, 30 Miles on Foot, 100 Miles Off Pavement
We visited Grand Teton, Yellowstone, Glacier, and Arches National Park. We did just over 30 miles of plain hiking in total, and caught fish in two of the four parks.
We also drove over 100 miles off pavement throughout the trip. I have proof, if you check Google Street View near Irish Canyon, Colorado.
Grant's Top 10 Essential Gear Picks for Going Cross-Country
In no particular order, this is the stuff that earned its spot in the truck.
1. Buff
Keeps bugs, sun, wind, and haters off you at all times. Also keeps your face warm for those cold mornings on the water or at night.
2. Nomadix Towels
Ordinary towels simply didn't cut it on this trip — a high-tech, super-drying towel was needed. I kept three for myself: one for showers, one to dry off waders and boots, and one as a changing mat.
3. Turtlebox Gen 3
There were some low points on this trip and vibes were not high all the time. Thankfully I brought the ultimate cure. Nothing gets me in a better mood quite like "Jamflowman" turned up to 11 on the Turtlebox.
4. Free Fly Bamboo Lightweight Hoodie
Same talking point as the Buff, but in a shirt. Plus 10 steez for throwing a Poncho on top.
5. Poncho
This is a given. Look good, feel good, fish good. A simple philosophy that has proven true time and time again.
6. GSI Outdoors Selkirk 460+ Camp Stove
Everything we ate came off this thing. It's not much different from any classic Coleman-style grill, but I can attest this guy works and will not do you wrong.
7. UCO Mess Kits
Made dishes easy and were always ready to rock and roll when you need them. Great to use as containers for on-trail sandwiches and snacks.
8. Bedrock Sandals
It took me eight picks to remember the key ingredient to it all. I lived in these if I didn't have my waders on. They stayed in my bag even for day hikes to give my sweaty feet an option to breathe.
I've never been a sandal guy before this trip, and Bedrock outdid themselves with these. Easy to release loose rocks underfoot, and a flip-flop-style top gives it a familiar feel.
9. Smith Glass Sunglasses
Finding buckets on the river wouldn't have been easy without my Arvos. The clearest fishing glasses I've tried, and I can't see myself switching now.
10. Nemo Fillo
The Fillo was the answer the whole time. I switched from the Fillo Elite to the Fillo and what a difference that made. The Fillo Elite is backpacking-focused and packs down smaller than a lemon, but isn't great for comfort. I've never had a bad night's sleep in the back of the truck since I picked up the original Fillo.
Planning Your Own
If Montana in August is on your list, come talk to us. Grant is on the floor most weeks and has opinions about all of it — hopper patterns, where to sleep in the truck, and which sandals to live in for two weeks straight.
Written by Grant Garcia, The Backpacker Outdoors.