StillwaterTrout.com - Trout fishing on lakes, reservoirs, ponds

Still water tackle

Still water trout are beautiful fish.

Before a fly angler can effectively fish lakes he need to be properly equipped. Serious fly anglers generally have a myriad of gear, a lot of which will do double duty for both lakes and streams. However, being a well equipped stream fisher doesn't mean you're ready to take on lakes.

Just as equipment for salt water fly fishermen is a lot different than that used by a Rocky Mountain spring creek angler, being properly equipped for lakes, reservoirs and ponds is different than for western rivers.

That doesn't mean you instantly have to run out and buy new gear. You can get by with what you've got got -- almost no matter what you've got. But when it comes to the perfect combination of fly rod, reel, line and leader, there is tackle that best meets the demands put on equipment by still water trout.

Some tackle tips
for still water
trout anglers
Fly rods
Fly lines
Fly leaders
Float tubes, kick boats
Waders, booties, fins
Tubing accessories

The links on this page provide a breakdown of what a still water angler needs to be truly effective. If you already have these items, great. If not, here's my recommendations of what you need to acquire, along with some reasoning as to why.

If you can outfit yourself perfectly in one trip to the fly shop, more power to you. But that's not what happens with most of us. There's nothing wrong with picking these things up a piece at a time. That's what most of us working people do. And as we learn to use each new piece, we grow in knowledge and skills to become a better still water fly fisherman.

As you progress, you're also going to want to add a float tube or pontoon boat to your equipment. You may be needing a new net. You might want to add a new pair of tubing booties. And there's always some other things that will make your fishing a bit more comfortable and effective.

In a way, that's the beauty of fly fishing. There's always more to learn, more to try, more to accomplish. That's why it's a great sport for a lifetime and chasing still water trout is no different.