A Pack List for Trout-Focused Fly Fishing Adventures
Whether you’re just getting into fly fishing or you’ve been at it for years, it’s always helpful to know what tools and equipment is worth bringing along. From leaders and flies to sunscreen and tools, having the right essentials on hand helps keep your time on the water smooth, safe, and productive.
Not everything has to be stuffed into your vest or pack—some items are better left in the car, boat, or basecamp for when you need them. What you bring may also shift with the season, the fishing style, or the species you’re after. In this article, we’re focusing on trout fishing in Ontario and highlighting the essentials that are most helpful to have packed and ready.
1. Fly Lines & Sink Tips
Let’s start with your main line setup. Floating lines are your go-to for dry flies and light nymph rigs, especially in shallower waters. But for deeper pools or stillwater fishing, sink-tip or full sinking lines are incredibly effective at getting your flies down to where the trout are feeding.
Carrying an additional spooled fly line with a different line type can help you adapt quickly to changing conditions, ensuring you’re always fishing at the right depth.
2. Fly Patterns & Selection: Matching the Hatch & Thinking Outside the Box
Trout are picky, and some days they’ll only take one specific pattern. That’s why it’s a smart move to pack a variety of dry flies, nymphs, emergers, and streamers in multiple sizes and colours.
It helps to “match the hatch”—observe what insects are present and choose a fly that mimics them. But when that doesn’t work? Go rogue. A flashy or oddball pattern can sometimes trigger reaction strikes from even the most hesitant trout. Local favourites like the Elk Hair Caddis, Woolly Bugger, and Pheasant Tail Nymph are a solid place to start.
In addition to the flies mentioned, you can also visit our “10 Trout Flies for Fly Fishing in Ontario” article.
3. Essential Fly Fishing Tools
Every angler has their go-to gadgets. Here’s what you shouldn’t leave home without:
- Nippers – Quick, clean cuts on tippet or tag ends
- Tape measure – For checking fish size and staying within best practices
- Hemostats – For removing hooks, pinching barbs, or adjusting flies
- Hook file – Keep those hook points sticky sharp
- Line winder – Handy when you need to swap spools on the fly
- Landing net – Especially important for catch-and-release trout
- Zingers/retractors – So your tools are always within reach
- Wading staff – Adds balance and safety when moving through currents or navigating any uneven terrain.
- Stream thermometer – A few degrees can make or break your day, so know the water temp and when it’s advised to fish or not.
These tools are compact, and once you start using them, you won’t want to fish without them.
4. Tippet Rings & Micro Swivels
Tiny but mighty. Tippet rings save your leader and let you switch tippet sizes in seconds. Micro swivels cut down on line twist when fishing bulky streamers or heavy rigs.
You can pre-rig a few setups at home so you’re ready when conditions change.
5. Strike Indicators & Suspension Tools
When you’re fishing various current seams that require reach or tossing nymphs, it’s tough to detect subtle takes without an indicator. Options include:
- Yarn indicators – Super sensitive for slow, still water
- Air-lock/foam indicators – Better for deeper water and faster currents
- Dry-dropper rigs – Use a bushy dry fly as both a target and an indicator
Getting the depth right often matters more than the fly itself. These tools help you dial it in.
6. Split Shot & Sinkers
Sometimes you’ve got to get down—deeper. Whether you’re fishing a spring creek, a fast-moving river, or a stillwater pond, the goal is always reaching the strike zone.
- Split shot – Add precise weight where needed to sink your fly to the right depth (common sizes include BB, 1, and 4 for trout setups)
- Tungsten putty – Moldable and reusable, easy to fine-tune your drift without retying
Adjusting your depth is crucial when fishing both slow and fast currents. These simple tools help you control your drift and ensure your flies reach the right part of the water column where trout are feeding. Fine-tuning your weight setup can make a huge difference when fish are holding deeper or aren’t rising to the surface.
7. Leaders & Tippet
Keep a few pre-tapered 9-foot leaders in 3X to 5X handy. Fluorocarbon is great for stealthy nymph rigs, while monofilament is perfect for dry flies.
Having a variety of tippet sizes—from 3X for big streamers to 6X for tiny dries—lets you adjust your rig quickly to match changing conditions. Fluorocarbon is your go-to for subsurface flies thanks to its sink rate and invisibility, while monofilament floats better and excels for dry fly presentations.
Match your tippet to your fly, and use those tippet rings (remember from section 4?) to make quick swaps without chopping up your leader.
8. Floatants & Drying Agents
A fly that rides high on the water is key-especially when fishing dry flies or using yarn indicators. Keeping your flies buoyant can make all the difference. Here’s what to keep on hand:
- Gel or paste floatants – Apply before your fly hits the water
- Powder desiccants – Resurrect drowned flies after a catch or splash
Some anglers swear by rubber band-style fly dryers too-clip one to your vest and bounce your fly dry.
9. Bug Spray & Sun Protection
When the bugs bite, and the sun burns—both can end your day early. Even on overcast days the UV rays will reflect off the water increasing your chances of a burn. Be prepared with:
- DEET-free repellent to protect from pesky flies that bite
- Polarized sunglasses to cut glare and spot trout
- Sunscreen, UV buffs, and breathable long sleeves for full-day comfort
- Wide-brim hat or visor for extra sun protection and visibility. However we’ll save apparel for another topic.
Comfort = longer, better days on the water.
10. First Aid & Emergency Basics
Minor scrapes and unexpected hiccups happen when you’re outdoors. A small waterproof kit stocked with bandages, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, and a few painkillers will take care of most situations. Don’t forget water, snacks, tissue paper and maybe a spare pair of clothes or dry socks—especially on cooler days or after a misstep in the river.
It’s also worth having a fully charged cell phone or communication device close by. Not only can it be a lifeline in an emergency, but it’s also handy for snapping a few memorable photos.
Being prepared lets you relax and focus on fishing, not fixing problems.
Final Thoughts Before You Depart to the Water!
A well-stocked pack doesn’t mean bringing everything but the kitchen sink—it means being ready for the day ahead. Whether you’re wading into your favourite stretch of river, hiking in Ontario a short trail to a backcountry stream, or hopping into a boat, having the right tools and supplies close at hand helps your day go smoothly. There’s also essentials to have with gear and equipment.
It’s the little things that keep fly fishing enjoyable, safe, and productive. And hey, if you forget something? That’s just part of the learning process—it happens to everyone.
Fly fishing is about finding your rhythm, paying attention to nature, and appreciating the moments in between. Pack smart, stay curious, and enjoy the adventure—wherever the sport takes you next.
