The California Fly Fisher Gift Guide
Welcome to the first-ever California Fly Fisher Gift Guide — your curated source for thoughtful, field-tested gifts for the fly angler in your life (or for yourself, let’s be honest).
We’ve partnered with Lost Coast Outfitters to highlight gear, books, tools, and experiences that our editors, contributors, and friends genuinely use and love. From small-stream essentials to surf-ready sunglasses, you’ll find hand-picked recommendations broken down by category to make your holiday shopping easy — and meaningful.
Whether you’re shopping for a seasoned steelheader, a first-time caster, or someone who simply loves wild places, you’ll find something here that casts just right.
For Every Angler
Korkers River Ops Boa Boots
$300
“So slick. These boots are lightweight, flexible, and super easy to put on with the redesigned BOA Fit System. They come with two interchangeable soles, felt and Vibram, with seven more available.”
C&F Design Magnetic Rod Stand
$30
“Great, easy magnetic rod holder for up to 3 rods. Works great on bear-proof containers in campgrounds, too. Just don’t leave it there as I did…”
Orvis Wide-Mouth Guide Net
$198
“Bottom line, every angler needs a net, whether they are in a boat or walking and wading. I use mine for walk and wade, but it is a great option for boats and other floatation devices because it floats. The net is rubberized with a wide opening and deep basket for larger fish. The wide opening makes it easier to unhook and release your fish quickly and safely.”
Simms SunGaiter
$35
“Spending a full day under the sun requires stepping up your sun coverage. The Simms SunGaiter™ helps you spend more time on the water with less sun exposure. Made from lightweight, quick-drying stretch fabric, it features laser-cut breathing holes, so you don't feel like you are breathing through a balaclava. The SolarFlex® fabric offers UPF 50+ protection and covers from the top of your nose down to your shirt collar with enough height in the back to fit over or under your favorite fishing hat.”
Reyr River Runner Wading Booties
$59
“These lightweight wet wading booties are packable and have felt soles and provide toe protection. I’m getting too old to walk around with pebbles in my water sandals.”
Fishpond Tacky Pescador Fly Box
$40
“Upgrade the fly box of the fly fisher in your life: as they learn and fish more, the flies begin to add up and the need to organize them continues to grow. They definitely want one of those cool Fishpond Tacky Pescador fly boxes.”
MOJO The Knot Wading Staff
$35
“I like The Knot because it has a huge ball on the end that keeps it from getting down into the river bottom, yet remains stable. It also has the greatest adjustability of any staff and snaps to size without bungee cords that get stretched out.”
Scientific Anglers Fly Line Cleaning Pad and Dressing
$17
“Why risk blowing your days one and only opportunity? Successful fly fishing involves controlling the controllable; that’s why I use my Scientific Anglers Fly Line Cleaning Pad and Dressing after every session. Floating or sinking and everything in-between, keeping your fly lines clean, supple, and ready for that fish of a lifetime, matters.”
Echo Fiberglass Spey 10’8” 3wt Spey Rod
$475
“Wanna swing flies for trout, shad, and valley steelhead? … and not break the bank. This is the rod. Great on the Feather, Yuba, American, and other favorite trout rivers where one can swing flies.”
Renew Their Fishing License
Annual - $63
“I love a practical gift (blank cassette tapes back in the day were my fave)—and nothing is more practical for an angler than an annual fishing license. If you really want to splurge, consider getting them a Lifetime fishing license. And if they already have a Lifetime license or their annual license automatically renews (like mine does), maybe consider getting them a Steelhead Report Card for the upcoming season.”
Trout Fly Fishing Advent Calendar
$43
“This Postfly limited edition calendar is a fun way to coast into the holidays. Behind each of the 24 doors, there’s a premium trout fly selected by one of Postfly’s expert guides.”
– Tracey Diaz
For the Angler Who Has Everything
Gold River Lodge, Klamath River
$1,295 for 2 days and 3 nights
“OK, I’ve never been and it’s expensive, but if I had a wealthy uncle…Price includes meals, lodging, guide, and a steelhead experience in remote California you may never duplicate.”
Fly Fishing Conservation Non-Profit Memberships—and Merch
Priceless
Give the gift of membership in a non-profit that supports our awesome sport. Trout Unlimited is the nation’s leading conservation organization working to care for and recover rivers and streams and their trout and salmon populations. Close to home, CalTrout works to revitalize waters for resilient wild fish and a better California. Both have branded gear that’s pretty sweet, too! TU gear | CalTrout gear
Renew Their Fishing License
$64
High Camp Firelight Flask
$135
Yeti Trailhead Camp Chair
$300
California Heritage Trout Challenge Certificate
Free
Gift Certificate for a Favorite Fly Shop or Guide Service
$35
“With fly fishing, there are a lot of choices to try and nail the right gift. With a gift certificate, the angler can pick exactly what they want or book that trip they have been thinking about. Also, let us be honest, during the wintertime, things slow down. Shops and guides see less business. Gift certificates help both shops and guides get through those slower winter months. It is a winning recipe for the giver, receiver, shops, and guides! “
Anderson Design Group Print
From $22
They also have sporting designs, like the Cutthroat they created for Uinta Brewing. It’s well worth a few minutes (or an hour) of browsing time.”
Reel Guide Stories
$39 for Two Book Series
“Through fishing we find a unique connection to the outdoors, ourselves, and the friends with whom we share the sport. Moments of pleasure, appreciation, and reflection on the water are often revered, feeding the soul of a fisherman. Ryan Johnston gives us two books full of short fishing stories to bring laughter and reflection. His interesting career as a fly-fishing guide has granted experiences on the water most would call unbelievable. Pour yourself your favorite drink, claim a comfy chair, and get ready for some of the greatest fishing stories you’ve ever read.”
Echo River Glass 2wt
$290
“I used this rod on a recent trip to the Icelandic Westfjords chasing small sea-run arctic char. A big one might top out at 16-20 inches, but most of them were 8-12 inches in size. Basically, the perfect situation to test out the Echo 2wt River Glass, which is an absolute blast to fish in small creeks for smaller fish. Bendy through the cork, there are fast rods, slow rods, and then there are bendy rods. If you find yourself chasing small fish in small streams or ponds, this is the most fun for the buck you can get.”
For the Surf Angler
"Body of Water" By Chris Dombrowski
$13
“A lovely book about chasing the elusive bonefish on Grand Bahama and meeting a guide who proves to know as much about life as fly fishing. Perfect for those winter evenings when you’d love to be in the Caribbean.”
Costa Jose Pro Sunglasses
$309
“When stalking the sandy Southern California corbina flats, sight fishing is the name of the game and I never leave home without my Costa Sunglasses featuring Sunrise Silver Mirror 580 glass lenses. With it's bright 25% light transmission rating, they are perfect for spotting tailers especially during that greylight dawn patrol. Oh yeah, they shine on those shopping cart-riddled urban carp flows too.”
Surf Casting Clinic
$225
“A surf casting clinic from Lost Coast Outfitters is the perfect gift for a beginner angler. The new fly fisher can add some salt (water) to their diet and increase the number of days and ways they can fish!”
Loon Apex Hook Hone
$12
“Try as I might to put them away dry, my saltwater flies always are rusty next time I open the box. This hook sharpener gets them restored for another day on the water.”
For the Beginner
Echo LIFT Fly Rod Kit
$200
At Rising to the Fly we often recommend the Echo LIFT rod and reel, which is a perfect setup to get any beginner on some fish. It comes ready to go and has a nice case. A really good deal for anyone new to the sport.
Casting Lessons
“Catching more fish comes from good fly presentation—and a good presentation starts with a good cast. Local fly shops and fishing clubs are a great resource for finding casting instructors. Fly Fishers International (FFI) provides a directory of casting instructors in the U.S. For those single-handed casters who think they’re already dialed in, expand their knowledge base with a two-handed Spey casting lesson. Then be prepared for some Spey rods and gear to mysteriously appear in the garage…”
Plano’s Edge Micro Fly Box,
$45
“This all-in-one fly box gets an A+ for versatility. I love that it’s waterproof too, and its “EZ” label for making (tiny) notes.”
Simms Wading Staff
$170
“I recommend a wading staff— any wading staff—for all anglers, though the Simms wading staff seems like a good mix of strength, portability and price. Hard to buy for oneself, but grateful for the gift. Safety first!”
“A good solid wading staff that will keep you safe and confident on the rivers you fish or the trails you hike to get there.”
Echo ION XL 6100-4
$240
“My newest and favorite rods for deepwater indicatoring fishing at Lake Almanor. This rod offers ample leverage to set the hook quickly and efficiently. This is an excellent rod from a big boat to a float tube—medium fast action, fighting butt for big fish. Great rod.”
Subscription to California Fly Fisher
$45
“Every California angler needs a subscription to California Fly Fisher because the magazine and website offer all the wisdom about waters and where, how, when, and why to fish those waters those new to fly fishing need to learn for the year ahead. “
For the Tyer
Fishpond Tailwater Fly Tying Kit
$200
“My 15-year-old Fishpond tying bag is still going strong, but as the materials have multiplied, I needed a second bag. The Fishpond Tailwater bag is the best bag out there and holds (almost) all your stuff.”
Griffin Montana Mongoose Fly Vise
$300
“This vise is loaded, works perfectly, and is available for $300 retail. I’ve been using this vise for my fly tying for the last year. It has performed flawlessly in tying commercially. Tempered steel jaws will securely grip hooks ranging from 4/0 to 28, and it comes with free accessories: C-clamp, pedestal, bobbin cradle, hackle gauge, and more. Lifetime warranty, too!“
Whiting Farms Hackle Starter Kit
$105
“Great Value.” “Worth the Investment.” “This set is a steal!” If you tie flies, you already know Whiting Farms is the pinnacle of hackle feather form. If you don’t, the starter kit’s reviews will have you reconsidering. Their 4 half-cape combo pack offers quality with an affordable price tag – pair it with a basic starter kit, and your fly box will be flush with dries by spring.”
Solarez Bone-Dry Clear
$19
“I use this Bone Cure for many of my flies. This stuff works great, curing dryness and maintaining a nice shine on fly heads. I use this material to cover thread heads, painted eyes, and a variety of other applications. Coupled with the Solarez High Output Black
Light, it makes use easy.”
Loon Bench Rings
$8
“A great gift for the fly tyer who has everything. They help organize the massive number of poly bags that fly tying materials come in, which tyers usually just shove into a container or drawer. I like to put all my rubber legs on one, rabbit strips on another, and even organize all the colors of a specific type of dubbing on one—then hang them on the wall around my desk.”
For Her
“Fish Like a Girl” Merch
$35
“Shop local—and women-owned!—with California-based Dame Fishing Company apparel. Their “Fish Like a Girl” hats and shirts have made all the women anglers in my life super happy—and I’m pretty sure my wife and daughter are conspiring to give me one of those shirts in my stocking this year. To which this Girl Dad says, “You know my size. Bring it, ladies!”
Fishe Wear Pocket Leggings
$99
“I absolutely love the Fishe brand. It’s colorful and artistic as well as made for women. My favorite items are the Pocket Leggings which come in seven different designs and are perfect for wet wading or under waders during the shoulder season. I also love their partnership with Otterbox on iPhone cases. I have the steelhead one and get a lot of compliments on it. Everything they sell is beautiful and top quality. A nice break from olive, brown and tan….”
NRS Women’s Silkweight Varial Hoodie
$64
“I love this hoodie for many of the reasons I love most technical hoodies: sun protection, lightweight, quick drying, etc. However, this one features a built-in gaiter for added face protection, if desired. Long days in the sun, in and on the water, even bushwacking, and you can easily pull up the attached gaiter. Super convenient! Not only does this one have thumbholes, it has ports on the hood and the wrists. A fast favorite of mine.”
Orvis Chest/Hip Pack
$98
“I know packs are very much a personal preference, but I will always give a shout-out to my favorite Orvis chest pack, which I find a perfect size when I’m out on the Trinity chasing steel or at Squaw Creek trying to find a small brookie. It’s big enough for everything I need but doesn’t weigh me down or get in the way when I fish. I pair this with a couple of Cling Magnets and I’m good to go! I love not having to deal with flies when I’m changing them out and can just stick them on the magnet. It’s especially helpful when I’m going back and forth between a few flies. “
Rainbow Trout Hair Claw
$35
“For the girl who loves a rainbow in the net as much as a 12-step evening skincare routine.”
For the Traveler
Humber 2.0 Waxed Canvas Holdall
$200
“A handsome, durable bag for clothes, tackle, and anything else you need on a fishing trip, beautifully designed with leather trim.”
Orvis Carry It All Travel Bag
$249
“Alaska to Argentina, Colombia to Christmas Island, my rugged Orvis Carry It All Travel Bag has accompanied me around the globe. Never turned away at the gate, it can comfortably hold and protect six (6) fly rods, accompanying fly reels and fly boxes, plus those tasty snacks that we all need for those extra-long flights.”
Fishpond Stormshadow Large Roller Bag
$400
“It even packs your 10’8″ Euro rod and gets it safe to your destination.”
Simms Tailwind Rod & Reel Vault
$250
“If you travel and have one of these rod/reel cases, you probably wonder what took you so long to get one—and how much of a pain it was to travel without one. I don’t care if you travel once a year or every month, by plane, car, or on foot—this case is mandatory if you travel to fish. Even on a short day trip with friends, if I’m not driving, I still use mine. “
For the Stocking
Cling Mag Grab Mini
$20
“I love simple gear that improves your day in a way that you barely notice, but definitely notice when it’s gone. I’ve tried a lot of different fly patches, some magnetic, silicone, foam or cotton, but nothing is as effective and usable as the Cling fly patch. It has a strong magnet, so it doesn’t matter where you put your fly, and the adjustability makes this a winner. Throw it on the outside of your bag, on your wader pocket, a shirt pocket, or straight on your boat. This is a great fly patch that simply works.”
Waterproof Rechargeable Electric Hand Warmer
$60
“These make a perfect gift idea for anyone who fishes in late Fall or Winter. Fishing conditions during these months get downright chilly. Tying knots to flies with cold hands is challenging. Hand warmers quickly warm up those cold fingers. These can also serve a dual purpose; leave them on in your pockets to help warm your body. I recommend getting two pairs.“
Fish Flask
$60
This is the perfect vehicle to celebrate the good times or conjure some into existence. I keep mine tucked into my Orvis x Fishe sling pack and topped with Bird Dog’s Hot Cinnamon Whiskey or an anejo (the former if I need a little warmth, the later if I need a full blown miracle). Shareable, portable, adorable – even if I’m not catching anything, at least I can catch a buzz.
Rio AgentX Line Cleaner
$13
“There’s nothing better than a clean fly line. Most anglers never think about the performance of their fly line, yet it’s crucial to maximizing your time on the water. RIO makes an awesome line cleaning set that eveery angler will find useful.“
Fishtechy Proof Ball
$25
“This amazing little orange ball and the related app helps prove who has the bragging rights. Utilizing AI to measure points all over the photographed fish, the system compares that to the proof ball in the image. Precise length, girth, calculated weight, and species are instantly available.“
Fishpond Riverkeeper Digital Thermometer
$30
“For some, every outing includes checking water temps and for some others, like myself, it has meant a casual dip of the finger and the hopes of a “surfer’s temp reading” which sometimes has been pretty accurate! But, ok, let’s get real, understanding temps can be informative especially when considering trout in warmer months and avoiding stressing the fish as temps get too warm. Best get ’em right. This is a great thermometer.”
Patagonia Take a Stand Trucker Hat
$39
“Yvon Chouinard is easy to get behind in a time when it’s not so easy to get behind anyone anymore, especially a corporate figurehead. Supporting him (and Patagonia, which he founded) feels like supporting the environment and our wild places.
This hat shows your support for the streams you stand in. It even states, “The Take a Stand Trucker Hat has a brim made of Bureo’s fully traceable NetPlus® 100% recycled fishing nets.” Pretty neat. And looks sweet in Forever Gray, or Ellwood Green with that pheasant tail.“
Kolsvart Elderflower Swedish Fish
$10
“Infused with the bright, floral perfection of elderflower and delivered in cool, minimalist Scandinavian packaging, this vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, Swedish fish candy is a stocking stuffer fail-safe. Plus, part of its proceeds are donated to support restoration of natural habitats of Swedish pike. Skål.“
Trout of North America Card Deck
$25
“Get a PhD in Troutology with James Prosek’s Trout of America card deck. Seventy cards that detail every stripe and dot and shade of red and blue on every trout in North America.
Prosek is the painter laureate of the trouting world. On one card, the hefty Alaskan Rainbow, he writes, “They depend on salmon runs for food. Other forage items include insects, clams, small fish, voles, and lemmings.” Voles and lemmings… hot damn!“
$30
“They’re destiny’s darlings and headed for the play-offs in 2026. Great sun protection on the stream, stylish cap for all seasons, get on the bandwagon now.“
Handmade Steel Fish Clip
$3 each
“To elevate the aesthetic of that half-eaten bag of road trip Hot Cheetos. (…..as if you possess the self-restraint.)“