15 Fly Fishing Gifts: Our Editors' Top Picks for Obsessed Anglers

A trout could care less if you throw them an imitation of an emerging mayfly with a $100 rod or one that fetches $1000 (not including the line and reel of course). But that doesn't stop the fly angler who values a nice piece of gear from seeking out that next tool or accessory to bring on their next outing for the purpose of achieving a marginal gain or simply enhancing their angling experience. Trust me, I'm one of them. And there's no such thing as too much fly fishing gear.

Finding a gift for the gear-orientated feather flinger can be quite the task. To help make lighter work of finding a gift for your fly fishing loved one, I've gathered some carefully selected items that they likely don’t already own–if they do, they probably would have talked your ear off about it already.

Btw, check out our picks for the best gifts for campers and gifts for photographers, too—chances are you have a couple of them on your list, too!

The Best Fly Fishing Gifts for Holiday 2023

Yeti GoBox 15 Gear Case

Tippet, floatant, nippers, fly boxes–the compact case keeps it all organized while rigging up at the tailgate or in a drift boat. Completely dustproof and waterproof, plus virtually indestructible for years of service. Also available in 30 and 60-liter volumes.

$125 at Yeti

Rocky Talkie Mountain Radio

Yelling to your fishing buddy over the roar of rapids and riffles isn’t how you should spend your day on the water. I’ve had great luck communicating with my partners upstream and around bends with a pair of these handy radios to find out what fly patterns and techniques are working.

$110 at Rocky Talkie

Fishpond Tacky Pescador MagPad Fly Box

I tie more flies than I need, so I keep a tall stack of fly boxes on hand to house them. Fishpond’s patented silicone fly boxes do an exemplary job of holding my flies tight, and the magnetic pad even keeps the tiniest midge patterns right where I need ‘em.

$46 at Avidmax

Orvis Pro Waterproof Backpack 30L

Lumbar and sling packs have their merits, but only a backpack fits all the extra layers, meals, and an unreasonable count of fly boxes for a day on the water. Pair this submersible pack with either a clip-in 3-liter or 4-liter chest pack for supreme convenience.

$329 at Orvis

Patagonia Black Hole Rod Case

Once you get into the habit of packing multiple rod tubes and reel cases to multi-day trips, you’ll start to appreciate the genius of this case that provides nearly the same level of protection with the added compartmentalized organization. Make sure to carry-on unless you really trust those luggage slingers.

$239 at Patagonia

Oru Kayak Beach LT Sport

Wading has its limits, and so does my budget for hiring driftboat guides. This folding kayak features a rail system for mounting a rod holder and other accessories, while skipping the burden of trying to store a rigid watercraft in even the most modest dwellings.

$1,500 $1,200 at Oru Kayak

The Optimist: A Case for the Fly Fishing Life

David Coggins dissects the rituals and subtleties of fly fishing for a variety of species in a series of short stories, taking readers from Bahamian salt flats for bonefish to Maine’s trophy brook trout waters.

$17 at Amazon

Fishpond River Rat 2.0

Fly fishing typically requires two hands, and enjoying one’s favorite beverage takes at least one more. This smart koozie suspends a refreshment front and center for hydration breaks between casts.

$20 at Avidmax

Orvis Pro Underwader Pants

When air temps start rivaling water temps, these fleece-lined pants bring substantial comfort to the cold water angler that keeps casting after the fair weather fishers have hung up rods. Don’t be surprised if your angler starts wearing off the river and around the house; they’re really that cozy.

$149 $79 at Orvis

Fulling Mill All Around Trout Fly Selection

An angler that doesn’t tie their own supply is doomed to pay for each and every hooked imitation. This selection includes patterns that will work for virtually any trout, anywhere.

$28 at Avidmax

Free Fly Bamboo Flex Hoodie

The power of the sun’s UV-rich rays amplifies once it hits the reflective surface of the sun. This bamboo viscose blended hoodie comes with both a protective UPF 50 rating and unbeatable softness for all-day comfort in the sun.

$84 at Free Fly

Huckberry x Xtratuf Legacy Altitude Chelsea Boot

Skip the wading boots and cast from shore with style in Huckberry’s signature colorway of these Alaskan guide-approved boots. They’re also perfect for days on the boat or just bopping around in nasty weather. As any outdoors lover knows, you can't beat a pair of Blundstone like boots.

$150 at Huckberry

Patagonia Stealth Wader Work Station

This smart pack attaches to wader shoulder straps to put five liters of cargo just above your belly. A dream gift duo pairs the work station with the Guidewater Backpack or Stealth Pack, both of which are designed to integrate with the small bag.

$59 at Patagonia

Hatch 3 Nipper

A $5 pair of nippers cut through monofilaments just okay, but these deluxe American-made nippers slice through 30lb and 6x tippets like butter. Available in a variety of fun, limited edition colors in addition to standards.

$147 at Trident Fly Fishing

Fly Project Norlender Original Fisherman Sweater

This 100% Norwegian wool sweater brings a classic look to equally classic activities, like swinging for salmon and kicking back next to the lodge fireplace. Knitted by Norwegian knitwear brand Norlender, who’s got nearly 100 years of experience outfitting commercial and recreational fishers.

$199 at Fly Project