Fly Fishing for Trout, South Fork of the Snake River, Idaho
The Lodge at Palisades Creek is a full-service destination fly fishing lodge. You could literally arrive with just the shirt on your back and we can outfit you for the duration of your stay. But, planning and preparing for your trip is all part of the fun so here are a few suggestions of things to bring to make your trip even more successful.
May contain sponsored links*Clothing
Summer
Summer on the South Fork is pretty dreamy. High temperatures generally in the 80's from Mid June through Mid September means you can pack the sandals and sunblock. But remember you're still in the mountains of Idaho and I've seen inches of hail come down during an afternoon thunderstorm. Here's a list of my favorite clothing items to bring to the lodge. We also have a fully stocked fly shop with these items available.
Sun Hoodie
Sun Hoodies have become the de-facto guide uniform. Lightweight, soft, breathable, with good UV protection. You can stay comfortable all day and skip out on a ton of sunblock. I've skied, fished, and run in nearly all of them, two of my favorites are from Outdoor Research and Rab.
Buff
We sell hundreds of these at the lodge every year. They also block the sun and some guides wear them over their face even with a hoody. Any fishing shirt can be combined with a Buff and a hat to help cover you up from the sun.
Lightweight Quick Dry Shorts or Pants
In the summer we do a fair amount of wet wading. With the nice water temps and warm weather it's quite refreshing to get out of the boat and wade. With that it's a good idea to have quick dry clothing. I prefer shorts and pants from Patagonia and Kuhl as they fit me best. On really warm summer days I prefer a good pair of board shorts to stay cool and dry.
Sandals
What goes well with a sun hoody and boardshorts? Sandals! Once again sandals will keep you cool and allow you easy access to wet wading. My go-to sandals from Astral, The Filipe Sandal, has been discontinued. I'm not sure I can recommend their new model the PFD as I haven't tried them yet. One thing I know for sure the Astral sandals have the absolute best traction of any water sandal I've owned. I'll probably end up buying a pair.
Hat
Because I almost always wear a sun hoody, I prefer to wear a baseball style cap. A hat is very important so bring the one you'll wear no matter the style. I think Simms makes the absolute best fishing hat, the Flats Cap Long Bill. The long bill is a bit nerdy but the amount of sun it blocks and glare it reduces makes it my daily hat.
Spring and Fall
While the weather can change at any time in the Idaho mountains there is a much better chance of inclement weather in the Spring and Fall.
Layers
Your day could start out cold and then end up being warm and sunny so dressing in layers is the key to success. There is plenty of room in our boats to store extra clothes so bring clothing that works in layers. You'll find most of our guides wearing long underwear, a mid layer, waders, an insulated jacket, and a rain jacket everyday this time of year.
Waders and Rain Gear
If you have waders and rain gear you'll want to bring them. While you'll spend most of your time in the boat you'll appreciate waders for warmth and rain gear if you need them.
Base Layer Tops
I really prefer a good Merino wool base layer. Merino wool is warm, it insulates even when wet (unlike cotton), and resists odor much better than synthetic fabrics. Both Minus33 and Ridge Merino make high quality base layers that aren't too expensive.
Base Layer Bottoms
Don't make the mistake of just slipping your jeans into your waders. The key to all day comfort when fishing in cooler weather and when wearing waders is to wear good base layers under your waders and even a thicker insulation layer if it's really cold outside. Once again Merino Wool is my choice.
Mid Layer Top, Insulation and Rain Coat
Over your base layer you'll want an insulation layer or two. I never go fishing or skiing without my Patagonia R1 Hoody. I own two of these pullovers and one of them is in my boat year round and I pack it in a dry bag if I'm going fishing in another boat. I really cannot say enough good things about this hoody.
I also do not leave home without my Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket. This jacket is incredibly warm for its weight, insulates even when wet and with its DWR finish sheds light rain. Again this layer is always in my boat or dry bag.
When the rain starts you'll want a dedicated rain coat and they don't get better for fishing than the Simms Guide Jacket. I've had 3 of these over the last 20 years and they are just perfect. Super dry, warm, with features you'll appreciate on a cold day, specifically the fleece lined hand warmer pockets. *Note that we do sell rain gear at the lodge if you need it and all our guides carry extra rain gear "just in case."
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Waders and Boots
The Lodge at Palisades Creek sells and rents waders and boots if you need them, but if you prefer to bring your own here are my recommendations.
I've had the same pair of Patagonia waders for nearly a decade and before that I had a pair of Simms waders for even longer. Both make great waders that will last. (in fact I cut the feet off my old Simms waders and use them as rain pants now.)
I've really been enjoying my newest wading boots from Orvis, these things are BEEFY. I'm not sure I'll be able to wear these things out.
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Socks
Don't ruin your whole day with cold feet. I'm sounding like a broken record here but a good pair of Merino Wool socks will feel amazing on your feet.
As an avid trail runner, skier, and fisherman I'm a bit of a sock nerd so check out Farm to Feet and Cloudline.
Other Spring and Fall Clothing
Other clothing items to bring in the Spring and Fall would be a knit hat, gloves, fingerless gloves, and a buff. If you have an R1 Hoody you already have access to a hat that pulls down over your fishing hat but it never hurts to have a beanie style hat as well. I prefer beanie hats that can fit over my fishing hat so I can still use the brim of my hat to block the glare off the water.
It's amazing how cold it can get with some rain and cloud cover here and cold hands will follow. I usually keep several pairs of gloves in my boat. The Orvis convertible mittens are best if you can only have one pair.
The Minus33 fingerless gloves are the most comfortable gloves I own and I often try to find excuses just to wear them.
If you read the summer clothing from above you already know that I consider a Buff an essential part of any activity from running to skiing to biking. I have a dozen of these and keep them handy always.
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Rods, Reels, Other Fishing Gear
Rods
All of our guides carry extra rods for your use and we have rods available in our shop to use, buy, or demo as well. If you prefer to bring your own please do. Rods from 3 to 7 weight all can have their place. If you can only bring one rod, bring a 9 foot 5 weight 4-piece. I think the best one on the market right now is the Orvis Helios. I've fished these rods in 5 weights for Trout and 8 weights for bonefish and they are fantastic. Light, fast, and sexy!
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Reels
Here's a surprise…something I'm not too picky about..reels. Honestly, for trout any large arbor reel will do the trick. Orvis makes several good options as does Waterworks/Lamson and many others.
Other Fishing Gear
You'll want to load your rod with a weight forward floating line with 100 yards of backing. While your guide will have everything you need for a day on the water he or she will be thankful if you have a pair of nippers and forceps in case you do some wade fishing and they aren't immediately available to help.
Accessories
Sunglasses
A good attitude and good pair of Polarized Sunglasses are the two most important things to bring. Polarized sunglasses don't just block glare, they help you see the fish, see your fly and reduce fatigue throughout the day. I've worn many pairs of sunglasses and unlike reels above I am picky about my fly fishing glasses. I'm so picky that I have a pair and I ONLY wear them while fishing. As soon as I'm off the water they go in their case until the next time. I think Costa Del Mar makes the best sunglasses and many guides I know agree and that's all they wear. Other good glasses are made by Smith and Orvis. Make sure they fit well on your face so they are comfortable all day. I currently wear the Costa Del Mar Blackfins with the 580G (glass) lens.
Sunblock, Sunglass Retainer, Dry Bag
It goes without saying that you'll need sunblock. Neutrogena is expensive but goes on easy and is not sticky afterward.
Miscellaneous
Other items to consider:
Extra eyeglasses (or contacts)
Extra cash for traveling, trophy fees and guide gratuities.
Book or Kindle
Medications