Pitt River Essential Items
Clothing for the River:
Come prepared for both extremes with warm fleece and long-sleeve-but-cool clothing.
The standard layered approach is the best way to ensure comfort on the river.
Layer 1: Next to the skin use a wicking material that allows your skin to breathe while removing moisture at the same time. Many of the outdoor companies provide this performance material as it is truly the best way to optimize comfort throughout the day. These articles are worn in the form of long sleeved shirts and long underwear.
Layer 2: A cotton sweater or a cotton long sleeve shirt.
Layer 3: A Polar Fleece sweater or something of the sort. We recommend that you bring a lighter weight and a medium weight fleece at the very least as weather can range from super hot to chilly.
For your legs you may also use a polar fleece pant of varying weights depending on the river's water temperature.
Layer 4: Gortex Fishing Jacket and Waders (Patagonia, Simms, etc.)
Gortex jackets all have pockets and storage for fly boxes, tippets, leaders, etc. so feel free to lighten your load by leaving your fishing vest at home.
Waders: We recommend a Gortex Wader with a built-in Neoprene Sock.
Gortex is very light weight and does not limit flexibility. It also breathes to keep you cool during those warm summer days.
Boots: The rocks are not very slippery, but there are some large boulders and uneven bottom is common. Felt and vibram soles work best.
Hat: Baseball cap or wide brim.
Polarized sunglasses: For eye protection from hooks and for cutting down glare reflecting off the river.
Tackle:
Rods: 5 to 7 weight rods are most suitable, with 5/6/7 Spey/switch setups favored by your guides.
Reel: Make sure that your reel is one that is capable of storing lots of backing. A good drag system is strongly recommended. There are lots of great reels on the market; Hatch, Ross, Nautilus, etc.
Line: Weight forward or bass taper lines capable of turning over big flies and heavy tips are very much recommended. For those switch rod setups, a Scandi/Skagit system equipped with sink tips will aid in comfort casting in often times windy conditions.
Forceps/Pliers: Essential for de-barbing hooks and getting hooks out of fish.
Nippers: Frequent re-tying of terminal tackle is common. Bring nippers so you are able to tie knots without chipping your teeth on thick line.
Flies: Marabou and intruder style flies are the most common flies we use on the Pitt River, however, these fish will bite almost anything!
Your guide will supply flies for your trip, though please feel free to pack your own.
Miscellaneous items:
- Wading staff
- Sunscreen
- Sun-gloves
- Camera
