Winter has yet to arrive in Wyoming, even if my local ski resort has the lifts running and a 50-inch base. There’s little-to-no snow in the valleys, and what little skiffs fell on the plains blew away last week when we had 144 mile-per-hour gusts rip through the state. That doesn’t bode well for next year’s fishing, but it’s also made fishing in the here and now a tall order, too.
It’s supposed to be 57F here today. This time last year, we were approaching the first of a few cold snaps that saw temps plummet to -30. This whacky weather is doing a number on the fish, to the point that fishing has felt rather pointless lately.
Just last week, while floating a tailwater, the temps were close to 50 when we launched at 10am. Midges hatched in thick clouds, and I’m sure fish would’ve risen to them if the wind hadn’t blown the adults off the water. Instead of a winter dry fly hatch, I focused on the staples of winter fly fishing: nymphing through slow, deep runs with small flies.
It paid off with one 20-inch rainbow, but the rest of the trip was surprisingly slow. I caught another 10-inch whitefish, while my buddy put a 17 and 12-inch brown trout in the net. This tailwater isn’t known for lights-out fishing, but during winter it’s more or less predictable. Enough drifts through their usual hidey-holes will pluck a few fish, and often they’re nice ones. Aside from the big rainbow, not much met our usual expectations.
I’m splitting and hauling less firewood than normal right now, I don’t have to scrape my windshield when I head to the post office in the morning, and it’s possible to fish in a light jacket. But the fish are taking notice of this weird weather, and responding by not doing much of anything. The lack of interest in anything is similar to the doldrums of August, when fishing slows to a halt as water temps warm, hatches taper off, and fish seem to wait for the hoppers to finally make their way to the water.
It’s been frustrating to fish lately, because I enjoy the mild weather and the gorgeous floats, but I know that doesn’t bode well for next summer. And if I feel whiplash from the weather, I can only imagine what the fish are experiencing. Water temps have dropped, but bug activity is staying relatively high. It’s got to be confusing for a trout that wants to essentially hibernate, but still watches blue-winged olives hatch (a few of them showed up last week. I’ve never seen that before).
If anything, it’s disappointing, because I look forward to winter fishing. The solitude, the quiet of a snow-covered landscape, the lack of crowds—it’s a unique time to be on the water. There’s even an odd comfort in bundling up in winter coats, knowing the warmth of the truck and dinner are never too far away.
I have yet to experience any of that this year, and I wonder if we’ll even have a real winter. The meteorologists keep saying “it’ll snow eventually,” but I’m not exactly inclined to believe them.
In this week’s “How to Tie” feature, Charlie Craven with Charlie’s Fly Box ties a hopper pattern that every angler should be getting excited for warmer months ahead with, the Letort Hopper.
Learn How to Tie This Fly:
Difficulty: Intermediate
Although we may be full swing into winter, there’s no harm in picturing warmer days of both past and future. Imagine a sunny, summer day where you find the river all to yourself and trout eagerly looking up. That is just one of the images I’ve collected in the memory bank over the years and one that gets me through the coldest days and most difficult time of year to fish. To create memories that last a lifetime you need to be prepared with the right gear on the water. The Letort Hopper is a fly and essential piece of gear that during summer months will set you up for some of the most exciting fishing you’ll find all year.
When tying hoppers with natural materials, taking your time is your best bet for creating the proper profile. One slip of your razor blade when trimming the excess fibers can revert progress back to step one, so being methodical and calculated as you shape your body is crucial. Once you become comfortable working with deer hair, it can truly become your best friend and will allow you to tie some of the most beautiful flies out there today. Not only will the Letort Hopper look good to you on the vise, but trout find it an attractive option as well as they look upward.
Pairing this pattern with your favorite dry fly rod and leader will set you up for success. You won’t need any special gear to fish this fly effectively, just a simple floating line setup and a tapered 9ft leader. Don’t forget to bring your favorite floatant to ensure maximum buoyancy despite deer hair being able to do the job just fine on its own. The coldest days of winter offer a special opportunity to tie flies you can envision future success with and the Letort Hopper is worth every second and ounce of patience this tying season.
The Colorado River cutting through the Grand Canyon, NPS/M.Quinn
Western leaders, from governors and state representatives to unelected bureaucrats manning water conservancy districts, to federal officials, have utterly failed the American people with their lack of leadership and vision while managing the Colorado River.
I’m no expert in water right laws, hydrology, or the complex systems that collect, treat, and distribute water to our homes and fields. I’m a former schoolteacher-turned-podcast host who’s increasingly leery of government authority, and someone who spends quite a bit of time fly fishing.
I grew up in the Great Basin in Utah, but most of my fly fishing has occurred within the Colorado River Basin (or in water diverted from it to supply Utah’s Wasatch Front). I remember winters when the school buses got stuck, honest-to-goodness snow days, and a few where we got rain on Christmas Day instead of snow.
What I don’t remember is anyone, in any position of leadership authority or power, ever presenting a realistic idea of how to manage water in a landscape that never seems to have enough of it. Politicians either stick up for the farmers and ranchers, who tend to have the oldest, most senior water rights in every drainage, or developers, who think an empty Rocky Mountain valley is an abomination, and the view would only be improved with cookie-cutter high-density housing. Even where water is concerned—you know, the stuff we can’t live without—politicians never seem to look past the impact to their bank account.
If any Western leaders understand the severity of the water crisis, they haven’t been successful in convincing anyone else that this issue needs to be handled immediately. And this isn’t just some fly angler playing the part of Chicken Little. Numerous reports and studies back up the fact that we’re essentially out of time to help the Colorado River Basin.
The most recent study from Colorado Law paints a stark picture: reservoirs in the Basin that once stored four years’ worth of river flows are two-thirds empty, which means that a single dry year could impact hydropower generation, water deliveries, and even impact water physically flowing down the Colorado River.
The study’s authors don’t pain a doom-and-gloom picture, however. They see solutions on the horizon if Western leaders are motivated by enough urgency.
“Authors stress that many challenges are self-inflicted and, in their view, solvable with technical, legal, and financial tools already available,” reports Amy Joi O’Donoghue with the Deseret News.
Imagine that. Self-inflicted problems that we could fix if only there was urgency to do so? Isn’t running out of water enough of a cataclysmic situation to force leaders into action?
Right now, that doesn’t appear to be the case, thanks largely to interstate bickering and political differences the size of the Grand Canyon.
The Colorado River Basin is generally divided into two groups—Upper and Lower Basin states. Upper Basin states include Utah, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico. The Lower Basin states are California, Arizona, and Nevada. Each state depends on water in the Colorado River Basin, and since the 1,450-mile long river serves roughly 40 million people, they’ve been governed by a century-old water compact. Under the compact, the Upper Basin states are required to send 7.5 million acre-feet of water downstream to the Lower Basin each year. Throughout the history of the compact, Upper Basin states have never failed to deliver on their end of the bargain.
That water then ends up in Lakes Powell and Mead, the nation’s two largest reservoirs, and diverted for use to California’s Imperial Valley and other residential and agricultural areas that have a claim to the Colorado River.
Lower Basin states often accuse Upper Basin states of not doing enough to conserve water, as California’s Colorado River Commissioner JB Hamby said in a recent meeting among water officials in Las Vegas.
“There’s no difference in size between the lower basin and the upper basin’s water use. What the difference is, is a willingness to actually conserve water, not put more to use, and further drain the river,” Hamby told 8 News Now.
Upper Basin states claim there isn’t any water left to cut, with Wyoming’s State Engineer Brandon Gebhart telling 8 News Now that “the rhetoric, the saber-rattling, and other distractions going on are bullshit. It needs to stop.”
And these are the people we’re dependent on to ensure there’s not only enough water in the Colorado River Basin to support humanity, but ideally, enough for fly fishing in the region to not become a thing of the past.
Call me crazy, but I don’t have high hopes these folks will get anything meaningful accomplished. Most likely, they’ll end up in court, where federal officials who’ve likely spent little time in the West will determine the fate of the Basin.
Skwala’s M.O. has always been to over-engineer gear. They want to build technical apparel that, while not impossible to destroy, lasts as long as possible. I largely think they’ve accomplished that goal. When you don’t pull your punches when building products, though, you sometimes end up with gear like the RS Outpost Jacket.
It’s a do-it-all wading jacket/down coat that’ll keep you dry in a downpour, warm on blustery winter days, and doesn’t feel like you’re wearing an embarrassingly large snowsuit.
Completely waterproof and built with 150 grams of Toray 3DeFX+ insulation
Stretchable fabric that moves with you as you fish
Minimal bulk
MSRP: $649.99
Pros:
Overbuilt for extreme weather
Impressively warm
Could be the only layer you need during winter fishing
Cons:
Price
The RS Outpost is one of the most expensive pieces of apparel I’ve ever used. It retails for $649, which is serious money. But you can likely replace almost all of your cold-weather layers with this coat. A light shirt underneath the Outpost would be perfect for all but the most frigid days on the water.
That said, I wouldn’t suggest the Outpost to casual cold-weather anglers. I don’t think the ROI is there. If you fish a handful of days in sub-freezing temps, the Outpost is overkill. If you’re a steelhead bum, a winter streamer trout junkie, or you spend serious time in places with extreme weather like Patagonia or the northern latitudes, I’d be hard-pressed to recommend anything else.
How We Tested
I’ve had the Outpost for going on a year now, and even though our current winter is off to an awful start, I’ve had the Outpost out on more than a few chilly days. From time in the high country to long days on windswept tailwaters, the Outpost has seen me through some of Wyoming’s worst weather (that’s still fishable) in 2025.
What I Love
Warmth
The Outpost is toasty. During an early-spring trip to the high country, we had a cold snap one night, and the temps plummeted to the teens. Not terribly cold on its face, but when you didn’t pack for it, those temps aren’t fun. Luckily, I’d thrown the Outpost in at the last minute. It was comfortable enough to sleep in all night, and I wore it until that weather moved out and the temps climbed back into the 40s.
In other cases, it’s been plenty warm on windy, sub-freezing days on multiple Wyoming tailwaters, and I was too warm in it a handful of times. My go-to winter layering system features a Shetland wool sweater underneath any jacket, but that was too warm underneath the Outpost if the temps got past 35 or so.
Skwala uses the same insulation in the Outpost that’s featured in their 3/2 Puffy. It’s a newer insulation, similar to Primaloft, except it moves and stretches with you as you fish, cast, and walk. Packed with 150 grams of 3DeFX+ spiral insulation, I’d be surprised if you found a situation where the Outpost wasn’t warm enough. Well, a fishing situation, at any rate. It might not hold up for an Antarctic expedition or mountain climbing in the Himalayas.
Skwala’s Build Ethos
Skwala has always put freedom of movement at the forefront of its product design. As someone who frequently switches off between rowing, casting, and putting in miles on my boots, I love that I never have to worry about my movements when wearing Skwala gear. I can bend over to tie my wading boots (even with my impressive Mountain Dew and buffalo wing belly), crouch to cast to wary fish, and climb over or around any streamside debris.
The Outpost never bunched up while rowing, never felt too bulky underneath my waders, and I didn’t feel constricted in my movements when reaching to net a fish, bending over for a release, or loading the drift boat back on the trailer.
Pockets
The Outpost features two chest pockets, two pass-through pockets that allow you access to your waders, two fleece-lined handwarming pockets, and one internal pocket. They’re all accessed via YKK Aquaguard zippers.
If you run out of space in your Outpost, you might be carrying a bit too much to the water. I generally don’t like to keep much in my wading jackets, but these pockets are all waterproof, and deep enough I’d feel fine tossing my keys and phone in them.
Bulk
More accurately, I love the lack of bulk in the Outpost. I’ve used other heavily-insulated wading jackets in the past, and while they’ve been warm, they always made me feel even more like the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man than I already do.
The Outpost is slimmer than you’d expect, and layers under my waders without making them fit too tight. I wore the Outpost with my Skwala Backeddy and RS waders, as well as my Patagonia Swiftcurrent Traverse waders, and had plenty of room under all those pairs.
What I Don’t Love
Price
I know Skwala built the Outpost with the best materials they could find. It has a 100% nylon stretch-woven face textile that’s both waterproof and breathable (so it’s very similar to the material used to make waders). It’s warm, it’s comfortable, and it gives you an extreme amount of freedom of movement.
But $650 is a lot of money for a jacket. Even in Wyoming, that’s a big ask, although I don’t think it’s entirely unfair. This is a premium-level product, and the price reflects that. If anything, I think it’s a shame the Outpost will be out of reach for most anglers, because it really is the best cold-weather jacket I’ve ever used.
Final Word
Even with its hefty price tag, the Outpost pulls off what many other wading jackets have failed to. It insulates, it keeps you bone-dry, and it’s breathable. It’s not bulky, it’s warm, and it has enough pockets for you to carry half a fly shop. Skwala’s usual build quality and attention to detail are present, and you’re buying a premium-level product that performs at a premium level. That’s not always the case.
If you’re the angler who longs for cold, bitter days that send most folks back to the lodge for something warm to drink, the Outpost is for you. If you love fishing in the falling snow, swinging streamers in a blizzard, or long hours in the front of a boat while cherry-picking your way through the best holes on a tailwater, the Outpost is for you.
Whether or not you’ve caught grayling before, you could always benefit from some new tips when targeting these unique fish. Check out this video from Fulling Mill Fly Fishing for all the tips you need to know how to catch grayling.
Follow along as we explore the latest fly fishing news and controversial opinions in This Week in Fly Fishing with Jared and Wills. In the first episode, we chat about how one of Colorado’s premier trout rivers is being ruined by millionaires and stocked fish, innovative new products, Bahamian politics, and why Euro nymphing sucks. Tune in for the news that matters and the debates that every angler has an opinion on.
Every traveling angler needs a reliable system for safely transporting their rods and reels. While duct-taping a few rod tubes together and wrapping your reel cases in t-shirts will probably get your gear from A to B in one piece, the benefits of a mindfully designed fly rod and reel case are undoubtedly worth it. Not only does a quality travel case ensure your rods and reels are safe from damage, but it’s also an invaluable tool for keeping your gear nicely organized and conveniently separated from the rest of your packing list. With a little practice, your fly rod and reel travel case can be dialed in to perfectly accommodate your equipment list and packing style for any fishy adventure, near or far.
How We Tested
Testing was quite straightforward for this piece. We pulled together a few different adventure anglers and simply laid out the top travel cases on the market in front of them. We came up with a few different packing lists for a few different theoretical fishing trips, and went to work loading up each respective rod and reel case to get a sense of which travel systems excelled at what. Determining each product’s strengths and weaknesses in terms of what they can logistically pack wasn’t difficult after playing around with various gear lists.
All products featured on Flylords are independently selected by our editors. However, when you buy something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.
Testing how each travel case performed out in the wild was also quite simple. Each rod and reel case was put through the paces on various road trips, international adventures, and more casual local outings, so we got a tight pulse on how each system physically carries from the garage to the airport terminal as well as how each holds up to the regular abuses of travel. Unsurprisingly, we discovered some travel cases are more suited for weekend getaways to your favorite stream than they are for far-flung expeditions to off-grid destinations. Like so much other essential fly fishing gear, selecting the right rod and reel travel case for you has everything to do with your personal fishing style, travel plans, and preferences, so let’s get into it.
Capacity: Accommodates up to eight rods up to 10 feet in their socks, or up to three tubes
Dimensions: 33 x 12 x 7.25 inches
Weight: 6 pounds
Pros:
Designed to be a high-capacity, all-in-one solution for both luggage and fishing gear
Deployable, padded, and breathable backpack straps and back panel enable hands-free carry
A larger-sized compartment can accommodate bulkier items such as wading boots
Limited lifetime warranty
Cons:
Fairly expensive option
May or may not satisfy carry-on requirements depending on the airline
Traveling anglers who are seeking a one-pack-fits-all solution for loading up both their luggage and fly fishing rods, reels, and gear need look no further than the Travel Pack by Riversmith. Designed to carry up to eight fly rods, along with a plethora of reels, clothing, and other gear, this is the ultimate system for high-capacity, ultra-organized fishing travel.
Measuring only 33 by 12 by 7.25 inches and weighing a mere 6 pounds, Riversmith has engineered a remarkably portable travel system here, considering its extensive packing capacity. Equipped with deployable backpack straps in addition to an ergonomic carry handle, the Travel Pack enables you to transport the entirety of your fly fishing gear hands-free. The breathable foam back panel and strapping also help you stay one step ahead of the heat if traveling to tropical destinations.
The length of the designated rod compartment also accommodates four-piece rods up to 10 feet long, so that you can pack those longer nymphing rods without issue. If bringing along a four-piece rod tube or two is important to you, the rod compartment can stow a few tubes at the expense of lowering total rod capacity. The Travel Pack unfortunately cannot accommodate rod tubes intended for 10-foot rods, so you’ll have to sock any rods longer than 9.5 feet.
While it depends on the fishing trip/gear list at hand, we can confirm this pack can transport everything you need to arrive at your destination and start fishing. If you’re embarking on an especially gear and apparel-heavy trip that calls for loads of outerwear, base layers, and foul-weather gear, then chances are the Travel Pack will fall short. Tropical trips that demand nothing more than casting shirts, a wet wading wardrobe, and a packable rain jacket in addition to your fishing gear will, however, fall well within the Travel Pack’s capacity.
The feature-rich design also includes quality lockable aluminum zipper pulls, a transparent sleeve for an ID card on the back panel, and a three-sided continuous strap handle for easy retrieval at the baggage claim or boat ramp. While the price point is indeed a bit steep here, rest assured, you’re absolutely getting more than your money’s worth.
Capacity: Accommodates up to four nine-foot rods in their socks
Dimensions: 31 x 10 x 5 inches
Weight: 5.2 pounds
Pros:
Most airlines will allow this bag to be classified as a carry-on
Minimalist, streamlined design perfect for grab-and-go trips
Fishpond’s soft goods are covered with a lifetime guarantee
Cons:
Cannot accommodate rods longer than nine feet or standard rod tubes for nine-foot rods
Large arbor reels must be placed flat rather than upright within the storage dividers
Traveling anglers seeking a straightforward grab-and-go solution to safely packing rods and reels will be thrilled to learn about the Dakota Carry-On Rod & Reel Case. Built to carry and pack, this nifty travel case is not quite as barebones as it might initially seem.
Able to stash up to four rods in their socks up to nine feet long, all paired with reels and an extra spool, the Dakota Carry-On’s capacity is impressive for its smaller-sized profile and lower weight. If you don’t fully load them with reels and spools, the adjustable, padded, and removable interior dividers can also be used to accommodate other sensitive gear, such as fly boxes, electronics, and sunglasses. It’s a bit snug in there compared to some of the larger dimension carry cases on the market, but if you’re traveling with solely nine-foot rods, you’ll likely find that there’s plenty of room for the essentials and appreciate the overall smaller footprint. Unfortunately, your rods will have to be packed in their socks, as the rod compartment is a smidge too short to accommodate a standard four-piece, nine-foot rod tube.
One of my favorite features of the Dakota Carry-On is the inclusion of three external, laminated see-through mesh pockets in addition to three interior mesh pockets. While the outer pockets don’t have a ton of depth and are not padded in any way, they’re perfect for tucking in a few extra spools of tippet, a couple of packs of indicators, and other gear that won’t mind getting banged around a bit. It’s also worth reserving one of the three external pockets for stashing your passport, travel documents, and other on-hand essentials you don’t want to go digging for once you’re on the move, or already embarked. There’s even an additional see-through external pocket for an identification card with your personal info, in case it is lost during travel.
Equipped with an ergonomic carry handle and an adjustable, detachable shoulder strap as well as a waterproof, molded bottom, you can travel from the airport to the lodge, to the boat with unencumbered confidence. All of our testers also agreed that the Dakota Carry-On features an aesthetically sharp look, so packing and traveling with your fly fishing gear has never looked so classy, no matter how much of a trout bum or bonefish vagabond you might be.
Capacity: Accommodates up to six rods up to 11 feet in their socks
Dimensions: 36 x 8 x 5 inches
Weight: 6.5 pounds
Pros:
Can accommodate longer rod lengths up to 11 feet
Great interior organization potential
Extra dividers are available for purchase at a reasonable price point
Lifetime guarantee against defects in manufacturing and materials
Cons:
Larger dimensions may or may not be cleared as carry-on sized, depending on the airline
Zipper pulls are advertised as lockable, but are not built very tough, in our opinion
The Orvis Carry-It-All Bag might not be the highest capacity rod and reel case on the market, but we still feel it’s the best option for long travel based on its mindful internal and external schematic, ample capacity for longer rods and larger pieces of gear, and overall quality of build. If you’re embarking on an especially long fishing trip, chances are you’re not going to be able to fit all of your luggage and fishing gear into one bag. A full send to chase fish in faraway lands with all the bells and whistles means you’re going to need to come extra-prepared, so having a designated rod, reel, and gear bag is definitely in your best interest. Think of this as your stationary gear locker once you touch down at your destination—it’s perfect for keeping all of your rod setups, flies, and assorted gear nice and tidy and at the ready.
The Orvis Carry-It-All Bag (right) compared to the Fishpond Dakota (left).
The larger-sized Carry-It-All Bag offers a generous amount of space for loading up to six rods in their socks up to an impressive 11 feet in length, so unless you’re packing particularly long switch or spey setups, you should be covered here. There are also loads of customizable spaces within the main internal compartment for packing reels, spools, and additional gear, so you can arrange the internal layout to fit your gear list. I can comfortably and coherently pack five rods and reels along with an extra spool or two, a large and small fly box, deck shoes, two pairs of shades, an assortment of tippets and leader materials, pliers, and extra fly lines.
Carrying this rod and reel bag onto your flight might prove tricky due to this bag’s longer length, depending on the airline, so keep this in mind if you’re seeking a travel companion that can stay on your person. Fitting it into an overhead compartment, however, is a breeze if you can convince the airline to allow you on with the bag, so it’s always worth a shot in my opinion. Regarding durability, I feel totally confident waving goodbye to this carry case if airport staff makes me check it. Built from 100% recycled CORDURA® re/cor™ and equipped with reinforced corners, Orvis has engineered this travel bag to take a beating without complaining. That being said, if you refuse to travel without tubing your rods to ensure absolute and total security, you can fit two or three rod tubes in here at the expense of lowering overall rod capacity.
Not to be ignored, the Carry-It-All Bag also includes a handy external zippered pocket that’s perfect for stashing your travel documents, keys, and on-hand essentials, so Orvis has gone the whole nine yards here to really streamline your travel-fishing endeavors.
Capacity: Accommodates up to six 9.5-foot rods in their socks
Dimensions: 32 ⅛ x 9 x 6 ⅝ inches
Weight: 9.3 pounds
Pros:
Deep compartments accommodate large arbor reels
Three combination locks ensure your rods stay secure
Patented rigid ABS construction and interior closed-cell foam provide unparalleled protection
Cons:
Expensive option
Interior dividers are not adjustable/customizable
Sea Run Cases is arguably the industry leader in engineering extra-durable, ultra-efficient travel solutions for fly rods, reels, and other gear. If you’re an adventure angler in search of an exceptionally bomb-proof travel case for enduring the most burly and relentlessly gear-abusive expeditions into the unknown, this is the case for you. Period.
By combining the brand’s patented rigid ABS hard-sided construction with interior padding consisting of closed-cell foam typically used in marine applications, this is a wildly tough travel system. Further equipped with three integrated TSA-compliant combination locks and stainless steel hinges for corrosion resistance, this is essentially a portable gun safe for your fly rods, reels, and must-have gear. When it comes to checking luggage on full-send fishing trips and crossing your fingers everything arrives intact, there is no option more reliable than a hard-sided case from Sea Run. The brand even includes a weatherproof case cover that further boosts overall integrity and provides you with a few comfortable carry options.
Perhaps best of all, the interior compartments designated for reels and fly boxes have been designed to accommodate large arbor reels comfortably, so saltwater anglers and big game enthusiasts won’t have a hard time squeezing in even the biggest pieces of hardware. While the dividers are unfortunately set in stone and not adjustable/customizable, Sea Run has very nicely set this case up to maximize your gear load while keeping it tidy. I personally love how the brand has wasted zero space and included some slim compartments on either side of the carry handle for sliding in leaders, fly lines, electronics, nippers/forceps, and various accessories.
The only real downsides here are the higher weight (9.3 pounds) and the price tag ($495), but we found both are negligible when you consider the quality of craftsmanship and the included limited lifetime warranty. Anglers looking to travel with four-piece rods longer than 9.5 feet will, unfortunately, have to go with a different case, so if your rod quiver consists of longer sticks, consider Sea Run’s designated solution, the Spey Travel Case.
Capacity: Accommodates two, two-piece rods with their reels attached (segments up to 58.5 inches long)
Dimensions: 59 x 8 x 6 inches
Weight: 5.35 pounds
Pros:
Two external lash tabs for securing to a boat frame
Can leave your rods fully rigged within the case for easy grab-and-fish access
Fishpond’s soft goods are covered with a lifetime guarantee
Cons:
Expensive option considering this carry case only accommodates two rods and reels
A bit awkward to carry due to the longer length, but that’s the price of traveling with two-piece rods
Two-piece rods with longer segments pose an especially challenging travel hurdle. The Thunderhead Two-Piece Rod & Reel Case offers a safe and easy travel solution for longer rod segments, so bamboo lovers, spey fishermen, and two-piece aficionados can transport their trusty wands with confidence.
Accommodating two, two-piece rods with their reels attached, the Thunderhead Rod & Reel Case has the necessary length to stow rod segments up to a whopping 58.5 inches long. Unfortunately, there’s virtually no room for packing any additional gear, so what you see is what you get with this option. While the Thunderhead is constrained in terms of gear capacity and organization, it’s fortunately not limited solely to use as a travel case.
External lash tabs enable you to secure this system to boat frames, so you can have your rods simply broken down into two pieces, fully rigged and ready to go while actively fishing. Think of it as a half-length rod tube that you can integrate into almost any fishing vessel, so you don’t have to fully break down your rods, detach your reels, or even de-rig your leader and fly. Fishpond also added a Velcro fly patch for pinning a handful of bugs. This is also a great system for keeping a few setups both safely stored and fully rigged in your vehicle, so no more worrying about your assembled rods taking a beating in your hatchback or truck bed.
Designed with a molded end cap and ample interior padding for protecting your reels as well as crushproof rod tube inserts, you can rest assured your rods and hardware will be safe in there. This peace of mind might be especially important for anglers traveling and fishing with vintage or custom two-piece bamboo or fiberglass setups that may not be easy to replace or repair.
A solidly built travel companion from Patagonia, the Black Hole Rod Case accommodates at least five four-piece rods (up to 11 feet) and five reels, along with additional gear. Modular internal storage dividers and two external pockets enable a nice degree of customizable organization, while multiple exterior lash-down points add further versatility. A brilliant feature not typical of this style of travel case, a handy sleeve near the carry handle enables you to slip it through the handle of rolling luggage.
Designed to accommodate spey and two-handed rods, this hard-sided travel case from Sea Run is one of the few reliable solutions available for stashing particularly long fly rods. Able to stash eight reels and up to five spey/switch rods measuring up to 43.5 inches per section (14.5 foot full-length equivalent), along with a mess of additional gear, this is the perfect high-capacity travel case for diehard steelheaders and spey maniacs who demand the best of the best.
While the capacity is limited to just four nine-foot rods, you can safely pack up to an impressive nine reels and spools into this killer option from Sage. Built with impact-resistance and a high degree of internal organization in mind, this is a great option for anglers who prefer to travel with a plethora of reels, spools, and fly lines.
A no-frills, straightforward solution for safely traveling with the bare-bones essentials. Orvis offers this style case at a very reasonable price point compared to the competition. Essentially a rod tube with an integrated reel case at the base, this style of fly rod and reel case simply enables you to break down a four-piece rod up to 10 feet in length and leave your reel attached. Viola!
Things To Consider
There are four main criteria to consider when selecting the right fly rod and reel case for your fishing endeavors: gear capacity, organization, portability, and durability.
Capacity speaks for itself. Make sure the number of rods and reels you can pack, as well as the allotted space for other gear, is adequate for your packing list(s).
Organization is an underrated detail in my opinion. While you may only be seeking a reliable carry system for your rods and reels, please don’t overlook the handiness of a travel case when it comes to keeping the rest of your gear coherent. This goes double if you’re embarking on particularly equipment-heavy, long fishing trips; it’s nice to have your rod and reel case double as a one-stop gear locker. Fly boxes, tippets, sunglasses, foul-weather gear, nippers, and forceps can all have a nice and tidy home depending on the rod and reel case you choose.
Portability is a detail you’ll need to think a bit harder about. Where do you plan on bringing your rod and reel case, and how do you expect to be traveling with it? If it’s simply a gear-transport that’s going to live in your truck bed for the duration of your fishing trip, then the style of carry straps and total weight are likely not significant factors. If you’re embarking on a full-send international expedition into gnarly backcountry, then the size, weight, and carry convenience of your travel system will be paramount. Think about the advantages of features such as backpack straps, carry-on compatibility, and total weight while considering just how portable your system needs to be.
Durability is the last detail you ought to consider carefully. While most fly rod and reel cases are designed to handle the routine abuses of travel, some are built more burly than others. Ask yourself: do you need your travel system to simply endure rough handling by flight crews, or does it have to stand up to next-level beat-downs? Think about whether or not you require waterproof storage or a full-on hard-sided, padded case for protecting ultra-sensitive gear such as electronics. Wise adventure anglers will be smart to seek out a particularly bomber travel system so their irreplaceable gear is safe while out in the wild.
FAQs:
Q: How to pack a fly rod and reel case?
If there’s one thing we learned while testing for this gear list, it’s that there are countless different ways to pack each fly rod and reel case effectively.
The main question one needs to ask themselves before getting into the nitty-gritty of packing schematics is whether to bring rod tubes. While the travel cases we tested all performed wonderfully for keeping rods safe while packed in rod socks alone, keeping your rods tubed will undoubtedly add even more integrity to your travel system. It can also be nice to have your rod tubes (or at least one or two) with you on your fishing trip for several different reasons, so first things first—consider if you’ll need rod tubes or not. I personally think half the beauty of a travel rod-and-reel case is the ability to leave your tubes behind, so I typically pack one in case I need it.
If you opt to leave the rod tubes behind, then you’ll have a whole lot more room to play with while packing. Utilize the designated rod compartment to place as many rod socks as you can safely fit, and then go about playing Tetris with the rest of your gear. Most cases offer a customizable schematic so you can personalize the compartments and storage space to accommodate your gear load perfectly. If you plan to bring only two or three reels, pull out some dividers and create larger compartments for a big streamer box or some rain gear. The ability to customize some of the above-mentioned packing systems is quite impressive!
Q: Can you lock rod and reel cases?
If locking your rod and reel case is important to you, there are absolutely some options on the market that enable you to do so. While some options have a lock or locks incorporated into the design, most travel systems are at least built with lockable zippers so you can utilize your own lock. If you’re an adventure angler who often flies with gear, be sure to read product specs carefully if TSA-compliant locks are important to you.
Final Thoughts
Owning a designated fly rod and reel case will no doubt streamline the way you pack and travel on your fishing trips, both near and far. Offering better safety and security and superior organization for your gear, you’ll never look back once you utilize one of these killer travel systems and likely wish you had sprung for one sooner.
Anglers Pat Richards and Lee Wegner tough out a intense spring snowfall on the Ham's Fork, WY.
Anglers in the Western US who’ve been fishing in balmy temperatures and wondering where the snow is aren’t going crazy. This is officially the slowest start to the snow collection season in at least 25 years, according to the National Integrated Drought Information System (NIDIS).
Their data, which tracks snow-water equivalent levels and total snow cover throughout the West, puts numbers next to what many anglers are experiencing: a warm, dry winter. NIDIS reported that snow cover across the West was only at 90,646 square miles, which is about one-third of the typical average for this time of year.
Snow-water equivalent data also paints a rough picture.
The beleaguered Colorado River Basin isn’t faring well, off the heels of a summer that saw Lakes Powell and Mead reach historic lows. Soils are also dry after a long, hot summer, which means the ground will absorb more runoff next spring than normal, contributing to less water in reservoirs and streams.
A slow start doesn’t necessarily spell permanent problems, though. Snow collection season typically runs through May, and late winter and early-spring storms can dump heavy, wet snow right at the start of runoff season.
As of right now, though, we could be looking at another summer of low flows, warm rivers, and shortened fishing seasons if winter continues to hold off its approach.
Long Haul Reviews are written to give you in-depth, firsthand knowledge of how a product fares over time. While initial reviews and testing for a few weeks is great, it doesn’t give you a solid idea of just how a product functions after long-term use. In this review, we’re looking at one of fly fishing’s longest-running rods: the Tom Morgan Favorite (TMF) from Winston.
The TMF has been continuously offered by Winston for over 30 years, and aside from changing from IM6 blanks to WT graphite and tweaks to the reel seats, these rods are the same thing you’d buy during their original offering in 1989. These 4-weights have a reputation for uncanny accuracy, an incredible light-in-hand feel, and the sort of relaxed, responsive casting stroke you’d expect from a Winston.
Photo: Courtesy of Peter DeWitt
I’ve had my own TMF for close to a decade now, and it’s a go-to rod for me both in the high country and on the local freestones. You can only buy this rod in a 2-piece configuration, which makes it less-than-ideal for travel, but helps the rod retain that sweet casting profile that’s made it a legend.
Spigot-ferrule, two-piece design for the ultimate slow-action, relaxed casting feel
Designed for use with true-to-weight, classically tapered fly lines
Continuously in production since 1989
MSRP: $995
Pros:
Responsive, lightweight, and extremely accurate
Excels at single and double-dry rigs in tough conditions like spring creeks
Able to manage large trout and reasonable wind
Cons:
A bit too light for larger dry-dropper rigs
Can lose accuracy past 45 feet
The Skinny
To understand why you’d want to buy a TMF, you need to know a bit about this rod’s history and place in the fly fishing world.
The rod was designed by Tom Morgan, the man who moved Winston from San Francisco to Twin Bridges, Montana. At that time, Winston’s blanks were supplied by Gary Loomis (with a small stock of blanks from the J.K. Fisher Company, as well). Soon enough, IM6 graphite became available, which is a low-modulus (slow-action) material that was perfect for Tom to bring his favorite rod to the masses.
Released for the 60th anniversary of Winston in 1989, the Tom Morgan Favorite is described in that year’s catalog as a “medium-action” rod built for fishing 15-45 feet. Tom designed the rod for fishing on Montana’s spring creeks, where the fish are picky and wary, and a downstream drift with a dry fly often isn’t possible.
The rod is infamously light, with even Tom himself describing it as more of a 3.5 or 3.75-weight than a true four. That incredible lightness is a large reason why this rod retains such a great feel in-hand, and wonderful line control at 15-45 feet.
Photo: Courtesy of Peter DeWitt
It’s hard to beat that description today. This rod excels in the situations where you need extremes in both accuracy and delicacy. Winston doesn’t build the current models with IM6 graphite, but with an in-house version of that material dubbed “WT.” The rods are still built with spigot ferrules, are only available in two pieces, and come in a powder-coated aluminum rod tube.
A brand-new TMF will set you back $995, the same price as the company’s much-loved Pure 2 lineup. That Winston is still making this rod, with virtually no major changes since WT graphite started being used in the 90s, is notable. Even Scott’s beloved G-series has gone through several iterations throughout the years. Winston has wisely not messed with a good thing here.
The TMF performs best with a true-to-weight, classically-tapered fly line. I use a Scientific Anglers line that they don’t make anymore, but lines like their Trout Expert are a perfect match for this rod. I still prefer a weight-forward line because the rod, while slow, is still crisp in its casting stroke. Double-taper lines are wonderful on a TMF as well, but I like the extra oomph I get with a WF. You can’t go wrong with either line, in my experience.
Photo: Courtesy of Jeremiah Mackmiller
The Time Test
I’ve owned a TMF built on WT blanks for about a decade now, and it’s frequently at the front of my quiver. Paired with a true-to-weight line and a classic reel (I opt for a Hardy 1921 Perfect), I’ve yet to see a prettier setup in the fly fishing world. Not that aesthetics catch fish, but it’s sure nice to have a pretty rod to admire when the fishing is slow.
Obviously, it excels at presenting dry flies. I haven’t fished a rod that surpasses the TMF in ability to delicately and accurately put dry flies on the water. I’ve used a few that are roughly equal, but are quicker in action, stiffer in the butt, or more suited for a wider array of rigs.
And that’s an important point to make. The TMF was never built with the intention to do much more than delicate dry fly work. This rod was designed to solve the problems Tom Morgan ran into on Montana’s spring creeks, and it absolutely succeeds in that department.
All that said—and I apologize in advance to TMF fanatics everywhere—you can get away with using this rod for light nymphing work. If you’re in a pinch where the hatch just isn’t coming off, the TMF will work just fine for a couple of size 16 nymphs and a strike indicator. Shoot, I even rigged up an amateur tight-line rig on this rod once, because I saw a huge rainbow at the bottom of a pool and needed my flies to drop deep and quickly.
The TMF is great with double-dry fly rigs, so long as both dries are reasonably sized. I wouldn’t fish much larger than a size 12 on the TMF, personally. If you’re in a blue-winged olive hatch and want to throw a size 16 parachute, followed by an 18 Sparkle Dun, the TMF is more than up to that challenge. Even long leaders turn over well on this rod, thanks to its crisp action.
Honestly, the TMF has surprising strength and guts. I spent a week fishing a well-known Oregon tailwater with this rod, back when the average fish size there was pushing 18 inches. The pale-morning dun hatch was in full swing, and big fish were gulping flies off the surface with the sort of regularity that doesn’t feel real. Even when hooked into 20-inch browns in heavy current, the TMF had the backbone to quickly get them in the net.
Dry-dropper rigs aren’t ideal on this rod, unless you limit them to size 16 or 18 dropper nymphs. It’ll throw those larger rigs in a pinch, but it’s not the most pleasant experience.
Finally, the TMF was built for relatively close-quarters combat (by today’s standards, at any rate). It’s excellent out to about 45 or 50 feet, but past that, its accuracy can start to wane.
My Recommendation
The TMF is one of my favorite Winstons (I own 13), even though it’s not the most versatile in my quiver. It’s light, lively, and while still slow, has a crisp finish to its action that gives it enough oomph to deliver flies on target, or handle large fish.
The two-piece design aids in how smoothly this rod casts, even if it’s not ideal for traveling. That said, the only time I’ve ever bemoaned my two-piece rods is when I’m flying somewhere.
If you consistently fish dry flies—whether on technical spring creeks, or in easier water—it’s hard to beat the experience of a TMF. Unless I need the extra backbone of a 5-weight to handle Wyoming’s wind, I reach for the TMF during our early and late-season blue-wing hatches. It feels remarkably like bamboo, in many ways, but it’s so light in-hand that the TMF just disappears as part of your casting stroke.
Any angler who loves dry fly fishing owes it to themselves to cast a TMF. The action isn’t for everyone, and the $995 price tag isn’t, either. But this rod debuted for $380 in 1989, which is the same as $1,019 in 2025. Regardless, even with its slower action, the TMF is hard to beat for any dry fly enthusiast.
The future is bright for Scott Fly Rods with their most recent announcement. President Jim Bartschi announced that Shawn Combs will be joining Scott Fly Rods in 2026 as Vice President.
This move strengthens Scott, the already legendary rod company, with Combs’ experience as Director of Product Design and Development at the Orvis Company. During his time at Orvis, Shawn led the way on projects such as the new Helios rods, reels, waders, and boots.
“Shawn is a lifelong angler with finely honed skills and a proven track record in fly-fishing product design,” said Scott President Jim Bartschi. “His passion for innovation, quality, and team building is a perfect fit to help carry on Scott’s fifty-year legacy of handcrafting high-performance fly rods. I’m thrilled to welcome Shawn to the Scott family and the opportunity to work with him and the rest of the team on writing the next chapters of the Scott story.”
Jim Bartschi has been with Scott for over 30 years and is responsible for bringing iconic rods like the G Series, Sector, and now the newly released GT Series rods. Combining his talents with Combs’ is an exciting move for the fly fishing industry and the future of innovative rod design.
Combs added, “I am beyond excited to join Scott Fly Rod Company to work alongside Jim and team. Having grown up fishing Scott rods, I am honored to contribute to the legacy of handcrafting rods that, in my view, embody innovation and soul like no other.”
