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Robert Terwilliger Guide • Frederick, Colorado

Colorado Wilderness Fly Fishing

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This gear list looks at the key things I use for all of my backcountry fly-fishing adventures for both rivers (typically small rivers) and high mountain lakes here in Colorado. I've lived / fished here 30 years and entering my 15 year of guiding fly fishing. I enjoy the backcountry given you can get away from people whether just doing a hike-in day trip, on horseback/ mule or a multi-day trip. Within this gear list, I will cover items needed for all of the above. Depending on the water you plan to fish, it can require very different equipment. A great example is small river fishing is best done with a shorter, lighter weight fly rod where accuracy is critical. High mountain lakes require longer casts and many times in the wind so a longer, heavier weight rod is best.

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Rods, Reels & Line

Rods

For small river fishing in the Colorado backcountry, I like a 8-9 foot, 3 weight rod. These rods are fun to fish in smaller waters and make it easy to make accurate casts. Some prefer an even lighter weight rod (0-2 weight). However, I feel a 3 weight (or even a 4 weight) is a better fit as it does handle the wind much better which is the norm generally in the afternoon.

For high mountain lake fishing, I like a 10 foot, 5-6 weight rod which still allows for a reasonably delicate presentation if fishing dry flies but enough backbone to fight the wind. High mountain lakes at tree line and above have some wind more days than not! Additionally tight shores lines can make casting challenging. The long rod enables you to make effortless roll casts!

Orvis Recon

Small River Rod- Orvis Recon 3 weight 8' 4".

Orvis Helios 3F

High Mountain Lake Rod- Orvis Helios 3F 5 weight 10'.

Orvis Clearwater

For those on a budget, Orvis's clearwater rods are an awesome choice! Great performance for your dollar but still come with Orvis's 25 year unconditional warranty!

Reels & Spools

Orvis Battenkill

Small River- Orvis Battenkill Disc Fly Reel Size II.

Orvis Hydros

High Mountain Lakes- Orvis Hydros Reel Size III.

Orvis Hydros Spare Spool

Extra Hydros spool (for sinking line).

Line & Backing

Orvis Pro Trout Smooth Fly Line

3WF for small river, 5WF for lakes.

Orvis Pro Depth Charge 3D Sinking Fly Line

150 grain (5/6WT).

Rio Fly Line Backing Dacron

20lb backing will do.

Lures, Flies, Tackle & Bait

Fly fishing the backcountry can be easier than water which receives a ton of fishing pressure. Fish tend to be more opportunistic too! Below, I've outlined some basic patterns which work most everywhere depending on the time of year and size can make a difference too.

Dry Flies

Sizes 14-16.

Creative Angler Parachute Adams

Elk Hair Caddis

Stimulator

Feeder Creek Black Gnat

Foam Hoppers

Nymphs

Beaded and non-beaded sizes 12-16.

I use small sizes for small rivers, larger for lakes as a norm.

12 Flies Bead Head Prince Nymph Fishing Flies

Bead Head Flash Back Pheasant Tail Mayfly Nymph Flies Tied on Mustad Signature Fly Hooks - 12 Flies

The Fly Fishing Place Bead Head Gold Ribbed Hare's Ear Nymph Fly Fishing Flies

Umpqua Copper John Fly

Scud Nymph Fishing Flies

Tan

The Fly Fishing Place Olive Beaded Shrimp Scud

The Fly Fishing Place Orange Beaded Shrimp Scud

Streamers

Streamer Flies

For lakes - olive, brown and black leech patterns.

Other

Orvis Superstrong Plus Leaders 2 Pack

9 foot / 4X leaders

Orvis Fly Fishing - Super Strong Plus Tippet

Corqs Strike Indicators

Bags, Boxes, Storage & Organization

Fishing in the backcountry requires a good pack system to carry all your clothing, food, drink gear and net comfortably! Organization is also key so you can bring only what's needed and can easily find it within your pack. The following packs work well for me whether hiking in on foot or riding my mules including for all trips I guide too!

Backpacks & Lumbar Packs

KUIU Venture Divide 2000

Orvis Fly Fishing Sling Pack

Tackle Boxes & Fly Boxes

Orvis Double-Sided Fly Box, Medium

This is for streamers.

Orvis Ultralight Foam Box

I use the medium-size one for dry flies and nymphs.

Other

Sidekick

Clothing

Fishing the Colorado backcountry means the weather can change any time! Warm layers, quality rain gear and sun protection are essential! Layers needed can vary based on the season and forecast so be prepared as appropriate. During warmer months, I prefer wet wading as this allows me to leave the waders home and hike in my wading shoes.

Hats

Orvis Ripstop Covert Trucker Cap

This cap is for hiking and fishing.

Queue Essentials Western Style Pinch Front Straw Canvas Hat

When on horseback, I wear a western hat for protection from the sun, rain and hail.

Sunglasses & Retainers

Don't skimp on quality sunglasses for the backcountry! The sun is strong at altitude. Your sunglasses are also essential safety equipment for your eyes both from the sun and getting a potential hook in the eye! Buy something comfortable you can wear all day (so not too dark a lenses) that is polarized and provides UV protection!

Smith Basecamp Sunglasses

ChromaPop Polarized Green Mirror Lens

Chums Orbiter Eyewear Retainer

Neck Gaiters

BUFF Original Ecostretch Ultra

Tops

KUIU Ultralight Circle AP Tech LS T-Shirt

If on foot or hiking.

Orvis Tech Chambray Western Shirt

If on horseback.

Jackets/ Shells

Orvis Men's Ultralight Wading Jacket

Shorts & Pants

Comfortable hiking shorts / pants are also important if hiking in on foot and ones that dry quickly once wet!

Kuhl Renegade Cargo Convertible Pants

Wrangler Jeans

These are for when you are on horseback.

Vests

Orvis Recycled Drift Vest

Rain Gear

Men's Swamp Jacket - Grey

Waders

When I do use waders, full waders are not necessary in the backcountry so I use half waders.

Simms M's G3 Guide Wading Pant

Footwear

Simms Flyweight Vibram Sole Wading Boots for Men

Socks

Simms Flyweight Neoprene Wet-Wading Socks

I recommend these for wet-wading.

DARN TOUGH (1964) ABC Boot Midweight with Cushion Men's Sock

Tools & Accessories

Within this section, I cover nets I use for both small river fishing and lake fishing (both in and out of my inflatable boats) as well tools and the boats I like for backcountry lakes.

Nets

The nets are light in weight and pack well on a backpack. They are also easy on fish and hooks will not get hung up in them.

Fishpond USA Nomad Mid-Length Net

I like this net for high mountain lakes and out of my boats.

FishPond Nomad Emerger Net

I like the Nomad Emerger for small river fishing.

Pliers, Scissors & Tools

Orvis Flow Hemo

Orvis Flow Nipper

Knives

Leatherman FREE® K4X

Hydration

Sawyer Squeeze Water Filter System

Nalgene Sustain Tritan BPA-Free Water Bottle

IGNITE

ENDURO

Misc. Gear

The boats listed below are packable and weigh 40 pounds so they can easily be packed on your back or on pack stock. They inflate with a foot pump in minutes, are extremely safe and can carry plenty of weight (i.e. you plus gear). For mountain lakes, they can be a game changer!

Water Master Grizzly Raft

With heavy duty oars

Yellowstone Fly Goods Fly Agra Floatant

Hy-Flote® Shake-N-Flote Renew

Robert Terwilliger Guide • Frederick, Colorado

Started hunting and fishing from a young age. Moved to Colorado 29 years ago and been hunting, fishing and riding the ba... Read more

*NOTE: The links to purchase certain products I recommend in this gear list may result in me being paid a small commission. I appreciate your support!