| What
to bring on a float trip
A
float
trip
is a
great
way to
see
a river
and cover
miles
and miles
of water.
The anglers
just
sit back
or stand
casting
a fly
along
the banks
and pockets
while
your
guide
is cranking
on the
oars
keeping
you in
the "sweet
spot." Another
advantage
to a
float
trip
is the
fact
you can
lug
a lot
of gear.
Extra
layers,
rain
gear,
waders,
camera
and even
a beer
or two.
Listed
below
are a
few tips
and
ideas
to help
you gear-up
for an
AVA float
trip.
Rods
and reels
A 9 foot
fly rod is best. As for weight,
that depends on the type
of fishing. For nymphing
a 5 or 6 weight will be perfect.
That same 6 weight will work
perfectly when slinging heavy
streamers to the bank. A
4 weight will fish most dry
flies, however a 5 weight
can be a bit more versatile
because you never know when
your guide might have you
casting a monster foam hopper,
or a #20 midge or #4 lead-eyed
sculpin.
Fly
fishing clothing and
waders
Due
to the ever changing western
weather, the right clothing is
just as important as a rod and
reel. In most seasons, including
summer time, you need to bring
plenty of layers. Fleece pants
and top are a good idea under
the waders and rain gear is a
must. A fleece jacket or vest
can be nice to help ward off
morning chills. Rain pants and
Gore-Tex jackets go a long way
if caught in an afternoon thunderstorm.
Gore-Tex waders are also nice
regardless of season, but shorts
or quick dry pants work nice
on the hot days with river sandals
or wading boots. Studded boots
are fine for some of our wade
trips, but are not raft or drift
boat friendly. On
winter and spring trips extra
layers, wool or fleece gloves,
warm socks and a warm hat and
are a must. In most cases the
guides will have extras. Besides
the right clothing and waders;
bring along the camera, sun screen,
polarized sunglasses and a sun
hat. Rafts
and drift boats
We
float in modern rafts and
drift boats. Drift boats
are made of
fiberglass, wood or a plastic
polymer
and range in lengths of
15 to 16
feet long. There is room
for one or two anglers,
gear, cooler,
the guide and maybe a dog.
There is plenty of storage
for gear
and grub. Both anglers can
sit
or
stand to fish. When standing
the anglers just lock
their
legs in
thigh braces to
help
with
balance while casting.
Rafts,
at times, make for the best
mode of transportation
on many of
our rivers due to their ability
to float when rivers get
low and rocky. When flows
are low
rafts are easy to control
and maneuver in tight
situations. The
front angler sits on a padded
dry box or padded swivel
seat. Anglers also have
the option to
stand using a thigh bar to
balance while casting.
The ridged flooring
or the inflated floor makes
for a steady casting
platform. The
rear angler fishes from a
padded swivel seat that
has a back rest.
The back angler can also
stand using the seat
or thigh bar for
a brace.
Both
drift boats and rafts have storage
for additional rods rigged with
alternative types of flies in
safe and protective rod holders.
We always have back-up rods in
the boats for the rare and untimely
rod snap. | 
