Fly Fishing Gear for the West Walker River California

Fly Fishing Gear and Trout Flies for the West Walker River in
California
The West Walker River has some fairly nice size brown trout. The ideal all around fly line
size would probably be a 5 weight, floating fly line. There would be nothing wrong with a 4
weight line to deliver some of the smaller flies. Some anglers would prefer something
heavier for large nymphs and streamers. A 6 weight fly line would deliver most of the
streamers and heavy nymphs much better than the 5 weight. You may want to use a
sinking tip line for the streamers, especially during the cold weather.

Fly Rod:
You would want a fly rod to handle each of the above line sizes. The 4 weight rod should
be at least eight and a half feet long. We would prefer a medium action to help protect light
tippets. We recommend a nine foot length for the 5 weight rod. We think a medium to
medium fast action would be best for this one.

The six weight rod should be a little stiffer to handle larger nymphs and streamers. We
recommend a nine foot rod in a medium to medium fast action.

Fly Reel:
The reels for the 4, 5 or 6 weight lines should have good drags. They should be smooth
and adjust to fine increments.

Leaders:
You should be using at least a seven foot leader. A nine foot length would probably be the
best all around length. The only exception would be when you are fishing streamers. You
may want a shorter leader in that case. You should have leaders in sizes ranging from 2X
for streamers, up to 7X for small flies like small BWOs and midges.

Tippet:
Carry extra tippet in sizes ranging from 2X to 7X.

Waders:
Waders are necessary just about anywhere you fish the river. There are areas you could
fish from the banks, but you would be at a disadvantage many places. We prefer the
breathable type but you may need neoprene waders if you are fishing during the winter.

Wading Boots:
Felt soles would be our choice. The new rubber soles may work well. They have at other
similar waters where we've tried them.

Wading Staff:
The use of a wading staff would be a purely optional accessory.

Landing Net:
You certainly would want to consider a landing net. There are some nice size brown trout
in the West Walker River.

Trout Flies:
We always recommend our "Perfect Fly" trout flies. We have specific imitations of every
important insect that exist on the this river. If you haven't done so already, please give
them a try. The fine angler that provided the stream shot images, Mr. Gary Paepke, has
tested our flies extensively on this river. He has caught some nice trout on them.