What to Bring

When preparing for a fishing adventure, packing properly is the number one thing you can do to ensure you have a great experience. Being a fishing outfitter and industry professional allows us here at Whitefish Lodge and Outpost Camps to plenty of opportunities to travel, and through those travels we have learned to pack efficiently by focusing on the essentials. The following checklist can help you get organized and get the most out of your next big trip.

Clothing

Clothing is an important consideration when packing for any outdoor fishing trip. Being properly outfitted will keep you comfortable and safe, so you can enjoy your adventure.

Warm Climates

Temperate and tropical climates can be just as demanding as cold-weather destinations. Sometimes folks traveling to warm places overlook this, assuming they can get away with shorts and a T-shirt. With the wrong attire, spending multiple days in the sun can turn your trip of a lifetime into miserable grind. These items will help you stay comfortable during your trip:

• Cool, sun-protective clothing: Fishing in warm climates often means long, hot days under direct sun. Overexposure can cause burns, exhaustion, dehydration, and even heat stroke. Make sure you cover up. Lightweight, long-sleeved synthetic shirts with plenty of ventilation will keep you cool and keep the sun off your skin. Team these up with a pair of rugged synthetic pants that will dry quickly if you wade in the water.
• Bandanna, UV Buff, or other face protection: In the most severe climates, protecting your face is an absolute must. I always pack some type of face covering, even if it just stays around my neck all day. As an added benefit, it can be dipped in the water to keep you cool on a hot day.
• Water shoes or sandals: Good-quality wading shoes will help protect your feet and keep you from slipping on rocks when wading in lakes, rivers, or the ocean. I prefer close-toed shoes designed specifically for wading, but if you are fishing from a boat, sandals can suffice.
• Sun-protective hat: A good hat will reduce glare, allowing you to spot fish or structure under the water while protecting your face, neck, and ears from the sun. Full-brimmed hats offer superior protection to baseball-style caps.
• Sun gloves: Many anglers forget to cover up their hands and end up with severe burns after a day in the sun. A pair of fingerless sun gloves is an inexpensive solution that will save your skin on an extended trip.
• Packable rain jacket: Sudden storms and downpours can happen on any trip, and are quite common in many summer or tropical fishing destinations. Be prepared with a lightweight rain jacket and stay on the fish instead of running back to the lodge.

Cold Days

The days can get cold during the fishing season and it is important to choose high-quality outerwear and layering options. Don't skimp on the waterproof clothing and make sure you bring plenty of extra underwear and socks, in case you get soaked. The following is a list of cold-weather items I never leave on a trip without:

• Quality rain gear: Buy the highest-quality gear you can afford, and that means more than just a jacket. Waterproof pants, footwear, hats, and gloves will all help keep you dry in a heavy downpour. It is easy to get soaked during a hike to your fishing spot or a long boat ride. The right items will allow you to fish comfortably all day, even during a storm.
• Wool or synthetic socks and undergarments: Make sure you bring plenty of extra socks and underwear. Even with fully waterproof outerwear, you can get soaked if you are out in the rain for extended periods. Wool and synthetic materials will continue to keep you warm even if they get wet, and they dry quickly after the day is through. I always bring a spare set with me in a dry bag in case I take an accidental swim. You can never have enough!
• Layering pieces: In the case of really cold fishing trips, such a winter steelhead or ice fishing, it is important to layer up as much as possible. Polar fleece is a great option that comes in a number of thicknesses or weights. At the minimum, carry a pair of sweatpants and a fleece pullover or two.
• Heavy jacket: In the coldest of climates, a heavy down or synthetic jacket is a must. If there’s room in your bag, it is always worth bringing just in case there is a cold snap. Even in temperate weather, it can be a lifesaver on a long morning boat ride or after a fall in the water.
• Insulated hat and gloves: Many people don’t like to fish with gloves on, but there are many fingerless options that will keep you going when the fishing gets tough. A beanie or other insulated hat will help keep your head warm.

Our normal operating season goes from the middle of May to end of September. In the spring our walleye season opens the 3rd Saturday of May fishermen that arrive before this date will have the opportunity to fish everything but the walleyes.