Valhalla Lodge:
Equipement and Flies

Fly Rods:

The Sustut River is best fished with a 9 or 9 (1/2) foot graphite rod designed to cast an 8, or 9 weight fly line. An 8 weight seems to be the perfect rod. Each angler should have two rods available for the trip. Single-handed fly rods are fine.

Two-handed rods are also very popular on the Sustut and are excellent tools for covering the water. Two handed rods are arguably the most efficient tool to fish the Sustut River they make it easy for a lot of anglers.

Fly Reels:

Some of these fish are large, occasionally huge, and good size on the average. A high quality, wide arbor, single-action (direct drive) fly reel with rim-control feature is just as important as the rod. The reel should be equipped with a smooth, reliable drag system. Reels should be filled with a minimum of 100 yds. of fresh, 20 lb. and high-visibility backing.

Fly Lines:

(Single-handed Rods) A floating line is important, preferably a weight-forward. Much of the water on the Sustut calls for a floating line combined with a long leader. Traditional sink-tip fly lines also have a place on the Sustut, make sure they are a type III through VI sink rate. Perhaps most important we suggest bringing Cortland’s Quick Descent or Rio Density Compensated Lines (24-foot) in 200, 300 and 400 grain weights.

(Double-handed Rods) We believe it is hard to beat the Rio Windcutter Spey Fly Lines with Rio’s interchangeable tip system. Tips include a 15’ floater, 15’ Intermediate, and 15’ Type III, VI, VIII density sink-tips. In addition anglers should bring an assortment of 24’ interchangeable sinking tips “BIG BOYS” in 200gr, 300gr and 400gr. The Skagit lines with appropriate tips are also an efficient way to cover the waters of the Sustut.

Leaders & Tippet:

If you are fishing a floating line with sinking or floating fly, your tapered leaders should be in the 9’ to 12’ length. For sinking line fishing, your leaders should be in the 4’ to 7’ in length or straight tippet. Leaders should be (OX) or (1X). For tippet you should bring fresh spools of 10 lb., 12 lb., 15 lb & 20 lb. We like tippet material made by Seaguar, Umpqua, Rio, and Maxima

Flies:

Dry Flies: Depending on water levels, clarity, air temperature and water temperature, the Sustut River can have some excellent dry fly fishing. Flies to consider include:
• Riffle Dancer (Sustut favorites), sizes 2 - 6.
• Steelhead Bombers (White and/or Chartreuse wing), sizes 4-10
• Waller Wakers, sizes 4 - 8
• Lambroughton Skater, size 6

Damp Flies: Again, depending on conditions, especially water levels, damp flies or grease line fishing can have its place on the Sustut. Flies to consider include:
• Grease Line, sizes 4 - 8
• Mac Millan Steelhead Caddis, sizes 4 - 10
• Western Steelhead Bee, sizes 8 - 10
• Muddler Minnow, sizes 6 - 10

Wet Flies: For the most part, wet flies on the Sustut should be BIG. Traditionally tied flies should be on hook sizes from 2 - 2/0. String leeches should be full and long, up to five inches in length. Flies should be tied full with lots of flash in varying colors and color combination. Don’t be afraid to tie and throw big flies for these fish, they love ‘em. We suggest the following patterns:
• String Leeches (black, purple, cerise,) 3” - 5” long
• Egg Sucking Leech variations using marabou or rabbit strip in black & purple (Add dazzle w/flashabou or
crystal flash)
• Popsicle, size 1/0
• Paul Miller’s Super Spey Predator
• Orange Comet Bunny, size 2
• General Practitioner (orange, purple) size 2
• Articulated Leech, size 2
• Hareball Leeches (fuchsia, black, bubblegum, orange, “winter’s hope”)
• Bjorn Super Prawn Series (varying color combinations)
• Skagit Minnow
• Articulated Marabou Leech
• Volcano, size 1/0
• Deep Wogs, size 2
• Broad selection of standard steelhead wet flies tied on big hooks
• Hot Shot Comets

Clothing and Wading Gear

1... Base Layer: Start off with a (synthetic) type fabric next to your skin. This often is a pair of thermal underwear (tops and bottoms) and they usually come in three weights: light, mid and expedition. According to your individual metabolism, pick what is best for you. Synthetic (non-cotton) materials retain little moisture and "wick" moisture away from your skin. This is very important when you are walking in waders or when outside temperatures heat up.

2... Thermal Layer: Your second layer of insulation should match the weather and conditions you are going to be fishing in. Lightweight insulation for cool weather, mid-weight for colder conditions and heavy weight for really frigid conditions. Fleece is an outstanding choice here in either tops and bottoms or overalls. Wool is also a good choice as it stays warm when damp, but dries very slowly.

3... Outer Shell (Rain jacket & Waders): Your final layer should be a rain jacket and waders.
Rain Jacket: High quality Gore-Tex® type products are the best. Your rain jacket should be 100% waterproof and breathable. Rain jackets must be seam sealed, multi layered, of QUALITY construction and from a recognized outdoor clothing company. Simms, North Face, Sequel, Patagonia, Columbia, and REI all make some fine breathable raingear. Jackets specifically designed for flyrodders are the best.

Note: Always chose your rain jacket for its ability to ward off rain. Breathability is very important, but is secondary to being 100% waterproof. Buy the best rain jacket you can afford, as it is one of the most important pieces of equipment you can own. Being wet is no fun. NEVER leave the lodge without your rain jacket.

Wading Equipment:

Stocking foot, breathable waders are the only way to go. Neoprene waders are antiquated, do not permit moisture to escape, are heavy and cumbersome and appropriate for sedentary fishing (float tubing) where insulation is the only concern. Gore-Tex® "Breathable" waders have totally revolutionized wading equipment. We have tested breathable waders from Kamchatka to Tierra del Fuego, and they work...and work well! You will experience little or no moisture build-up inside the waders, even after a long hike; they wear like iron, and are comfortable to be in all day. Lastly, Gore-Tex® "Breathable" waders take up a fraction of the space neoprene waders take-up when packed in your duffel bag. All waders should be worn with synthetic fiber under wader wear for maximum comfort, minimum moisture retention, and warmth. For safety we strongly recommend wearing a wading belt at all times.

Clothing Strategy:

By planning your clothing strategies around the layering system, you can easily adjust and adapt to changing temperatures and conditions. These insulating layers can be used in any combination, and not necessarily in the order listed. For instance, you may wish to put your rain jacket directly over your Base Layer on a warm, breezy day. A final thought on clothing. Experienced outdoors people agree on one thing when it comes to dressing for the outdoors - cotton does not work.

1 set midweight Patagonia Capilene or Simms "Polartec" Wading Underwear (tops and bottoms.

1 set fleece pants Patagonia El Capilene, Simms Power Stretch Guide Bibs or Pants

1 Fleece jacket Patagonia Synchilla or Simms Wind Stopper.

Socks: Anglers should bring enough socks to alternate on a daily basis. For a week's fishing trip, three pairs should be fine. Do not wear the same socks every day, but alternate, leaving one pair to dry and air while wearing the other set. Wool, polypro or a combination of both are the best choices in sock material. Try on your socks with your waders and wading boots before you leave for your trip to insure that you have plenty of room to move your toes. Being unable to move your toes, and cramping of your feet in your wading boots are the biggest reasons for numb toes and cold feet. We've experienced great success with the disposable air-activated heating pads available at many outdoor stores. Removal from the cellophane wrapper activates them, then simply stick to outside of socks for hours of cozy warmth.

Wading Boots: Felt soled wading boots are highly recommended as they offer superior ankle support and are exceptional for hiking to and from waters. Simms, Chota and Patagonia make some good models to consider. Gravel Cuffs and a wading staff is not a bad idea.

Wool or Polypropylene Gloves: Fingerless gloves are great, especially for cold mornings. We have had the best success with synthetic or wool gloves.

Fishing Vest or Tackle Pack: Choose one that has room for a rain jacket or camera in the back. The brands we like are Sage, Simms and Fish Pond. If you prefer a tackle pack, take a good look at the Fish Pond or Patagonia products.

Small Day Pack or Tackle Bag: This can be an extremely important article to include while packing. We like a waterproof, top-loader daypack that can hold extra gear, clothes, flies, camera, snacks, etc. For a traditional tackle bag, the Abel Holds Everything Bag is the one.

Fishing Hat: A hat that is comfortable and that has a good size brim to shade your eyes and face and keep the moisture from fogging your glasses is the best choice. A dark under-brim is strongly recommended. If your ears are susceptible to the wind and cold, bring a synthetic or wool stocking cap.

Polaroid Sunglasses: Fly fishing on the Sustut can be a visual experience. Good quality polarized sunglasses are a must. Action Optics and Costal de Mar make some of the best in the industry. Bring a bandanna or lens cloth to wipe them off and keep them clean.

Line clippers, Pliers, Hemostats, & Hook File: These are essential to any fisherman and should not be left behind.

Recommended Flies: They do not sell flies at the lodge, so to be prepared give us a call we are more than happy to assist you with your equipment needs and put together a fly selection for you.