Even though each year around this time trout season comes knocking at the door around most of the country, the mid and late winter months aren’t typically prolific when it comes to new gear releases. This year’s late winter season has largely followed suit. But, what this 2024’s winter months have lack in volume, they’ve made up for in impact — with several gear makers bringing innovative and long-awaited products to market.
From new top-end fly rods, a whole new series of fly lines, new wader offerings, and more — we’ve cherry picked the most promising pieces of new equipment for both February and March. Take a look and see for yourself.
Simms G4Z stockingfoot waders
For the better part of two decades, Simms’ G4 line has been a hallmark among guides and serious anglers who depend on their gear to perform and withstand heaps of abuse. In 2008, along with the rest of its G4 line, Simms debuted the long since venerated G4Z, its zip-front flagship wader, cramming in every bit of design innovation and construction know-how the Montana-based wader maker could muster. Now, 16 years later, and five years since Simms last updated the model, the latest iteration of the G4Z wader (pictured at top) is here.
Simms G4Z waders have long had a pedigree for toughness that doesn’t sacrifice function and comfort, and Simms latest version of its flagship wader aims to be the best yet. The G4Zs pack several serious new features like all-new construction on the waterproof front zipper that greatly increases movement and flexibility, shoulder-wide and stretchy shoulder straps, new quick-adjust cam locking suspenders, thoughtful inside-the-wader waterproof storage featuring TruZip self-healing zippers (perfect for water-sensitive essentials like the key fob to your truck), and all new neoprene gravel guards that Simms claims fit so well they ditched the boot hook. The G4Z’s four layer GORE-TEX bottom stretches from about the hip line down – not just to add padding to the knees but also for more warmth and protection around the calves. The three-layer GORE-TEX upper also sports expected features like two zippered storage pockets, a fly-drying patch, and fleece-lined hand warmers. The features are plentiful.
The company has been an innovator in wader tech for years. The price tag might raise an eyebrow or two, but considering the attention Simms is putting into durability and Simms’ reputation for world-class service and repair, the average angler should get many years of service out of the Bozeman-made G4Zs. And if there’s one thing we’ve learned about waders, it’s that you get what you pay for. MSRP: $999.
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Scott Session
Scott kicked off the month of March by announcing its new Session line of fly rods. Stamped with Scott’s familiar “fast-meets-feel” label, the new series includes models ranging from 3- to 8-weight.
The buzz surrounding the new Session rods has been energetic and overwhelmingly positive, with some likening the rod to a new-and-improved version of Scott’s beloved Radian, which many consider — still to this day — to be the best fly rod ever built. Adding to the hype is the price point of the Session series which, at $675, in the new era of $1,000+ price tags falls squarely in the mid-range of fly rod cost. MSRP: $675.
Skwala Carbon waterproof pants
As Skwala’s marketing materials for its new Carbon waterproof pants declares, the only good thing about waterproof pants is the waterproof part. “No one wants to wear pants that feel like garbage bags,” the company declares. Hence, the Carbon waterproof pants that, according to Skwala, will have you looking for any excuse to put them on. The new pants are both stretchy and breathable, sport waterproof, zippered pockets and boast a nylon circular-knit backer that can be worn next to the skin. For anglers who want to stay dry – and, hence, warm – these new pants might be exactly what they’re after. MSRP: $449.
Grundens Vector and Bedrock Waders
On the heels of its well-received Boundary Waders, relative newcomer to the wader game Grundens has released two all-new models. Both priced well below the company’s flagship Boundary wader ($899), the new Vector and Bedrock waders come in at $499 and $399, respectively, offering anglers interested in testing out Grundens’ offerings a lower barrier to entry.
At a glance, anglers might mistake one or both models for zip-front waders, due to the vertical-zip entry storage pockets both models feature on the waders’ chest panels. Both models are made from a 4-layer non-GORE TEX material. The Vector waders also tout molded knee pads and booties built from Dual Density TiAlpha Warming Neoprene. MSRP: $349-$499.
Orvis Helios
The venerable, Vermont-based fly-fishing company just launched its fourth-generation Helios to much fanfare. Importantly, Orvis bills its new flagship stick as the most-accurate rod ever crafted. Backed by its own research – Orvis created the equipment to measure the rod’s performance – the Helios is said to eliminate bounce-back, reduce rod wiggle and help anglers put flies exactly where they want them. MSRP: $1,098.
Scientific Angler Magnitude clear floating fly line
The desire for stealth on the flats knows no bounds. Recognizing this, Scientific Anglers has waded onto the flats with an all-new line of clear, floating fly lines designed specifically for decreasing line visibility on the water. Notably, SA is claiming that the proprietary construction of the new Magnitude series of lines eliminates many of the classic faults that accompany existing clear lines. Too often, clear or clear-tip floating lines gum up quickly and lose slickness even quicker, as well as suffering from excessive coiling and line memory. If SA’s claims hold water, many if note all of those drawbacks may be a thing of the past. MSRP: $149-$179.
Patagonia Boulder Fork rain jacket
Patagonia’s new spring line is out, and a sure highlight is the new low-profile and waterproof Boulder Fork rain jacket. Boasting three-layer construction that’s both waterproof and breathable, the Boulder Fork is also light enough to stowe just about anywhere. It’s built with corrosion-resistant zippers and a visored hood that will fit over your ball cap. It’s also got some fishing-specific features, like a check pocket that’s ideal for a fly box, and zippered hand-warmer pockets. If you’re in the market for good rain gear, the Boulder Fork is worth a look. MSRP: $229.
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