The majority of fly fishing I do is walking and wading. This style of fishing is where I feel the most engaged with the water, trout and nature. We put on a lot of miles of exploration and that often keeps me outdoors a long time, so I strive to keep my pack light, with a few quality items. These are the ones that I can trust to help me be successful, comfortable, and to fully enjoy my time on the water.
My Camera (Lumix GH5) –Going fishing without a camera is like leaving the house without footwear – I feel like I’m missing something critical. Having my camera is as equally important to me as the act of fishing itself. There’s so much on a trout stream that captures my eye and I want to record it. I love to film a sense of place, focusing on the fish in its environment both through video and photo.
Smith Ridgewell Techlite – Low Light Ignitor Sunglasses – Polarized sunglasses are imperative to not only protect my eyes but to have a good chance at seeing fish. I particularly love taking the time to sight a fish before casting to it. By approaching the water this way with my fishing buddy I’m able to capture neat moments behind the camera lens and my enjoyment of the moment goes up 10-fold. These sunglasses are the best for me as they not only work on sunny days, but perform exceptionally well on cloudy days, evenings and come alive in shadows.
My H3F – 5 wt rod. –This rod captures all the features I’ve ever wanted in a fly rod with it’s flawless design in accuracy, weight and strength. Its prominent feature is its accuracy – a must have if you wish to be consistently successful on the water. The one thing stands out about this particular rod is what little energy it takes for it to lay out a cast. It challenges me to not overpower it and it’s a beautiful thing when the loading of the rod happens so effortlessly! I primarily used to use a 4 wt rod, until I was introduced to the 5wt H3, which feels as lightweight as my old 4wt but with spot on accuracy and added strength when fighting larger fish. When it comes to all dry fly fishing, nymphing or even small streamer fishing, this is my “go to” rod.
Waterproof backpack – I often fish waters that are challenging when it comes to depth and current speed. To know that the contents of my pack will stay dry no matter where I go, put’s me at ease. It’s especially important for me as I’m often carrying expensive camera lenses I need to protect.
Caddis, Foam Beetles & Pheasant Tails – If you were to ask me what flies I can’t live without, these would be it. Of course size does matter, and to have each in a couple different sizes would be my preference. Simple patterns my hubby has put TLC into tying are really the only one’s I have confidence in! All of them have caught fish repeatedly in a variety of waters both in Alberta, US and New Zealand.
Orvis Nippers– Ergonomically designed and easy to use, especially on those cooler spring and fall days when my fingers are cold & numb. They may not be the cheapest nippers, but with such good quality I know they’ll last a long time.
Comfy Quick-Dry Pants– My preference when fishing is to wet wade whenever possible. Though women’s waders are now well tailored to all sizes, they are still an extra layer that at times is confining, especially in warm temps. I prefer to have the freedom to walk long distances comfortably and to have the full flexibility to scramble around like a mountain goat if needed. Stretchy, quick dry pants are the ticket, and especially pants that host a number of well placed pockets to hold an extra hair tie, lip-balm or fly!
Lightweight Down filled Jacket – The down side to wet wading is that I often get cold quickly. My “puffer” (as my Kiwi-friends have so aptly named it!) is a lifesaver to have with me. It not only keeps me cozy, but packs up light too!
Black Diamond Headlamp – There are times when I’ve found myself staying extra late on a river as the evening hatch goes off and sucks me in. A headlamp not only helps to tie on a new fly when the moment calls for it, but it goes a long way when there’s no moon to guide you back to your camp. Getting lost in a hay field without a head lamp sounds funny until you can’t find your way back to your truck until 2:30am.
Corkcicle Canteen – On cooler days when the fish aren’t as active as I’d hoped, stopping to take a break for a cup of warm tea or coffee can be a real highlight. This is the best carrying device I’ve found that not only keeps the liquid hot for hours, but it’s just the right size and weight to fit in my backpack’s waterbottle pocket.
Amelia Jensen, fly fisher, videographer, photographer, and watercolor artist
Fly Fisher, Videographer, Photographer and Watercolor Artist – a love of wilderness adventure and her husband Dave drew her to fly fishing. Amelia’s work and lifestyle revolves around fly fishing:- past director of Casting For Life; she owned a guide company then a remote lodge; and more recently published Alberta’s longest running fishing magazine. Capturing the artistry of fly fishing – its color, texture and movement – through camera and watercolor is her inspiration. Her photos and videos have appeared in numerous media streams. Jensen’s The Brown Trout Project film production continues to hold global recognition. Her recent contributions to Orvis’ Advanced Tactics Learning Centre has been a fun project that combines cinematography and knowledge. Amelia continues to be drawn to fishing & filming brown trout on her home waters of Alberta and the south island of New Zealand: the ever hopeful engagement and sense of place each fish offers. Her mission continues: sharing of herself to inspire others’ fly fishing success. Read more about Amelia and Dave here.
To contact Amelia, e-mail amelia@jensenflyfishing.com.