Chris Gallagher's Fly Fishing Gear & Expert Recommendations
Competition Angler
Roscoe, NYChris started fly fishing in the early 1990s in the Shenandoah range of Virginia and Catskill Mountains of New York. He spent several years in the military where he was able to fish all over the world, including Egypt and Iraq, before pursuing a civilian career in environmental protection. For 25 years, he has lived in the Catskill area, taking full advantage of this world-class fishery and fishing up to 200 days a year while instructing others and assisting with beginner programs through Trout Town Flies in Roscoe, NY. After fishing 'dry fly only' for his first 20 years, Chris has spent the last decade exploring subsurface presentations and began competing in New York four years ago under the mentorship of longtime FFTUSA anglers Ken Crane and Loren Williams. His fishing adventures have taken him throughout the East Coast, Great Lake tributaries, the Pacific Northwest, and Montana, while also developing a bonefish obsession that has influenced family vacations.
Discipline: Fly Fishing
Specialty: Nymphing
Competitive Fly Fishing Ambassador: Chris is a former member of Fly Fishing Team USA and organizes events, working to help other anglers understand the positive influence of competitive fly fishing and attract new participants to the sport. Catskill Region Expert: With 25+ years of experience in the renowned Catskill fishery, Chris fishes and instructs up to 200 days annually, specializing in both dry fly techniques and subsurface presentations. Military Veteran & Global Angler: Chris served in the military, which allowed him to fish worldwide including Egypt and Iraq, before transitioning to a career in environmental protection.
Expert Gear Picks from Chris Gallagher
Expert fly fishing gear recommendations from Chris Gallagher, Competition Angler, based in Roscoe, NY.
Chris Gallagher's Getting Started?
One of the most often questions I receive is “What do I need to get started?” This list, will give you a great starting point for getting out on the water on your own or not depending on rental gear if you’re utilizing a guide.
Chris Gallagher recommends the Echo Echo Carbon XL Euro Nymph
Chris Gallagher recommends the Redington Redington Original Fly Rod Kit
Chris Gallagher recommends the Simms Men's Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
Chris Gallagher recommends the Simms Simms Freestone Wading Boot
Chris Gallagher recommends the Orvis Encounter Wading Boot
Chris Gallagher's Ideal Nymphing Morning in September
This is the gear I bring on my (almost) daily sessions in the Catskills.
Chris Gallagher recommends the Montana Fly Company Jig Get Down Sow (6-pack)
Chris Gallagher recommends the Umpqua Egan's Thread Frenchie Jig - Brown
Chris Gallagher recommends the Umpqua Silver Bullet Baetis - Umpqua
Chris Gallagher recommends the Sage Sage ESN Reel
Chris Gallagher recommends the Thomas & Thomas Thomas & Thomas Contact II // Euro Nymph Rods
Chris Gallagher's My Fly Rods
Fresh water, still water, salt water, etc
Chris Gallagher recommends the Thomas & Thomas Thomas & Thomas Contact II // Euro Nymph Rods
Chris Gallagher recommends the Spawn Fly Fish Sage ESN Fly Rod
Chris Gallagher recommends the Cortland Cortland Nymph Series Fly Rod
Chris Gallagher recommends the Echo Echo Carbon XL Euro Nymph
Chris Gallagher recommends the Diamondback Diamondback Gen IV Nymph Rods
Chris Gallagher's My Fly Reels
Fresh water, salt water, streamer, dry, nymphing, etc.
Chris Gallagher recommends the Farbank Sage Enforcer Fly Reel
Chris Gallagher recommends the Sage Sage Spectrum LT Fly Reel
Chris Gallagher recommends the Ross Ross Animas Fly Reel - Fly Shop Exclusive Colors
Chris Gallagher recommends the Sage Sage ESN Reel
Chris Gallagher recommends the Redington Grande Limited Edition 7/8/9 Bonefish
Chris Gallagher's Wading Gear
Top picks for wading gear.
Chris Gallagher recommends the Simms Simms G4Z Stockingfoot Waders
Chris Gallagher recommends the Simms Fishing Products Simms G3 Guide Stockingfoot Wader
Chris Gallagher recommends the Simms Simms G3 Guide Wader Pant
Chris Gallagher recommends the Simms Fishing Products Simms Flyweight Wading Boots - Vibram Sole
Chris Gallagher recommends the Simms Simms Flyweight Wading Boot - Vibram Sole (Past Season’s Style)
Chris Gallagher's Misc Important Gear
Chris Gallagher recommends the Simms Fishing Simms M's G3 Guide Jacket
Chris Gallagher recommends the Simms Simms M's Flyweight Shell Jacket
Chris Gallagher recommends the Simms Simms Tributary Hybrid Chest Pack
Chris Gallagher recommends the UMPQUA Umpqua Overlook ZS2 500 Chest Pack Kit
Chris Gallagher recommends the Fishpond Fishpond Nomad Mid Length Net
Chris Gallagher's Tippet, Leader, Indicator, Fly Line
Gear collection
Chris Gallagher recommends the Trouthunter Trouthunter Fluorocarbon Tippet
Chris Gallagher recommends the Trouthunter Trouthunter Big Game Fluorocarbon
Chris Gallagher recommends the Pierre Sempe Pierre Sempe Sighter-Indicator Nylon (100 m spools)
Chris Gallagher recommends the Kraft Amnesia Monofilament
Chris Gallagher recommends the Cortland Cortland Indicator Mono (Bi-Color, Yellow and White) 50ft Spools
