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A stillwater fly-fishing checklist for lakes and ponds: a 9–10 ft 5–6 weight rod, floating and intermediate lines, chironomids and leeches, and float-tube options, with estimated prices and where to buy.
Printed from https://www.legendaryflygear.com/gear/kits/lakes-stillwater — estimated typical prices, not live prices.
Estimated typical price, not a live price — check the retailer. Typical US ranges by tier, before tax and shipping; reviewed Oct 12, 2026.
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Chironomids, leeches and where fish hold in a lake.
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9′–10′, 5–6 weight
A longer rod helps manage long leaders and lift line from a float tube.
Est. $250–$500each · mid-range
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Disc drag, with a spare spool
Get a spare spool so you can switch to a sinking line.
Est. $120–$250each · mid-range
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Weight-forward floating
For dries, indicators and chironomids near the surface.
Est. $70–$100each · mid-range
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Clear intermediate or type 3
Keeps leeches and nymphs in deeper water.
Est. $80–$110each · mid-range
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100 yd, 20 lb
Lake fish can run a long way.
Est. $15–$25spool · mid-range
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9–12 ft, 3X–5X
Long leaders reach suspended fish under an indicator.
Est. $14–$203-pack · mid-range
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× 23X–5X
Sinks and is less visible in clear, still water.
Est. $24–$362 × spool · mid-range
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Chironomids 12–18, leeches 8–12, damsel nymphs
Chironomids, leeches and damsels cover most lake food.
Est. $30–$50dozen · mid-range
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Quick-release
Suspends chironomids at a set depth.
Est. $8–$14pack · mid-range
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One box for this kit.
Est. $15–$30each · mid-range
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For shore wading and float tubing in cool water.
Est. $250–$450pair · mid-range
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Instead of the waders above: the same job, cut for women's proportions. Women's models from Simms, Orvis.
Est. $250–$450pair · mid-range · not in total
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Reaches water you can't cover from shore.
Est. $350–$550each · mid-range · not in total
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Needed to move a float tube.
Est. $80–$130pair · mid-range · not in total
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Keeps gear above water while you sit in a float tube.
Est. $60–$120each · mid-range · not in total
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Clean tippet cuts.
Est. $12–$25each · mid-range
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Quick hook removal.
Est. $12–$25each · mid-range
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Rubber mesh
Lake fish are often large; a net shortens the fight.
Est. $70–$150each · mid-range
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Fish move deeper as lakes warm.
Est. $15–$25each · mid-range · not in total
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Essential if you fish from a float tube or boat.
Est. $90–$150each · mid-range
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Polarized
See into the water and spot cruising fish.
Est. $80–$180pair · mid-range
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Little shade on open water.
Est. $25–$40each · mid-range
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Water reflects sunlight.
Est. $10–$16each · mid-range
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Wind and weather build quickly on open lakes.
Est. $120–$250each · mid-range
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Required; some lakes have special rules or seasons.
Set by each state; resident and nonresident fees differ. Find your state fish & wildlife agency
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