Fly Lines:
While most of the fishing on the Upper America River is best using a 5 weight fly line, we recommend using a 4 weight floating line and small dry flies for the tributaries and headwaters, and a 6 weight if using streamers and nymphs. A sinking tip fly line may even be desirable for fishing with streamers.
Fly Rods:
If you fish a 4 weight line, a rod length of eight feet would work fine. We think a slow to moderate action would be best for the light lines. The five weight rod should be between eight and one-half and nine feet in length. A medium to medium fast action would be our recommendation. The six weight rod should be a little stiffer to handle larger nymphs and streamers. A nine foot rod in a medium to medium fast action would probably work best. A slightly stiffer than normal tip would help with heavy nymphs and streamers.
Fly Reels:
The reel for the 4, 5 and 6 weight lines should have good drags. They should be smooth and adjust to fine increments.
Leaders:
You should probably be using at least a 9 foot leader anywhere you fish the Upper American River unless you are fishing streamers. There are some situations where you may want to go up to 12 feet. You should have leaders ranging in sizes ranging from 2X for streamers, up to 7X for small dry flies. Short ones are preferred for streamers in some cases. Available here
Tippet:
You would want to have extra tippet in sizes ranging from 2X to 7X. Available here
Waders:
Waders are necessary in most places. We prefer the breathable type but you may need neoprene waders if you are fishing during the winter.
Wading Boots:
Felt soles would be our first choice. The new rubber soles may work well but we haven't tried them on the Upper American River, so we are not sure.
Wading Staff:
We would call a wading staff an optional item you may want to consider.
Flies: We recommend our "Perfect Fly" Trout Flies. We have specific imitations of every important insect that hatches on the Upper American River. Also recommended is Trout University tippets, and leaders.