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Profiles

Hilary Hutcheson

Angler
American·b. ~1980s
Known for:
Montana-based fly fishing outfitter and guide. Host of Trout TV. Contributing editor at Fly Fisherman Magazine. Owner of Lary's Fly & Supply in Columbia Falls, Montana.
Sponsored by: YETI, Patagonia, Scientific Anglers, Fishpond, Loon Outdoors, Costa, Orvis

Hilary Hutcheson grew up on the Flathead River in northwest Montana and now owns Lary's Fly & Supply, a fly shop and guide service in Columbia Falls. She hosted Trout TV, a network television fly fishing show, and is a contributing editor at Fly Fisherman Magazine. She serves on the boards of Backcountry Hunters & Anglers, Protect Our Winters, and AFFTA. Hutcheson guides clients on the Flathead, Blackfoot, and Clark Fork rivers, and her content reflects the daily reality of a working Montana guide: reading water, managing client expectations, adapting to runoff conditions, and knowing which fly to tie on when the PMDs are coming off but the fish are still eating emergers. She has become a voice for conservation in the Crown of the Continent ecosystem and advocates for clean water, dam removal, and native trout restoration.

Hilary Hutcheson's Gear List(6)

Amplitude Smooth Trout Fly Line

Scientific Anglers

Product description

True-to-grain-weight, weight-forward floating line with an elongated front taper for delicate dry fly presentations at medium to long range. Grain weights run 80-160 gr for 2-6 wt with head lengths around 49-51 feet. Uses AST Plus additive for durability and slickness, braided multifilament core, and a smooth finish suited for anglers who prefer traditional line feel over textured coatings.

Connection note

SA ambassador; recommends Amplitude Smooth Trout in 4 or 5 weight
Source: Website ↗
Summit Sling Pack

Fishpond

Product description

Fly fishing sling pack with three main compartments, waterproof primary zipper, and molded drop-down workstation with fly patch. Seven total pockets, net pass-through sleeve, hemostat storage, water bottle holder, and molded fly box pocket. Weighs 2 lbs at 13 x 8.5 x 9 inches. Current version is the Summit Sling 2.0.

Connection note

Fishpond ambassador; uses Summit Sling exclusively for wading
Source: Website ↗

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Last updated March 18, 2026

Nomad Boat Net

Fishpond

Product description

Carbon fiber and fiberglass composite landing net for drift boats and rafts with extended handle for over-the-gunwale reach. UV-protected and buoyant construction. Ships with rubber catch bag to protect fish during landing. Designed for moving-water boat fishing.

Connection note

Fishpond ambassador; always has Nomad boat net in the boat
Source: Website ↗
Rogue Quickdraw Mitten Clamps

Loon Outdoors

Product description

5.75-inch surgical stainless steel forceps for fly fishing with gloved hands. Oversized thumb and finger holes accommodate bulky winter gloves. Flat geometric jaw for debarbing and hook removal. Built-in scissor cuts leader material. Carabiner finger loop for clipping to vest or pack. Matte black rust-resistant coating.

Connection note

Loon ambassador; "A cutter and forcep in one"
Source: Link ↗
Swiftcurrent Waders

Patagonia

Product description

Stockingfoot chest waders built on Patagonia's H2No Performance Standard shell using 100% recycled polyester fabrics with PFAS-free DWR. Expedition models use heavier 9.4-oz 4-layer construction on lower legs and lighter 5.6-oz upper; the Traverse uses uniform 5.6-oz 4-layer throughout; the Ultralight Packable uses a 4.7-oz 4-layer build. Zip-front variants are available across the line. Lifetime repair or replacement guarantee.

Connection note

Patagonia fly fishing ambassador
Source: Website ↗
Hopper M20 Backpack Cooler

YETI

Product description

20-liter soft-sided backpack cooler insulated with ColdCell closed-cell foam and RF-welded leakproof seams. DryHide water-resistant shell with magnetic fold-over top closure. Holds 36 cans or 22 lbs of ice. Weighs 5.1 lbs with padded adjustable shoulder straps and removable chest strap.

Connection note

YETI ambassador; curated Freshwater Fly Fishing Collection
Source: Website ↗