Tackle Week 2026: The best new fly fishing gear for Canadian waters, from the river to the vise

For a look at more of the year’s best new conventional fishing gear, also see our round-up of 2026’s best new lures; rods, reels & lines; electronics and apparel & accessories.

Even in tough economic times such as these, the fly-fishing world continues to offer dozens of exciting new products—whether they’re from large corporations exploring the latest technologies, or small companies developing totally new concepts. After surveying this year’s many new offerings, here are my top picks to help Canadian anglers enjoy more memorable days on the water during the year ahead.

Best Tying Material

UNI-SOFT WIRE EXTRA SMALL

Long a renowned maker of fly-tying threads and other spooled products, Quebec-based UNI has added this extra-small-gauge soft wire to its line-up of small, medium and large wire offerings. Available in black, olive, silver and yellow, the new extra-small wire measures just 0.006 inches in diameter, making it ideal for creating tags and ribs on small flies with delicate bodies. Learn more: www.uniproducts.com

Best Reel

ISLANDER IR-III

B.C.’s Islander has re-released this classic click-and-pawl trout reel with several excellent upgrades, including a larger diameter for quicker line pick-up, a heavy-duty, beefed-up spring, and subtle aesthetic tweaks. It comes in blue and clear (silver), as well as traditional gold and black. One of fly fishing’s thrills is hearing your reel sing as a fish runs, and the IR-III promises to deliver that music in spades.

Learn more: www.islander.com

Best Fishing Accessory

NET HOLDER

If you carry a landing net, you want it to be instantly accessible when you need it—and out of the way the rest of the time. Designed to attach to your belt, pack or boat frame with its strong Velcro closure, Yakoda’s Net Holder allows for just that. Its tapered design securely holds nets of all sizes, from small creek nets to larger landing nets, which are more commonly in use these days.

Learn more: www.yakodasupply.com

Best Fly-Tying Accessory

MFC FLY TYING MAT

Montana Fly Company has created a brilliant way to keep your fly-tying space organized. Measuring 15.75 inches by 10 inches, this durable, rubberized mat features anti-roll surfaces to prevent tying materials and tools from sliding around, as well as magnetic compartments for hooks and bead heads. It also has an integrated ruler, hackle gauge and bead sizer.

Learn more: www.montanaflycompany.com