Figuring out how to carry a fly fishing net is one of those things that seems totally straightforward until you're actually standing waist-deep in a rushing river trying to reach behind your back. We've all been there—fumbling around while a decent trout is thrashing on the surface, only to realize our net is tangled in a rhododendron bush or dangling somewhere out of reach. It's annoying, but getting your gear setup dialed in makes a massive difference in how much you enjoy your day on the water.
There isn't just one "correct" way to do it, because every angler has a different preference for packs, vests, and net sizes. Whether you're a minimalist who just carries a fly box in your shirt pocket or someone who looks like they're heading out on a week-long expedition, you need a system that stays out of the way when you're casting but is right there the second you need to scoop up a fish.
The classic magnetic release setup
If you walk along any popular trout stream, you'll see the magnetic release more than almost any other method. It's a classic for a reason. Basically, you have two powerful magnets: one attached to the D-ring on the back of your vest or pack, and the other attached to the hoop of your net.
When you're hiking or casting, the magnets hold the net securely against your back. When you hook a fish and it's time to land it, you just give the net a firm tug. The magnets snap apart, and you're ready to go. It's incredibly satisfying to hear that "click" when you reach back to put the net away and the magnets find each other again.
However, there is a big catch—literally. If you're bushwhacking through heavy brush, a magnet can sometimes let go if a branch snags the netting. To prevent your expensive wooden or carbon fiber net from floating downstream, always use a curly cord tether. Attach one end to your pack and the other to the handle of the net. That way, if the magnets fail, the net is still physically attached to your body.
Handle up or hoop up?
This is a debate that could go on forever at the fly shop. Some guys prefer to hang the net by the hoop (magnets at the top of the curve), so the handle hangs down. This makes it really easy to grab the handle quickly.
Others prefer to hang it handle-up. The argument here is that the handle is less likely to get caught on low-hanging branches as you walk. Try both and see which one feels more natural to your reach. There's no wrong answer, as long as you can grab it without looking.
Using a net holster or slot
A lot of modern fly fishing packs—especially sling packs and hip packs—now come with built-in net slots. These are essentially "sleeves" located between the pack and your back. You just slide the handle of the net down into the slot, and the hoop sits up against the back of the pack.
This is a great option because it keeps the net very secure. It's much less likely to wobble around or get snagged on a tree than a net dangling from a magnet. It also keeps the net centered on your body, which helps with balance if you're doing a lot of technical wading.
The downside? It can take a bit of practice to slide the handle back into the slot blindly after you've landed a fish. If you have limited shoulder mobility, this might be a bit of a struggle. But once you get the muscle memory down, it's arguably the cleanest way to carry your gear.
The wading belt tuck
If you're a minimalist who doesn't like wearing a vest or a heavy pack, you can always go the old-school route and tuck the net into your wading belt. This is how many professional guides do it, mostly because it's fast and keeps the chest area clear for casting and line management.
To make this work well, you usually need a net with a slightly longer handle. You simply slide the handle behind your wading belt on your hip or in the small of your back. The pressure of the belt holds it in place.
If you go this route, make sure your belt is snug. A loose belt means a floppy net, and a floppy net is a recipe for a bad time. Again, even with the belt tuck, a small tether or "leash" is a smart move. It only takes one deep wade for a net to slip out and disappear into the current.
Carrying long-handled nets
If you're fishing from a high bank or targeting larger fish where you need extra reach, you might be using a "mid-length" or "long-handle" net. These are a bit trickier to carry because they're essentially a giant lever hanging off your body.
For these, a magnetic release on a pack usually isn't enough because the weight of the handle causes the net to swing like a pendulum. Most people who carry these nets use a dedicated net holster that attaches to their wading belt. These holsters are basically like a quiver for an arrow. They hold the handle steady and keep the hoop high enough that it doesn't drag in the water or trip you up while you're walking.
The shoulder sling method
Some nets come with an integrated shoulder strap, or you can buy a third-party sling for them. This allows the net to hang across your back like a guitar. It's a very comfortable way to carry a net, especially if you have a long hike to your favorite fishing spot.
The main issue with a shoulder sling is that it can sometimes interfere with your casting arm if it shifts around. It's also one more strap across your chest, which can get a bit cluttered if you're already wearing a lanyard or a chest pack. However, for a casual day of walking the banks, it's a very low-stress way to keep your net handy.
Dealing with the "Brush Factor"
Regardless of how you choose to carry your net, the biggest enemy is always the brush. If you've ever had a net snag on a branch while you were mid-stride, you know it can nearly yank you off your feet.
When you're hiking through thick stuff, it's often better to take the net off and carry it in your hand, or at least rotate your pack to the front so you can see what the net is doing. Another pro tip: if your net has a very deep mesh bag, try bunching it up and securing it with a small rubber band or a "net release" clip. This keeps the mesh from snagging on every thorn bush you pass, but it will pop open the moment you put a fish in it.
Why it matters in the end
At the end of the day, the goal is to make the net an extension of your body. You want to reach for it instinctively, just like you reach for your forceps or your nippers. If you're constantly thinking about your net or readjusting it because it's poking you in the ribs, you aren't focusing on the fish.
Spend a few minutes at home experimenting with your gear. Put on your waders, grab your pack, and try different mounting spots. Reach back and "land" an imaginary fish a few times. It feels a bit silly in your living room, but it's a lot better than learning your system is broken when you're staring at the biggest brown trout of the season.
Choose a method that feels stable, secure, and—most importantly—easy to use with one hand. Once you find that sweet spot, you'll stop fighting your gear and start enjoying the water a lot more.