Planning Backpacking Fishing Trips
Q: What makes backpacking for fly fishing different from regular backpacking? A: You're carrying fishing gear in addition to camping equipment, which requires careful weight management and gear selection. You need to balance having enough fishing options with ultralight principles. Access to remote, pristine waters is the main reward, often with fish that rarely see flies.
Q: How do I choose destinations for backpacking fly fishing? A: Research high-country lakes, remote stream sections, and wilderness areas with fish populations. Check regulations - some areas require special permits or have fishing restrictions. Consider water access, camping availability, and your hiking ability. Start with shorter trips to test your gear and skills.
Q: What permits and regulations do I need for backcountry fishing? A: You'll typically need fishing licenses, wilderness permits for overnight camping, and possibly special stamps for certain areas. Some wilderness areas have specific fishing regulations. Research well in advance as permits can be limited and may require reservations months ahead.
Q: How do I plan resupply for extended backpacking fishing trips? A: Options include pre-positioned caches (where legal), meeting support teams at road crossings, or resupply packages at wilderness lodges. Plan food carefully as you'll burn more calories hiking and fishing. Consider dehydrated meals and lightweight, high-energy foods.
Gear Selection and Weight Management
Q: What's the ideal rod setup for backpacking? A: Use lightweight, multi-piece rods (4-7 pieces) that pack small. A 7.5-8.5 foot, 4-5 weight rod handles most backcountry situations. Some anglers carry two rods - a light rod for small streams and a heavier one for lakes. Consider packable rod tubes or cases that attach to your pack.
Q: How do I minimize the weight of my fishing gear? A: Choose one versatile rod, a lightweight reel with minimal backing, one fly line, and a carefully curated fly selection. Use shared tackle boxes, minimize tools to essentials, and choose multi-purpose items. Leave the landing net behind for smaller fish - hand landing works fine.
Q: What flies should I prioritize for backcountry fishing? A: Focus on proven patterns that work in multiple situations: Woolly Buggers, Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Pheasant Tail Nymphs, and a few terrestrials. Emphasize versatile sizes (12-16) rather than lots of patterns. Small streamers work well in alpine lakes. Limit yourself to 2-3 small fly boxes.
Q: How do I pack fishing gear efficiently in my backpack? A: Rods can attach to the outside or pack inside depending on terrain. Keep frequently used items accessible in side pockets or lid compartments. Protect reels and flies from moisture. Consider a fishing vest or chest pack for day fishing from base camp.
Backcountry Fishing Techniques
Q: How does fishing change in high-alpine environments? A: Fish are often concentrated in specific areas, feeding windows are shorter due to temperature, and fish may be less selective due to limited food sources. UV exposure is intense at altitude. Weather can change rapidly, affecting both fishing and safety.
Q: What techniques work best for alpine lakes? A: Fish drop-offs, inlet areas, and structure. Use sinking lines or weighted flies to reach fish in deeper water. Streamers stripped slowly often work well. Early morning and evening are typically most productive. Wind can be challenging - practice casting in difficult conditions.
Q: How do I approach small backcountry streams? A: These often hold native or wild fish that spook easily. Use short, accurate casts and approach from downstream. Small flies (14-18) and light tippets work best. Fish pocket water thoroughly - good spots may only hold one or two fish.
Q: What's different about fishing pressure in remote areas? A: Fish are often naive and may take flies readily, but they can also be spooky if they rarely see humans. Sometimes larger, older fish are easier to catch in remote areas because they haven't been educated by fishing pressure.
Safety and Survival Considerations
Q: What safety equipment is essential for backcountry fishing? A: Basic first aid kit, emergency shelter, fire starter, signaling device (whistle, mirror, or satellite communicator), water purification, and emergency food. Know how to use everything you carry. Consider a GPS device or satellite messenger for remote areas.
Q: How do I handle water crossing safely while carrying fishing gear? A: Unbuckle pack waist belts before crossing in case you fall. Consider trekking poles for stability. Scout for safe crossing points and never cross during high water. Sometimes hiking upstream or downstream finds better crossing spots.
Q: What should I do if weather turns dangerous while fishing? A: Have an escape plan and know signs of approaching storms. Alpine areas are especially prone to afternoon thunderstorms. Get off ridges and peaks immediately if lightning threatens. Have emergency shelter readily available and know how to use it quickly.
Q: How do I prevent getting lost while fishing in unfamiliar backcountry? A: Carry map and compass (know how to use them), consider GPS devices, and tell someone your detailed plans. Mark your camp location and fishing spots. Pay attention to landmarks and your route. Don't fish so far from camp that you can't find your way back.
Food and Water Management
Q: How do I handle food storage while backcountry fishing? A: Use bear canisters or hang food properly where required. Keep a clean camp - fish odors can attract bears. Cook and eat away from your sleeping area. Some areas have specific food storage requirements, so research regulations beforehand.
Q: What's the best way to handle water purification on fishing trips? A: Carry reliable water treatment (filters, purification tablets, or UV sterilizers). Natural water sources may look clean but can contain harmful organisms. Treat all water unless from a tested source. Consider the weight and capacity of your chosen purification method.
Q: Should I plan to catch fish for food while backpacking? A: Only if regulations allow and you're skilled at cleaning fish. Never count on catching fish for necessary calories. If you do keep fish, know proper field dressing techniques and understand local regulations about keeping fish in wilderness areas.
Weather and Environmental Challenges
Q: How do I deal with bugs while backcountry fishing? A: Mosquitoes, black flies, and other insects can be intense in some areas and seasons. Bring effective repellent, consider head nets for severe conditions, and time your fishing for less buggy periods (early morning, evening, or windy conditions).
Q: What clothing works best for backcountry fishing? A: Layerable systems work best - base layers, insulating layers, and weather protection. Quick-dry materials are essential. Bring extra dry clothes in waterproof storage. Don't forget sun protection - UV exposure is intense at altitude and on water.
Q: How do I handle altitude effects while fishing? A: Acclimatize gradually if possible, stay hydrated, and be aware of altitude sickness symptoms. Your casting may be affected initially due to thinner air. Take your time and don't push too hard while adjusting to elevation.
Leave No Trace and Ethics
Q: What are the key Leave No Trace principles for backcountry fishing? A: Pack out all trash including fishing line, don't clean fish in water sources, use established campsites when available, minimize campfire impacts, and don't introduce non-native species or move fish between waters. Respect wildlife and other visitors.
Q: How should I handle fish in pristine backcountry waters? A: Practice catch and release unless regulations specifically allow keeping fish. Handle fish gently, use barbless hooks, and revive fish properly before release. These populations are often fragile and important for ecosystem balance.
Q: What's the ethical approach to sharing information about remote fishing spots? A: Be thoughtful about publicizing specific locations, especially on social media. General area information is fine, but exact GPS coordinates can lead to overuse. Respect the wilderness experience of others and help preserve these special places.
Advanced Backpacking Fishing Strategies
Q: How do I fish effectively from a lightweight backpacking setup? A: Master versatile techniques that work with minimal gear. Learn to fish different water types with the same rod and line setup. Practice accurate casting since you may not have multiple chances at spooky fish. Focus on reading water and fish behavior.
Q: What's the best approach for multi-day backcountry fishing trips? A: Establish base camps near good fishing and day-hike to different waters. This lets you carry minimal gear while fishing and explore multiple spots. Alternatively, move camp every day or two to cover more water. Balance hiking time with fishing time.
Q: How do I handle gear failure in remote backcountry? A: Carry basic repair items: duct tape, super glue, spare guides, and backup rod sections if possible. Know basic field repairs for common problems. Sometimes improvising with available materials works. Have backup plans for critical gear failure.
Q: Should I fish alone or with others in backcountry? A: Partners increase safety and can share gear weight, but may reduce fishing opportunities on small waters. Solo travel offers more flexibility and solitude but increases risks. If going alone, inform others of your plans and carry communication devices.
Backpacking for fly fishing opens access to some of the world's most pristine and productive waters. Success requires careful planning, appropriate gear selection, and strong outdoor skills. The rewards include solitude, pristine environments, and often naive fish that provide incredible fishing experiences. Always prioritize safety and environmental protection in these precious wilderness areas.
