Gear Check for Backcountry Fishing
Today marks the first day of summer for our family. The kids last day of school was last week so it’s time to get to fishing! First things first…check that gear! The best trails are still snowed in this time of year, but that won’t be the case for much longer. Grab your backpack and shake it out. Let’s make sure you’re ready for your next backcountry fishing outing.
Our kids love fishing for tiny Backcountry Brook Trout
Today were going to focus on the backcountry day trip. These are the essentials that I keep in my pack nearly year round. Whether we’re hitting the trail to a high alpine lake or a short hike to a family friendly fishing hole, these basics will need to be in your pack.
First off, let’s talk footwear. There are a few options when it comes to footwear, but we like to keep it pretty simple. Depending on your terrain and topography, you can choose from mountaineering boots, hiking boots, trail runners and even standard athletic shoes and sandals. Each and every style of footwear has its purpose and use. Since we do most of our backcountry outings with smaller children, out need for a mountaineering boot is not quite necessary. In fact, for our style of hiking here in Colorado, I like to use a sturdy trail running shoe for most of my hiking. I have a pair of true hiking boots too, but I’ll grab the trail runners 9 times out of 10. They’re more comfortable and lighter. However, I’ll also carry a pair of river shoes for river crossings or wet wading after a long hike. Having a comfy pair of sandals is always nice to break up the day and give your feet a rest….no matter what you’re hiking in.
High alpine lake fishing is one of our favorite summertime activities.
Next up…day pack. I have an old Dueter ACT32 pack from years ago. I love it! Its held up all these years and i have nothing but great things to say about it. Your day pack doesn’t need to be too special, but you will want to find a pack with a few features that’ll make your backcountry outing more enjoyable. For a day pack, you dont want a huge backpacking framed pack. On the other end, you’ll want more than the old school Jansport. The perfect day pack will be lightweight, but have features like an internal frame to distribute weight and maintain shape. It will also have hip straps, sternum straps and load adjusting straps. These will all make fore a more comfortable pack, especially after a long day of hiking and fishing!
Now, lets talk about what goes into the pack, beyond the fishing gear. Rain gear, pocket knife, multi tool, headlamp, stocking cap and gloves, lighter, compass, food, trekking poles, water filter and water, of course a first aid kit. Depending on your location, some of these things may seem unnecessary, but here in Colorado, it can snow in July and you’ve got to be ready for everything! If you need to purchase these items, stay thoughtful when shopping. Lightweight and space saving options are almost always available. Ultra lightweight and packable clothing and rain gear options are plentiful today, so there’s no excuse for bulky and heavy clothing in the back country either. Before we move on, dont forget the bug spray and sunscreen. Ticks, misquitos and sunrays are out to get you. Make sure you’re protected!
Don’t forget the binoculars. Theres more to see than fish out there in-between bites!
Lastly, and most fun….the fishing gear. Compact and light gear is essential to a enjoyable backcountry outing. For shorter hikes on more established trails, its okay to hike in with a fully rigged up rod, ready to catch the first fish you see. But that can be challenging in thick forests or on longer outings. We prefer to have rods that we can break down and carry efficiently. That goes for fly fishing or traditional fishing gear. A 2, 3, or even 4 piece rod will store away nicely in a rod tube, and is easy to secure to your pack. No need to tangle up in the trees while hiking in, just set up when you get to the fishing hole. Also, since space is limited, don’t bring your entire tackle box along. Think about what you’ll be targeting and bring a few lures, flies and accompanying gear for those fish. We have smaller lure boxes and fly boxes that we will fill before hitting the trail. That way we have just what we need for the trout were trying to catch. No need to bring along the bass gear too.
If you’ve planned correctly, you’ll have enough room in our pack for a lunch, trail snacks, water and all the gear you’ll need for a successful backcountry fishing outing. Nothing beats a day out in the woods, fishing on a summer afternoon. With a little planning and preparation, you’re guaranteed to have a good time! Even if you dont catch a fish, the views and nature will be worth the effort!
Tight Lines and Happy Trails,
Trails to Trout Family
