Backcountry Fishing

Its early morning, and a cool mist is sitting on the surface of the lake. You look around you and marvel at the silence and solitude of this place. The soft sounds of your footsteps as you walk along the shoreline, the fog drifting silently across the cool waters as you begin your day of fishing.

 Backpack fishing is a technique used by countless anglers throughout the years. Fishing the back-country lakes and streams can offer anglers opportunities that more public areas lack. Fishermen, and women, that remember to pack the appropriate gear are often rewarded with a trip that they will forever remember.

The most endearing part of backpack fishing is fishing on nearly untouched lakes, rivers, and streams. The fishing can often be fast and furious, catching sheer numbers that boggle the mind. Even though the fish may be smaller, they can provide hours of fun for anglers of all skill levels. Even the non-angler can appreciate the peace and tranquility that the deep back-country provides to both the mind and soul.

The problem that most anglers face is how to get all their fishing gear into the backcountry. Most anglers have a considerable amount of fishing gear that includes; tackle boxes, fiberglass or graphite poles, high-end reels, fishing tubes, chest or hip waders, and the list goes on. Bringing everything with you into the back-country is just not practical, so if you want to fish backcountry waters, you're going to have to slim down to the bare necessities.

First you need a rod and reel. Since it is often difficult to get a pole up the trailhead into these fishing areas without damaging it, there are several options; if you want to have top quality gear, I recommend Diawa's Microcast Telescopic Spinning combo spooled with 10 lb. spiderwire. It’s small and compact, and will fit either in your pack are cinched down on the exterior under the pack straps. Another option is to take an inexpensive  rod/reel combo that you don't care much about. Old rod/reels that you no longer use are perfect back-country gear.

The next question is how to get your tackle box into your backpack. Obviously, that would be ridiculous, considering the size of most tackle boxes that we use, so what do we do?, Choose a selection of some of our better tackle I personally take a couple of small topwaters, a small shallow diver, couple of frog lures and a couple of worms and and jigs, Add in a few hooks, some split shot, and floats and you’re ready to roll! Most, if not all, of this gear will easily fit into a pocket tackle box. They have cases available that will easily fit into a backpack. Another option is one of those multi-pocket fishing vest that will easily hold all your gear, with room to spare.

Equipped with a rod reel and a good standby of tackle you are all set to fish the backcountry. Remember that while the fish will probably not be that big, there will be a lot of them. Also remember the best time to fish these places, as with most fishing, is at dawn and dusk. You'll be able to see them slapping the water all over the place.

One of the most alluring parts of backpacking in the backcountry is fishing on nearly untouched lakes and streams. The fishing can be fast and furious. Although the fish are usually smaller, they provide a lot of fun for anglers of all skill levels. So throw on your backpack, load your fishing gear and hit the trail to some of the best fishing you'll ever find, and who knows, you may catch the fish of a life time....

Author's Note: When fishing in the backcountry, please make sure to obtain the state-applicable fishing license, and any permits that may be required for the area (s) that you will be fishing...