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From "A River Runs Through It"
I don't know why I wake up so early in the morning.
I love fly fishing trout in high moutain lakes and streams. On top of Rockies,
I can fish not only trout but also solitude. A couple of miles of
hiking leaves most people behind me. It separates all mundane life
issues from me. Fly fishing in Rockies makes me just one of them,
one of breezes, one of rocks, one of leaves, one of sun rays, one
of everything, and one of nothing. I enjoy being empty.
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Introduction
I want to fish in the pure and wild places where wild trout live. Imagine sunbeams glinting off the surface of the glass-smooth lake. Imagine mountains surrounding you on all sides and you're casting to one rising trout after another. And there is no another soul in sight. That is why I want to do backcountry fly fishing, a combination of backpacking and fly fishing that'll take me away from the maddening crowds and into some of the most beautiful and pristine regions on earth.Backcountry fishing offers a nice change of pace from fishing on the more popular streams and rivers. The trout don't see many fishermen and flies. And for this reason, they're often surprisingly eager to bite just about any fly you throw at them. Thus many anglers believe that backcountry trout are too easy to catch and not challenging. These fish are, however, constantly on the lookout for predators. They are often extremely wary of ant potential dangers, especially big ones. A shadow or heavy footstep will usually send them rocketing for cover. So you'll need to be stealthy if you want to catch them. Moreover, selectivity by trout toward a specific food form is, likewise, a perfectly natual behavior that allows them to feed efficiently. Some anglers also think backcountry trout are small because of harsh weather at high elevation. They simply assume food is not enough and winter is too long for growth. However, there are many alpine lakes that have reasonable environment for trophy size trout. When trout reproduction is limited and only small number of trout take all food in a lake, they can grow real big even though growing is not very fast. I easily see many big trout cruising by the shallow shore of alpine lakes.
This fishery is difficult to access. Unlike many remote areas in Alaska, New Zealand, Canadian Rockies, where fishermen can drop in by plane or chopper, much of Rocky Mountain backcountry lies within designated wilderness areas and parks, where motorized equipment is prohibited. Access is primarily by foot or horse over steep, rocky terrain at high elevations. Thus, this kind of fishing is not for everybody. But, at the same time, this is not only for the athletes. There exist so diverse opportunities fitting to your physical strength. Even one or two hours of moderate hiking could make a wonderful backcountry fly fishing. Rocky mountain is a blessed place.
Destination
Choosing a destination and prepare for a backcountry fly fishing trip is basically much the same way you would for any backpacking trip. Good planning and the right gear will greatly enhance your safety and enjoyment. Heading out into the backcountry always involves risks.Picking a place to go wet a line takes a little detective work. Listed below are some suggestions for discovering backcountry fishing destinations. Also, think of places where you've enjoyed hiking in the past. If there was a cool brook or backcountry lake nearby, chances are it's teeming with trout. Ask Other Anglers: Other anglers are often willing to share fishing locations with you - or at least give you some hints. Talk with someone you know who's into the sport. Research State Parks, National Parks and National Forests: The government organizations that manage these lands can provide information and detailed maps. Most of them have websites you can browse. You can also contact state fish and wildlife departments. They should be able to direct you to good fishing as well. Try Fishing Books: A little research should turn up numerous fishing guidebooks on specific states, parks and regions. These books often include exhaustive listings of water to fish, along with maps, hatch charts, regulations and all kinds of other pertinent information. Search the Web: Many fishermen and local organizations put valuable information on their WWW pages.
Backcountry Hazards
Hiking backcountry sounds dangerous to many people but only a few people have problems in reality. And most of them are from inexperience or recklessness. But still risks exist. You should be alert to all potential dangers you rae exposed in backcountry and try to cut your risks as much as possible.
- Lightning:
Rocky mountains almost always generate afternoon thurnderstorms every summer day. Because a long fishing rod could is a good antenna, anglers in high elevation must be very cautious. Especially, above timberline where few trees grow. Even the most seasoned fisherman should stop and escape when a even slightest sign of lightning is detected. - Hypothermia:
Weather changes at any time without any notice in high mountains. Combining with afternoon rain and possible strong wind, hypothermia is the real, most dangerous thing to hikers. However, if you are well prepared for the worst weather, you can be safe. Always carry raingear and extra warm dry clothes. - High-Altitude Sickness:
Lack of oxygen can make you sick. This could happen to anybody regardless of age, physical strength, or experience of a person. Once it develops, it could be deadly in a short time, even in sevral hours. Common synptoms include headache, nausea, general weakness, shortness of breath, cough, and loss of body control. One way to prevent altitude sickness is to climb slowly. Once symptoms show, descend immediately. - Wild Animals:
All wild animals can be dangerous but bears are the most dangerous animals in Rockies. Always make lots of noise to avoid any unfortunate sudden encounter with this predator. Remember that even innocent looking animals like dears or elks could be deadly when they are charged. - Sunburn:
Simply it takes less time to burn yourself in high altitude. Always wear protective clothes and apply plentyful sunscreen to any exposed skin. - Insects:
Mosquitos and any biting insects welcome you in the wilderness. Sometime wearing long pants and long sleev shirts is not enough. Bug nets and repelent are must items. - Avoiding Injury:
Know how to avoid common injuries and alway wary of any possible dangers.
Fishing Gear
Once you've settled on a location you'll want to start picking out the right gear to bring. One refreshing aspect of backcountry fly fishing (among many) is that you can pare your fishing gear down to the basics.- Fly Rods:
Trout in the backcountry streams will run a little smaller. In addition, backcountry rivers are usually smaller and brushier. A 7-8 foot, 2- or 3-weight rod should cover most situations. However, a 8-9 foot, 5 weight rod is a must for lakes because of frequent windy situations in high elevation. And some trout could grow over 20 inches in some lakes. Considering the number of pieces of the fly rod, rods with 4 or 5 pieces pack down compactly and are ideal for slipping into a backpack. - Reels:
You won't need an overly sophisticated reel for the backcountry. Because trout run small in the backcountry they probably won't be putting your tackle through the paces. - Line:
Dual taper lines work fine. - Leaders:
A short 7-1/2-foot 5X leader works well on small streams. For lakes, I use a longer 9-12 foot 6X leader. I also bring some backup leaders and tippet material so I don't run short halfway through my trip. - Flies:
Trout in the backcountry aren't particularly picky about their flies, especially in streams. Basic patterns work OK. However, on lakes, trout could be extremely selective at times. It always pays to seek out some local knowledge before you head into the backcountry. So I carry at least 2 fly boxes: one for the basic flies and another for specific flies for a specific destination. - Wading Gear:
I use a lightweight nylon hip wader in backcountry trip because I don't need to go deep in the water. Because of the weight, I don't carry wading shoes but I use a sandal for wading.
Clothes
- Shirts:
I am almost always wearing a long-sleeved fishing shirt on a backcountry fly fishing trip. Long sleeves protect your arms from branches, thorns, sunburn and biting insects. Fishing-specific shirts offer excellent ventilation and range of movement. They usually have plenty of pockets to hold and organize smaller pieces of gear. And since they're usually made from synthetic materials, they dry quickly, too. -
Vests and Tackle Packs:
I am carrying a small pack for a couple of small fly box and several gadgets. This is far more convenient that a vest. -
Insulation:
At times, it can be very cold in mountains even in the middle of hot summer. I am carrying a thin fleece shirt to keep myself comfortable. - Raincoat:
I am not hiking without this. There is almost always rain in the mountains.
Other Gear
- Multi-tools:
It is very handy and light. I don't need to carry many small miscellaneous items. - Hiking Staff:
Helps me keep my balance on the trail and stream. - Polarized Sunglasses:
A must-have for fly fishing. - Fishing License
- Binocular:
Enjoy secenary and scan the water to find rising fish on backcountry lakes. - Topo Maps and Compass:
Must items in backcountry. You could be lost even in the busiest national park. - Backpack:
Should be big enough to tote camping and fishing gear. - Water Bottle and Filter:
Water looks very clean in Rockies but it should be treated before drinking because of Giradia. I am carrying a mini water purifier. - Digital Camera:
Photographs are the only way to provide backup for your fishing tales. - Gloves:
I am using fingerless gloves even in the middle of summer. It protects my hands from burning sun in a sunny day and from possible chillness in a cold day. - Bandana:
It is very handy for many purposes such as covering my neck from sun, cleaning my face with cold water, and serving as an emergency bandage. - First Aid Kit:
I am not going fishing without this. Usually, I have two kits. One is very small in a 5"x3.5" tin can with the very basic survival items. I am carrying this can almost always. The other is a small back with all my personal medicines and first aid items. It is in my backpack.
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