Sunbeams glint off the surface of the glass-smooth lake, mountains surround you on all sides and you’re casting to one rising trout after another. And there’s not another soul in sight. This is backcountry fly fishing, a combination of backpacking and fly fishing that’ll take you 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 of the hinterlands 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. These fish are, however, constantly on the lookout for predators. 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.

Planning a Backcountry Fishing Trip

Prepare for a backcountry fly fishing trip 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. Going with a friend is the safest bet.

Also, give some thought to how long you plan on spending in the backcountry. Multi-day trips require considerably more planning than a day trip.

Choosing a Destination

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. You can also inquire at your local fly shop.

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.

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 Tackle

Fly Rods – Think light. Trout in the backcountry will run a little smaller. In addition, backcountry rivers are usually smaller and brushier. A 4- or 5-weight rod should cover most situations. You’ll want a rod between 8 and 9 feet long for lakes. If you’re planning on fishing small streams only, go for a 7- or 7-1/2-footer. (Realize, however, that this would be a specialty rod in your quiver. You will still want a longer rod for other types of fishing.)

Next, consider the number of pieces of the fly rod. Rods with 3, 4, or 5 pieces pack down compactly and are ideal for slipping into a backpack. Of course, 2-piece rods work fine as well. They’re just not quite as convenient to tote into the backcountry, especially if you’re hiking through dense vegetation.

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 – A weight-forward floating line to match your rod weight is the best all-around choice. If you’re planning on fishing deep in lakes, then bring a sinking or sink-tip line. Carrying extra reel spools is a good technique for bringing an assortment of lines.

Leaders — Don’t forget your leaders. A 7-1/2-foot 5X leader should work well on small streams. For ponds, you’ll want 9-foot leaders. Make sure you bring plenty of backup leaders and tippet material so you don’t run short halfway through your trip.

Flies — Trout in the backcountry aren’t particularly picky about their flies. You’ll be able to get away with the most basic assortment. One or 2 fly boxes should be all you need. Remember to bring multiples of each pattern you bring, though — you don’t want to run out of the fly that’s working best on a given day. It always pays to seek out some local knowledge before you head into the backcountry. Some lakes and streams may have significant hatches at certain times of the year. If there is a hatch on the horizon, make sure you bring along flies to match it (and plenty of them).

Wading Gear

Waders — If you’re fishing small streams only, you might not need waders. Some backcountry fly fishers simply hop from boulder to boulder casting their flies here and there — without stepping foot in the stream. However, wading gear is useful in many situations, and can make your trip much more comfortable. If you’ll be fishing in very warm weather, you might decide to wade wet and bring along only wading shoes. If you’re planning on using a float tube or fishing deeper streams, you’ll want chest waders.

Benefits of Breathable Waders — Breathable waders are the best overall choice for backcountry fly fishing. They’re light and go easily into a backpack. In backcountry fishing, you’ll likely be covering a lot of ground. Breathable waders allow perspiration to escape, keeping you comfortable while you’re on the move, even in warm weather.

Wading Shoes — When hiking to your destination, you’ll want to wear hiking boots and carry your wading shoes in your backpack. In the interest of saving your back, bring the lightest, most packable wading shoes possible.

What to Wear

Shirts — A long-sleeved fishing shirt is your best bet 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 — Fishing vests have pockets to organize your gear, making your time on the water more efficient. You may consider carrying your gear in a fanny pack, or a tackle pack designed specifically for fishing. Lightweight and versatile, these packs are well-suited for backcountry fishing.

Insulation — Use layering in fishing, as in any other outdoor sport, to keep yourself comfortable. In general, you’ll want to wear something nonrestrictive and comfortable under your waders. In warm weather, a pair of hiking shorts might be all you need.

A light pair of synthetic long underwear could, however, work the best. They wick away perspiration and insulate your lower body. Remember, you’re going to be standing in cold water for long periods of time. If it’s very cold, you might want to move up to a pair of fleece pants under your waders.

Other Gear

Hiking/Wading Staff — Helps you keep your balance on the stream.
Polarized Sunglasses — A must-have for fly fishing.
Fishing License — Contact the state fish and wildlife department to get licensing information.
Stream Thermometer — Find cooler water, and you’ll find trout.
Wader Repair Kit — You’ll run into plenty of branches and thorns in the backcountry. They’re all ready to punch pinholes in your waders. Be prepared.
Binoculars — Scan the water to find rising fish on backcountry lakes.