Backcountry Fishing

There are a two main considerations when going backcountry, especially for several days at a time. Weight and space. Both are equally important. On the weight side, I try hard to fit all the gear I think I will need into one small tackle box. I’m talking those really small Plano tackle boxes. It will be big enough to fit some lures, a few flies and split shot. Small bobbers don’t fit well in small tackle boxes, so I stuff them in a readily accessible side pocket. As for rods, I run a collapsible 4 piece rod. My favourite is the 4 piece Fenwick Eagle travel series rod. It’s a medium light seven footer with a fast action. This rod can handle pretty much anything that swims in our backcountry lakes and streams and I use it often. Just one tip; I do not bring the travelling case it comes with, as that sucker takes up space and is heavy. Instead I tape my rod together and strap it to the outside of the backpack. That way I minimize space and weight.

As for tackle, I will bring several small, but weighty spoons that will allow me to cast a long distance and reach more fish. I will bring a few bobbers, which I will suspend beadhead prince nymphs, bead head pheasant tail nymphs, and bead head zug bugs under. I’ll also bring some bead head spratleys, a bigger fly designed to trigger bigger bites. I will bring a couple spinners, my two favourites being the Panther Martin and the Mepps varieties, because spinners, especially in streams, have a great knack for catching fish, and last but not least, I will be sure to bring a pack of no-lead split shots, because a little extra weight always comes in handy when fishing.

In lakes I make sure I either fish the early morning or late evening time, because that will be the best time for catching trout. For rivers and streams I find the fish to be more opportunistic so, regardless of the time of day, I’ll cast my line to all the best spots and more often than not, if fish are around, they will be biting.