At a recent presentation I gave on backcountry fly fishing, I was discussing the benefits of maps. I talked about tracing the topography to determine gradient. I shared how certain features indicated where the smallest of tributaries or springs might be located. I spoke on how the usefulness of maps was in that they were a starting point for exploration.
And then a woman in the audience made the comment that they could save your life, too.
An excellent point. And it is one that I can honestly say I haven’t given enough attention on Casting Across over the years. While I routinely herald the joys of adventure and the wonders of pushing further into the wild, the inherent risks and appropriate mitigation efforts can’t be undersold. Or: have fun, but be careful.
Here are four things worth doing to stay safe if you’re going out of the direct line of sight of the parking lot while fly fishing:
Know basic outdoors safety.
Many skills that we take for granted are the kinds of things that will keep you safe in the woods and on the water. A lot of it comes through experiential osmosis: following others, browsing Field & Stream, and common sense. But it is always remarkable to listen to an expert in survival. Even those who spend a lot of time outside believe false (and dangerous) information. Educating yourself provides cautionary tales and encouragement on how to do things right: what to pack, how to anticipate danger, knowing your limits, etc.
Orient well before heading out.
There are countless reasons to study a good map before you go fishing. Not only will you know what to expect from the contours of the river (bends, large pools, braided channels, etc.), but you’ll get the lay of the land. It is only beneficial to know what exists upstream and downstream of where you’ll be fishing. It is helpful to know what is north, south, east, and west of you. If you plan on fishing tributaries, you can form an image in your mind of how far creek mouths and feeder streams are from one another.
Bring a physical map.
Regardless of how well you’ve studied a map, the real thing will appear differently in some way, shape, or form. Especially if you find yourself turned around and a even a tiny bit panicked, having an objective reference is invaluable. The waterproof maps made for popular regions are worth stashing in your primary pack. If you’re somewhere more remote, a quick print-off from the internet won’t be a bad idea. It is good to go with two copies, leaving one with someone at home with your route highlighted.
Have a convenient, digital option.
While you can’t count on cell service or battery life, the most simple resource is an app or a digital tool. The National Park Service provides free, offline maps. A paid app like TroutRoutes populates their maps with countless other data points. Garmin and Apple watches can do a lot. From preset trail directions to virtual breadcrumbs, when charged these can be a quick and easy crutch for getting there and back again. 9 times out of 10 you’ll be able to rely on these gadgets and they’ll be great… but that outlier is why everything said above is so important.
There is obviously much, much more involved in being safe as you trek into the woods to chase fish or other pursuits. But taking a few moments for education, preparation, and orientation will do a lot to eliminate unnecessary risks.