Two years ago I wrote an article on one of my favorite ways to experience nature and fly fishing: trail running. Along with the exercise and the challenge, it gets me deeper into unfished and wild places quickly. That post generated a lot of interest, and there is a link below. Running into the woods to fish isn’t what I do all the time, and understandably it isn’t for everyone.
This summer I didn’t do it at all. Due to a pretty severe ankle injury I’m not even running on a treadmill. An uneven surface like a rocky, rooty New England path is pretty terrifying at the moment. However, I am moving well enough to get out and have wanted to get to some of my favorite mountain trout streams. What I’ve realized is that my temporary limitations reflect others’ normal limitations; my season matches up with others’ preferences.
Recently I mimicked the fishing trip that I used as the backdrop for the article “Run to the Fish.” I used the same trails. I fished the same rivers. I even went around the same time of the year. This time, I slowed down. It wasn’t quite a brisk jog, but my pace was quicker than a leisurely stroll. Since I wasn’t running, I didn’t need the lightest and most streamlined load. But since I required a little more support, I had to take a few more things on my back. My packing list changed, as did my approach.
Maybe you want to get deeper into the wild to pursue fish that haven’t seen a fly or worm in a while. If trail running isn’t up your alley, but you don’t mind putting in a few miles, check out what I did and why I did it:
Feet First As I’m still recovering from an ankle injury, I wanted to beef up my footwear. I left the lightweight trail runners and kayak shoes at home. Instead, I opted for rugged trail shoes and lightweight wading boots. The hike was about four miles. The shoes offered support on the way in, and the boots weren’t a burden strapped to the back of my pack. I felt stable, comfortable, and not at all like I was compromising – both on the trail and in the water. Just for kicks, I hiked the four miles back in my wading socks and boots. It wasn’t bad. In fact, it worked great on the flatter and moderately downhill portions.
Pack Matters First and foremost you need a backpack that will offer support and balance. Even small loads are cumbersome if not anchored to your back properly. On top of that, moving on the trail and casting in the river demand two totally different sets of motions. That is why I have to say that the Vedavoo backpacks are exceptional for the hiking angler. The straps’ orientation can be shifted on your shoulders/chest as need be. When hiking, you can slide the straps wide to distribute the weight across your shoulders. When fishing, you can slide them in tight to offer a full range of arm and shoulder motion.
Stay Basic Just because you have more pack doesn’t mean you need more stuff. I didn’t carry much more on this trip than I would when utilizing an ultralight running pack. Aside from bulkier boots and a trekking pole, the gear was the same. As you dial in your gear, you’ll realize what is necessary and what you can leave in the car or at home. Here’s what my load out looked like:
- Lightweight, quick drying clothes.
- Medium-sized hydration pack.
- Medium-duty trail shoes and lightweight wading shoes. I bring along neoprene socks with gravel guards. Also, I bring a ventilated bag that can hold the wet boots strapped to the outside of my pack on the way out.
- Small first aid kit.
- Packable rod and reel. The shorter when broken down the better, so you don’t snag it on trail side branches.
- Minimal flies, tippet, and tools. I keep all of this in a smaller pouch so that nothing gets lost in the nooks and crannies of my pack.
- Cell phone – for action shots and safety.
- Food. If you think you need food while you fish, you’ll need more when you hike and fish.
- A trekking pole for stability in and out of the water.
Even if you can’t or don’t want to move fast, try moving a little bit. You’ll be pleased with the solitude, the experience, and the fish.
While all of the gear pictured above is worth recommending, the two pieces that shined are:
Want to run? Here is the original article, Run to the Fish.