I like trail running. I like fly fishing.

I have a limited amount of time to do anything like either of those things.

Not all pursuits are flexible enough to combine, but trail running and fly fishing can be seamlessly combined in such a way that you’re not really compromising on either.

Most recently I ran four miles into the New Hampshire woods. Not only did I get a great workout, but a few other interesting things happened. As I went further up the mountains the water temperatures dropped significantly. With each mile, I saw less and less people. At the end of the day I had been able to fly fish, see so much wilderness, and put in some serious trail miles. And I caught a lot of trout.

Check out three reasons why you should give running to the fish a shot, and some tips on preparing for such an outing, below:

• Escape You get farther from where people are and farther from where people have been quicker. If you want to avoid the crowds, and avoid the water that has been pressured, you’ve got to move. Some times that means a mile, other times it means miles. If time is limited, moving a little faster allows you to spend more time fishing and less time just walking.
• Exercise  Why not kill two birds with one stone? There aren’t many better ways to redeem your time outdoors than combining fitness and fishing. If you want to fish, but also want to run, why not do both? And it isn’t like you need to sprint. Plus, staying fit from jogging, hiking, or running is one surefire way to catch more fish… because it means you’ll be able and around more.
• Experience It is fun. You’ll see things you won’t see if you just drive somewhere, get out, and fish. You’ll see things you won’t see if you just go for a run in the woods. You’re trading slow for fast, but that also means getting more instead of less.

Here is my packing list for fishing and trail running:

• Lightweight, quick drying clothes. I fish in my normal running gear.
• Medium-sized hydration pack.
• Trail running shoes and wading shoes. I don’t want to run in wet shoes, and I don’t want to fall while fishing. Both need to be light for the sake of being on your feet and your pack.
• 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.
• Cell phone – for action shots and safety.
• Food. If you think you need food while you fish, you’ll need twice as much while you run and fish.

Give it a try. You might find a new way to enjoy the outdoors, probably get to fish in some different places, and definitely get a workout in along with your fly fishing.

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Caveat #1: I know not everyone can run. If that is the case, try to glean  the helpful minimalist bits and ignore what  is beyond your comfort zone.

Caveat #2: I know that tenkara is a good way  to limit gear even further.  I’ll take my tenkara rod on these excursions from time to time. But on my last trip, and on many trips, I wanted traditional gear.