backpacking/fly fishing trip

[leftysbigfish]

hey guys,
I'm looking to start planning a backpacking/fly fishing trip.
Has anyone done a hike in fishing trip?
I'd like to hike in somewhere, set up a camp and do some fly fishing for a few days and hike back out. I was looking to go for like 4-5 days (including hiking time). I live in central Mass, so anywhere within a 4 or 5 hour driving radius would be fine.
Any advice would be most helpful

[gseries69]

I've done a lot of hiking/fly-fishing trips in and around New England and I like the ADK's best. There are good trail systems, outstanding pond fishing and no gate fees. Remember, ADK park is approximately the size of Vermont and it is covered with Lakes and Ponds. Couple of quick items to note, 4 or 5 days worth of gear is a lot, so make sure you have the right equipment e.g. light weight float tube, flats booties vs wading boots, compact sleeping bag, one man tent, very good backpack, leather hiking boots, good quality water filter, NO cotton, etc. There are numerous areas where you can use the park's lean toos (again, no fees) and I would expect to hike 3 to 4 miles to get to the better ponds. For that amount of time you might want to find a cluster of ponds so you can hike to more then one. Best time in my opinion is early spring. No crowds and the bugs haven't kicked in yet. If you go after Memorial Day, make sure you have a head net or you will lose your mind. You also have the option of trails or bushwhacking. Expect to go about 1 mph if you bushwhack and 3 mph on the trails. If you plan to bushwhack, make sure you have a GPS, spare batteries and know what you're doing. I would also highly recommend that you do not go in alone. With that kind of weight on your back a twisted ankle or some other injury is not out of the question. Another option is to paddle a canoe with your gear to a remote site and access the trail heads via paddling. There are numerous options for canoe camping and hiking/fishing in the St. Regis region. Learning which ponds to fish takes a fair amount of research and trial and error but that's part of the fun.

[leftysbigfish]

Thanks for the info....you seem to have a good handle on this kind of thing

this will be my first hiking trip..which is why im looking for all the beginner advice i can get. What is the ADK's? Adirondacks? (its all new to me)
also, you mentioned that 4-5 days might be too much...should i plan on somthing shorter?
ive read a few books on backpacking..but i also realize that the books are no substitute for experience....so im trying to get all my research done soon so i can do some day hikes and stuff to get ready
i appreciate the help

[gseries69]

Yes the ADKs are the Adirondacks. You're spot on about the books. The problem is that most are written from a Western US perspective. The Northeast is much different in terms of climate, terrain, waters, access, etc. Not better or worse, just different. You will have a lot of gear. Sleeping bag, tent, float tube, pump, boots, waders, rain gear, change of clothes, cooking supplies, food, and fishing equipment. Your pack is going to be upwards of 60 pounds. Having the right gear will go along way in making the trip more fun. Don't use a down bag, when down gets wet it won't keep you warm. Synthetics like polarguard 3d are better. A lot of books recommend neporene waders. They're too bulky and heavy when wet. Use your breathables with a heavy pair of fleece pants underneath. Wading boots are also big and bulky. Flats booties can fold up and are lighter. You'll need a pump to blow up your tube. The one that comes with most of the Caddis tubes is huge. Walmart sells a small double action pump for about $10. Make sure you get the flat style tube fins. Again, Caddis sells a pair that are shaped like a shoe. They suck to pack in. Flat ones attach to your bag much easier. You can get them from Cabelas for $29.99. Go to a reputable outdoor store and get fitted for your pack. If someone tries to sell you a pack with out sizing you up first turn around and walk out. Your height and body type will determine the right size pack for you. But then you also have to size the shoulder straps and waist belt. Put 50 pounds in the bag and walk around the store for a while to make sure there are no hot spots. Pack all the heaviest gear so that it is closest to your body while in the pack. You want the weight on your legs not your back. I use a 2 pc flyrod and pack it in a lightweight aluminium tube. I wrap hockey tape on the tube and use it as a walking stick. It helps with balance over logs and creek crossings and also helps to keep you standing straight up which again put the weight on your legs and not your back. Prior to all that you'll need to do a bunch of research. NY reclaims many of their waters after invasive species infest them. Make sure you are 3-4 years out from the restocking program or you'll just have humped 60 pounds in to catch a bunch of 8 inch fish. I like to use a 4 wt fast action rod and overline it with a 5 wt clear sinking line. Also make sure you have a floater for midging. Early season is midge fishing and it can be outstanding.

[haguebrook]

Check out this issue of On The Water. There is an article dealing with just this subject.

I was going to recommend Jabe Pond that I used to hike to and fish, but when I Googled it, I found that it has become party central for bored local ADK teenagers. Do your homeowork and make sure that where you are going is far enough into the wilderness that you will not be sharing your solitude with a bunch of kids & suds. There are some good hiking bbs out there with feedback on this kind of thing.

[fleshfly]

Jabes Pond is pretty close to Hague Brook, but yes it is a favorite party spot for sure. you know can easily drive to the pond. My reccomendation, get lost in Maine chasing native fish......

[gseries69]

I don't think Jabe Pond is what you're looking for. It's not the type of pond I am refering to. It's a beautiful body of water but it's very large and you can drive right up to it. My recommendation to the ADK's versus Maine is based on my own experience of fishing both states fairly often, but I understand there will certainly be other view points. Baxter State Park in Maine has some gorgeous ponds and great fishing, however, you have to pay to get in the park and pay to camp out. Still, it is a perfect place for a beginner. Just keep in mind that you will most likely not be alone and four or five days will probably run you close to $100. You will also have to pay gate fees on the timber company lands in the north west. That will run you at least $15-20 per night and to be honest I don't think the fishing is that great. Most ponds have logging roads cut way too close to them in my opinion. The hike is only 1/2 mile or so, so they get a lot of pressure and a 1/2 mile hike doesn't really fit my definition of back country brook trout fishing. There are lots of options in and around the Rangley area and your best course of action is to contact the Maine Guide Fly Shop in Greenville. They have some good information on their website and the owner Dan Legere is a stand up guy. The ADKs used to be very similar to Northern Maine, but at some point that land was purchased by the state and made into a great park. They really take care of their waters and reclaim trout ponds that get infested with invasive species. Brook trout are very fragile, any over harvesting or invasive species will decimate a small pond. During the restocking programs, NY tries to use native strains such as the windfall and horn pond strains. They are beautiful fish. Both states offer great options and I don't want to pit one against the other, but I think if you are serious about both the backpacking and fishing part of your trips then the ADK's are a better option.

[fleshfly]

Maine is BIG, and does have some restrictions. I personaly like Maine better as there seems to be more space. I actually think the ADKs have more character, and their parks aren't at the mercy of paper companys....Both are great, regardless where you go it is best to get off the beaten path, a chat room can point you in the right direction, but you won't find the real gems until you get out there and sniff around...regardless it all boil downs to Brookies....here are few shots: http://picasaweb.google.com/RandyTsu/BrookieLove/photo#s5045348912884139554

Have fun, spring is in the air!!!! --127-3-

[houdini]

Before you consider this, you need to get some experience. I'd suggest you join the ADK - I bet there is a local group near you. Here's their website: http://www.adk.org/home-flash.aspx. Either that or the AMC http://www.outdoors.org/.
Get some training before you decide to go into the bush. Don't become a victim that needs to be rescued. I've seen to many novices get into trouble and I've been both a backpacker and fisherman for more yours than I like to remember. And I've worked mountain rescue.
You might also check in with NYS DEC http://www.dec.state.ny.us/index.html
and write them to find out which lakes they still stock by air. They tend to get little pressure and are remote. Good candidates for the backpacking fisherman.
I couldn't possibly cover even equipment recommendations in this type format and you need to get an education before you would be ready to buy anyway. Subscribe to Backpacker Magazine and look at the annual gear review - that will get you started. http://www.backpacker.com/. They give good advice. But join a group and go with someone who has experience and can keep you out of trouble until you can hold your own. AMC and ADK are both groups who use a trip leader approach and it's usually someone who's been to see the elephant. Have fun! It's an adventure.

[lhonda]

Some good advice offered above. If you're truly green, if I were you I'd set my sights a bit lower than a wilderness type week long solo trip. As you get more comfortable with being outdoors and able to confidently look after what needs looking after (namely, your well-being), you can broaden your horizons and set out on longer and more challenging outings. You don't need to become Grizzly Adams to enjoy some pretty remote fishing camps, but as was said, if you find yourself in trouble where no one else is around, your trip could be your last. I am NOT trying to dissuade you from heading out; quite the contrary. But be SAFE. Also, I'll strongly second the advice given to head out with a partner, at least to start, wherever it is you decide to go.

[leftysbigfish]

Hey guys,
I appreciate all the advice. ill def not go it alone on my first trip...still looking for a partner...someone who fly fishes and knows a bit about hiking
I have started reading a bit about the Adirondacks...I think id like to make this my destination...mostly because I’ve never been hiking, so why not start there...
I did have a few questions though. First, is there a specific trail I should look into? Second, what river provides the best fly fishing experience? I like to river fish, so I figure I can kind of lean in that direction, although nothing is set in stone, as long as fishing is involved I’ll be happy. Last question, is there a specific place I could find my equipment, a place where a knowledgeable staff could assist me in finding the right stuff, preferably in ma.
Thanks again guys
Joe

[fleshfly]

Perhaps you should start in the Lake Placid area, and begin searching from there. Perhaps you can ease into with day hikes, and even begin exploring from there. However, you may get tempted to not get too far off the trail as you'll have the Ausable within easy access. The ausable gets dumped with oodles of fish by the state, hatchery fish and offers some great hatches. You'll find a mixed of eager stockies that will hit anything, or a few wiser trophy fish that have gotten there fair shair of pricks.....

[lhonda]

Everyone's got their own favorite places (thank God! ;) ), but I'll toss in the CT lakes region of NH, in Coos Co. Gorgeous country, not too far, tons of great water in lake, stream and river environs. More water than a man could fish in a lifetime up there. Some places right at the side of the road, and lots others that you have to hike/boat to.

Tons of info on the web; just Google CT lakes fishing NH or somesuch. PM me if you'd like; be happy to help get you pointed in the right direction. Here's a couple shots from the general region. Forgive me the last gratuitous shot; not exactly FF material. Unless moose hair makes for good buck hair substitute. Hmm. If so, I realize I have 50,000 flies to get started on. Once I learn how to tie. And the basics of fly fishing... :)

Cheers,

L

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n29/birddown/Coos.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n29/birddown/brookies.jpg

http://i108.photobucket.com/albums/n29/birddown/LNHandJSandMoose.jpg

[SteepBank]

Nice shots Lhonda:) Everyone here is giving some awesome advise and you really cant go wrong. I am partial to maine for a few reasons. There is more room to roam and with so many excellent big name rivers the crowds dont focus on some the secondary rivers in the same areas with great fishing/scenery. The greenville area has a 1/2 dozen ponds that are managed for a trophy fisherie (brookies 17-18 inches and over), these ponds can be reached by vehicle for the most part or a short hike. The locals dont hammer these ponds like they used to since they were raised there and dont like the 1 fish 18 inch rule for the most part (generalizing here) I almost listed the name of one and caught myself, but they easily researched. (call Dan L.) River's outside of baxter include the east branch of the penobscot that is remote enough to feel like your on an adventure but close enough so if something happens you will be ok. There are alot of other rivers that you can find on a delormes map in that area. Rangley also has about 4-5 top notch rivers worth a gander. But to be carefull cannot be overy stated. Me and a buddy were walking around all cocky up north lasy august and a massive lightening storm crashed right on us. We didnt dare move for a full hour while lightening bolts crashed only 30-40 feet away from us. My buddy was a guide and I can tell you we were both 'very concentrated' (ie. scared) for that period of time...anything can happen

[gseries69]

I think you might find it difficult to find a good balance of both hiking and river fishing. I personally have not come across many, if any, rivers that have a good trail system and good fishing while at the same time remote. I'm sure they exist I just don't know of any. For a real backcountry adventure I think you'll need to concentrate on ponds.

In terms of gear, look for specialty shops vs bigger stores like EMS. Not to say that you can't get good help from EMS but I think you'll lessen your chance of running in to an armchair outdoorsy type if you go to a specialty shop.

There are so many trails in the ADKs that trying to name one would be an exercise in futility. Look at a map and pick a region you want to explore. You can start with the book Good Fishing in the Adirondacks by Dennis April.