Fishing in the backcountry

[Fink]

Does anyone pack a flyrod, or ultra lite spinning rod with them on their back country hunts? I know every ounce counts, when you're living off your back for 7-10 days, but I'm thinking that some trout would be a welcome change from a mountain house diet, and fishing might pass the time when the hunt is really slow. My ultra lite rod and reel weighs less than a pound, and I'm strongly considering taking it, as there are a few lakes and streams in the area I'm going.

Thoughts? Is it a complete waste of time to pack it?

[sjsmallfield]

I would say if you don't care about the extra weight and you really think you would use the rod while in the backcountry take it. I have taken a rod on a trip a few times but never took the time to actually fish. It wasn't a big deal for me but I wasn't on a backpack trip either.

[Old Hunter]

Never on a hunting trip, but I take plenty of high country trips to fly fish. Nothing like fresh brookies cooked right next to the creek.

Bears seem to like it too.

[dihardhunter]

One word - Tenkara. 11 foot rod weighs 2.8 ounces. Collapses so small you can almost lose it your pack. Here's a link to a blog post my buddy wrote on his Tenkara fishing kit. Almost no weight penalty for backcountry hunting.

[Kevin Root]

I've taken one on countless backpacking trips. On many trips, I bring backpack food for back up but I kind of enjoy trying to eat what I catch and just eating trout for a, "living off the land/water" type of thing just for fun. I take one on out of state hunting trips in case we get our animals early and drop them off for processing too. Most times when backpack hunting, I've left it back at the vehicle though just wanting to conserve some weight and focus on hunting.

With most folks it is much about what is important to them to pack for their comfort and enjoyment. I don't think it is a waste to bring one at all if you will get enjoyment from the fish you catch or eat while on a hunting trip.

[HuntWYODon]

I'd pack a big bore pistol too if in Wy., Mt. or Id. also.