DIY Fishing Trips

“You don’t know if you don’t go” the saying I’ve come up with that has lead to many a great adventure.  Making the decision to “just go” is one of the hardest parts for many people when it comes to taking that fishing trip you have been thinking about.  The fear of the bad weather, poor fishing, or the unknown holds many people back.  I see this all the time with guiding.  People book a trip and then a few days before the trip the weather man says that theres a chance of rain or wind and suddenly they are asking me if we should re schedule. The end result is nearly always the same, we fish regardless, and the clients have a great time that they nearly missed out on.  The same goes for taking off on that fishing trip you’ve been thinking about.  Not every DIY trip will result in the best fishing you’ve ever had, but I guarantee you’ll become a better angler, and make lasting memories. Bailing on your plans to do chores around the house surely wont.​

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Planning a DIY fishing trip does not need to be a complicated thing.  Your goal is to explore new areas and waters, have fun, and catch some fish along the way. Pick an area you have interest in, whether a couple hours away or across the country, you have the freedom to choose. The only thing different is the drive time. 
Next, secure lodging and make a plan. I prefer camping, so I look for a campground, or public land that allows camping, otherwise locate your preferred lodging online.  For those who prefer to plan ahead, do some e-scouting via the internet and mapping apps, call around to a few fly shops, contact the local fisheries biologist, and you will have a pretty good idea of where to fish and how.  Often, if I am traveling to multiple areas, I have shown up in a fishy town and simply located the nearest fly shop.  Buy some files, tippet and a license, and ask them where to camp and fish.  Simple as that.
You’ll next need to consider what gear you will need to bring.  I always bring at least 3 rods, at the very least 2 euro nymphing rods, one as a backup if I break the first, and a 4 or 5 wt rod with floating line. If I’ll be fishing lakes, I throw in a 10’ 6 wt. Extra rods, reels, fly lines, flies etc all are in an Orvis travel case and three rods are ready to go in my roof top fly rod rack. Occasionally, I throw in my vice and fly tying kit, packed into a Fish Pond tying bag. Next I have a large tote for waders, boots, pack, life jacket and net.  I always bring a second pair of waders.  I tend to fall in the river a lot, and have torn plenty of waders on a trip. A dry backup pair is nice to have.  If my wading boots are not pretty new I throw in an extra pair as well because I seem to blow out at least a pair per season.  On the east coast I throw in two raincoats, west coast only one.  2 pair of sunglasses are a must.  Camping and cooking gear is organized in two totes. All appropriate clothing and footwear is in a water proof bag and I am good to go.  Lastly, If I am in grizzly country, a hand gun or bear spray.
Finally, when you get to your destination it is vitally important to keep an open mind, a positive attitude, and be flexible.  These are often the key to a very memorable trip or not.  Things will not always turn out the way you expect or hope.  The weather can be tough, or the rivers could be high and dirty. If you encounter fishing  pressure,  remember people tend to fish the popular spots, that you read about in books or online.  75% of the people want to fish the famous stretch or pool that is within 100 yards parking area.  I promise if you walk a little ways or get creative with where you park you can find solitude on most of the famous rivers, or try a tributary of said famous river.  Worst case scenario you may need to drive further or even pack up and move to a new location.  As long as you consider it part of the adventure, good things will happen, fish will be caught, fun will be had ,and new rivers and lakes will be explored. This year’s grand adventure is a 2 week DIY Float in remote Alaska.  We will be dropped by float plane with rafts and gear in the bush and be picked up near the ocean 110 miles later. I’m sure you’ll hear about it in a future column.