Backcountry elk + fishing

Will_m

WKR
Joined
Jul 7, 2015
For those of you who do these type of hunts, what is a good, simple and compact fishing set up to pack in? Ideally something cheap too because I feel it stands a good risk of being broken.

What about lures?
 
As for lures, if you are fishing high mountain lakes, brook trout bite pretty much anything it seems. I've caught them on spoons of all colors of the rainbow. I am only speaking for CO as I've never tried other states
 
The Eagle Claw Trail Master is a pretty time tested and affordable backcountry fishing pole. Most break down in 4 to 7 pieces for ease of packing in. Find one with an aluminum carry tube and it will be safe during transport.
 
Panther martin spinners, get the smaller ones as the streams and lakes may be shallow by then, maybe #2 and #4 size. The brass, dressed spinners work well for me. I also use the painted ones in brown trout and rainbow, crayfish looks interesting.
I pinch the barbs down for when you hook those really small ones and deeply swallowed hooks.
 
I had one. It's heavy and not nearly as handy to pack as loose parts.
I thought it looked kinda heavy. Ill probably just take my sons snoopy pole. Haha. He actually has one of those dock demons that ill probably pack in.
 
I would get a 4 piece rod w/ case to keep from breaking it. i use a Fenwick Eagle and bring a small box with assorted spinners.
 
5’ ultra lite Ugly Stik. Fits in pack or arrow tube, cheap and indestructible! Pair with inexpensive small spinning reel and 4lb test with a variety of small spinners. Good luck 😉
 
I just bring my fly rod along. Breaks down and fits in my packs side pocket perfectly. I wrap it in a gun sock that's cut to length. Short enough it's not taller than the top of the bag so no snags on trees etc. You can save weight by leaving the reel at home and wrapping the line with a rubber band for transport.
 
Can't bring myself to put my bow down for a fishin pole. I fish 10 to 11-1/2 months a year as it is ;) my luck I'd get ready to cast, and a bull would be staring me in the face....
 
Last edited:
As for lures, if you are fishing high mountain lakes, brook trout bite pretty much anything it seems. I've caught them on spoons of all colors of the rainbow. I am only speaking for CO as I've never tried other states

When
As for lures, if you are fishing high mountain lakes, brook trout bite pretty much anything it seems. I've caught them on spoons of all colors of the rainbow. I am only speaking for CO as I've never tried other states

Are spoons all you pack with you. Or are there any other lures you use????
 
Can't bring myself to put my bow down for a fishin pole. I fish 10 to 11-1/2 months a year as it is ;) my luck I'd get ready to cast, and a bull would be staring me in the face....

Seriously!! On my backcountry elk hunts it's sleep, hunt, eat, sleep, hunt eat and I don't really have enough time for the eating and sleeping to stay caught up. Can't imagine finding time for fishing :)
 
I only bring spoons when going in to the high country, fly fishing would be excellent but I haven't gotten into that.

As for fishing while elk hunting, I've actually never done that as it seems counter productive unless your tag has been filled. I'd rather keep looking for elk and hope to run into a grouse to make for dinner!
 
If I have time and bring one I pack a cheapo little telescoping pen rod that goes from 8" collapsed to 36". Its only maybe 6 oz and a few rooster tails/mepps/panther martin spinners your good to go. Only about $10 on ebay or amazon, they look cheesy but iv'e yet to have one fail or break
 
Back
Top