Backcountry trout

[Livejust]

Forgive my ignorance here. I found a backcountry beaver pond that looked full of trout last spring. I plan on hitting it this spring. As well as the small creek that feeds it.

Can you recommend me a decent backcountry rod and reel combo. And also what size color jigs? I had access to a lot of panther martins from my brother.

Thanks.

Use flies that match what is out there or a basic pheasant tail nymph with a bead. Get a cheap tenkara rod if you are just fishing ponds and looking for a light and small rod. If not doing a lot of precision casting and distance try out an old fiberglass or bamboo rod. You will have something that will always be different. I spent years chasing the latest and greatest stuff in the industry and now just refinish old bamboo rods with simple USA made click reels for a fraction of the cost. I always feel like I have coolest piece on the river/pond.

 

[270-300]

For spinning i have a small light two piece rod Berkeley makes called a lightning rod. Casts well and fits in a pack. Think it was $40. For a reel any small inexpensive reel will be about the same. Panther martins, smll meps, nail tails, or tied jigs work well.

Mainly i fly fish. Im partial to a 9 foot st croix mojo trout 4 weight 4 piece rod. Wont cast streamers well but its just the trick for working size 20 dry flies in mountain streams and ponds. A small inexpensive reel and some double taper floating line- its a potent package for under $300 total.

For any large lakes or rivers im partial to an old 2 piece 6 weight with a vintage g loomis reel.

 

[MTlan66]

Do I want 1/8 oz spinners mainly?

I don’t recall the weight off the top of my head, but my favorite Panther Martins for small streams are a #2. A #4 may be better in beaver ponds, and I try to keep my favorite colors in both sizes.

 

[sivart]

Did I screw up? I accidentally picked up the light green colored mono line. I assume I want the clear/blue color?

 

[wyodan]

Did I screw up? I accidentally picked up the light green colored mono line. I assume I want the clear/blue color?

I wouldn't overthink it. You will be fine with that line. Most backcountry fish seem pretty hungry, unless they are golden trout.

 

[longrangelead]

I use a 5' ultralight or a ice rod with the smallest Panther Martin, black/yellow or red/yellow.
if the fish are aggressively following but not committing, I'll tie a nymph flie to the spinner with about 10" of line.