A correlation exists between what is easy to access and how many people you will see there. Think about it, you may run into a dozen people on a particular hiking trail with an Instagram-worthy viewpoint but you probably won’t see a single soul on another trail that just snakes through the trees. Since I moved to Utah, I’ve learned to avoid the tourist traps that bring so many people here for outdoor recreation. Sure, at first I went to them just like everyone else to see what they were about but after a while, bumping into people on the trail affirmed my belief that I rather avoid them than seek them out. Call me anti-social, call me unfriendly, call me whatever you want but realize, my great outdoor adventures are those I want to enjoy with the fewest people possible. The benefits of going further than others extend beyond the idea you won’t see as many people. A sense of accomplishment is felt after a good ruck into the hills and losing phone service can be more of a benefit than an inconvenience. Of course, there is a trade-off. You must be the only person you can rely on if you end up in trouble. For most of you reading this and following the Fieldcraft Survival page, this isn’t too much of a departure from your daily routine. Recently, I grabbed my pack, fly rod, and a few basic provisions and struck off in pursuit of some elusive trout in the mountains. By the way, if you are wondering if I am going to mention where I went, I’m keeping the location off the gram.

Scouting and Outsider Info

There are many ways to find a quiet place to collect your thoughts. As a teenager, I would look at maps and find secondary roads with a place to park and a straight shot through the woods to a stretch of river. Back then, I’d pick a spot and trek through the woods. The reward was actually finding what I hoped to and wetting my line. Today, you can use satellite imaging to find draws that might hold fish if there is enough water running down from them. Don’t rely on older maps as waterways can change their course over time and seasonal bodies of water may not be there when you arrive. Other options for locating a good place to go include actually talking to people who spend more time outdoors than you. You can’t go wrong with a friend’s advice who is also a guide or works in the outdoor industry or just calling your local outfitter/bait shop and seeing what advice they have for you. While this advice isn’t practical for everyone if a human resource like that isn’t in your area, you may have to put in some serious leg work yourself walking trails, looking for places by bushwhacking, and attempting to stumble upon a honey hole yourself.

Fishing

Fishing small bodies of water is best done with short fishing rods. It doesn’t matter if you are spin fishing or if you are fly fishing, just don’t pack too long of a rod then you’ll be able to cast. Keep in mind, that where you are fishing could be very overgrown and you may have little room to do a traditional cast. The frustration level is very high when you spend time tying up a rig only to lose it in the trees out of reach. Also, keep in mind that access to the water may be difficult making landing your fish not as easy without a net. If you are fishing in an area with a steep gradient, you may hook a fish only to watch it swim down over a rapid and to a pool you can’t access. Something else to consider is the tackle you’ll want to use. Small creeks rarely hold large lunkers so ultralight is the name of the game. Also, if you end up accessing a remote body of water, you could end up spooking a fish with too large of a lure. Consider using lighter lines and leaders and letting your fishing reel’s drag do its job preventing the line from breaking.

Spring fishing in the mountains can be cold, really cold. You have to consider the water you’re fishing in is probably mostly snow runoff and just a few degrees above freezing. You can fish from the shore or you can pack waders in and use those. Have a plan for accidental dunking and make sure that plan includes hand warmers, a fire-starting kit, an emergency blanket or two, and perhaps a set of dry socks and a warm layer. A guilty pleasure of mine is packing a small titanium pot like a Vargo Bot and some instant Black Rifle Coffee. If I really needed to warm up, I could heat up water as I dry off and keep a steady stream of warmth going into my system. For this reason, when I get to a spot where I think I’ll spend a good amount of time working different pools of water, I’ll often set up for the day and remove the contents of my pack before my lure ever touches the water. Better to be proactive than reactive.

Assuming you do your part with selecting the right gear, presenting your lure, fly, bait, etc. the most attractive way, and you don’t screw up hooking and landing your fish, you must decide if you’re going to catch and release or hook and cook. This decision may be made for you by the local regulations prohibiting stringing up your catch and taking it out. Catch and release helps ensure you will catch that fish again at a later date. If you are able to take a few, you can fire up your frying pan, grill, or pot or wrap them for travel. A few Ziplock bags will help keep your pack from smelling. Make sure you get your catch to a cooler before it warms up and bacteria forms. Whether you cook them up streamside or at home, don’t overcook your fish, and make sure to use plenty of garlic and butter.

The Old Expression

I’ve heard a lot of people say “a bad day of fishing is better than a good day of work.” I couldn’t agree more as the process of fishing is just as much of a reward as landing a fish is. If nothing else, a day up in the mountains gives me a chance to light up a cigar, sit by a relaxing creek, and collect my thoughts. I can’t do that at work since there’s no smoking in my building and I’m busy making content for the Fieldcraft Survival main page. As a content provider and Survival Instructor for Fieldcraft Survival, I’m fortunate to use experiences like this to gather great photos, blog content, and train my food gathering skills for when I teach the “predator” courses. I don’t have to go to the woods for inspiration but when I’m there, I’m convinced there is no place better. I am paid to do this but I swear, I’d pay to get away and find some peace and quiet from the masses who’ll never throw a line where I do.