Beginner's Guide to Backcountry Fishing

The solitude of the wild with nothing between you and the stream, except for your fly line—sounds nice doesn’t it?

There is nothing better than hiking into the mountains and casting a line in the backcountry. Here’s your beginner’s guide to fishing in the Eastern Sierra backcountry.

Even if you are an experienced angler, fishing in the backcountry is a little different than you might expect. There’s different gear required to fish in the backcountry, and you’ll need to hike to your fishing destination. But you’ll love the adventure once you have your backcountry setup dialed. Here’s your beginner’s guide to fishing in the Eastern Sierra backcountry.

Most backcountry fishing is for wild trout, and many of them are small. There are some backcountry alpine lakes with big fish, but we won’t give away any secret spots, and you’ll be lucky to find them. Most of the backcountry fishing you’ll be doing is on small streams, or in alpine lakes with an abundance of small fish. Don’t be discouraged by the size of the fish, the adventure and setting is as much a part of the experience as the catching of the fish. California state fishing regulations apply to backcountry fishing. Be sure to have a valid fishing license and follow regulations.

What to Wear

You’ll be hiking to your fishing destination so you’ll need all of your basic fishing equipment, as well as hiking gear. As with any activity, you’ll want to wear a hat, sunglasses and lightweight hiking clothes. Long sleeve shirt and pants are recommended for sun and bug protection. Wear sturdy hiking shoes or boots. Bring a small backpack for your personal belongings and carry a rain/wind jacket and pants if necessary. If you want to wade, bring a pair of sturdy sandals with wading socks.

Backcountry Fishing Equipment

A small front-pack is nice for backcountry fishing, so you have your gear easily accessible. You’ll want to bring lightweight tippet and a lot of dry flies, along with your normal fishing equipment like nippers, hemostat, or pliers, dry shake and flotant. Eastern Sierra wild trout love adams, hoppers, and stimulators. A dry-dropper combination is a successful set-up, especially in the spring and early summer. Bring plenty of bead head midges and stoneflies. If you are lake fishing, also bring woolly buggers in various sizes. A 3-5 piece packable fly rod that breaks down is usually best for hiking in the backcountry. A 7 ½-foot 2-weight fly rod is ideal for the small streams and lakes you’ll be fishing. Unless you know you are going to a lake with big fish, you don’t need anything heavier than a 4-weight rod.

Hiking & Fishing at Altitude

Any outdoors adventure in the Eastern Sierra requires preparation for high altitude, but backcountry fishing you’ll want to be extra cautious since you will most likely be hiking into higher elevations. Mammoth Lakes sits at 8,000 feet in elevation, and many trailheads are 9,000- 10,000 feet. Hydration, sun protection and nutrition are key to a successful day in the backcountry. Carry plenty of water, and consider bringing a water filter for long days in the backcountry. Electrolyte drink mixes will help your body retain water and stay hydrated. You’ll also need plenty of food to fuel your day. Protecting yourself from the sun is also very important. Wear protective clothing, hat, sunglasses, sunscreen and lip protection, and don’t forget to reapply every few hours.

Planning a Your Day

The key to a successful day fishing in the backcountry isn’t so much about catching fish, but about enjoying the adventure. Plan a destination that you enjoy hiking to first, then cast a line as a bonus. Be sure to hike to a destination within your ability range, bring a hiking-fishing partner, and tell someone where you are going! Maps and an understanding of the terrain are essential.

Top Spots for Backcountry Fishing

It’s no surprise that the best spots for backcountry fishing are also some of the more popular hiking destinations in the Eastern Sierra.

Rock Creek, Little Lakes Valley – Mosquito Flat Trailhead

Little Lakes Valley in Rock Creek is arguably the most scenic and most popular hike in the Eastern Sierra. Beginning at the at the Little Lakes Trailhead, the trail is also a fantastic backcountry fishing destination since the route follows the creek to a number of alpine lakes. Cast a line anywhere you fancy.

The Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River – Agnew Meadow Trailhead

Accessible from many spots along the road, the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River, which uns through Reds Meadow Valley, is a hotspot for fishing. But for a true backcountry fishing experience, hike a few miles up river from the Agnew Meadow Trailhead toward the headwater. You will find wild trout as soon as you hike north from the camping areas and can try to catch the Sierra Grand Slam – rainbow, brown, brook, and golden trout.

Twenty Lakes Basin – Saddlebag Lake Trailhead

The region near Saddlebag Lake is called Twenty Lakes Basin for a reason. There are lakes every few steps along this trail. Take the ferry across the river and hike the 5-mile Saddlebag Lake Loop, casting a line at each of the larger lakes. You’ll find fantastic alpine views and plenty of brook trout in this area.