Man might consider, a pair of hiking boots, hip boots or waders, a couple pairs of durable pants, several changes of socks, wide brimmed hat, two warm shirts, jacket, and rain gear. I cannot over-emphasize the importance of having a good raincoat. Once it starts to rain in the mountains, it may last for days. The fisherman should always have a raincoat easily accessible in a saddle bag in case of such soggy conditions.
I once made a pack trip into the Beartooth Mountains of Montana with a family of Chicagoans who had been planning the trip for a long time. Unfortunately the man had never really “roughed it” before and he wasn’t properly equipped for the trip. The whole family was very well dressed, however, only that is not enough. The father sported fancy riding pants, tooled alligator leather cowboy boots, Stetson hat and pearl-handled revolver hanging on his hip. In order to fully capture that “cowboy look,” he even rolled his own cigarettes.
But among the gear he failed to bring were good quality sleeping bags for himself and his family. He bought the cheapest he could find. As a result the family was cold all night and they were the first ones sitting around the campfire in the morning. The father was also in poor physical condition and soon became miserable. Finally he demanded that a helicopter fly him out. It was necessary to take the man back to town several days sooner than the trip was scheduled to end. That ruined the adventure for everyone.
The outdoorsman’s fishing gear should include both a spinning outfit and a fly fishing outfit. If you haven’t fished too much before the trip, it is wise to work on your form and accuracy in the back yard before the trip begins.
A neighbor of mine practiced using his spinning and fly fishing tackle in the back yard every evening for about a month before his pack trip in Montana began. He practiced throwing a lure into his wife’s clothes basket from all angles, including casting from spots directly beneath trees and shrubs. He also perfected such fly fishing techniques as the overhead cast, side cast, hook cast, roll cast, and reverse cast. After his pack trip was over, the pictures of the fish he caught were proof of the value of practice.
Besides the fishing outfits themselves, the fishermen should have a good selection of dry and wet flies and spinning lures. Favorite western flies include such patterns as the Muddler, Joe’s Hopper, Adams and Blonde Wulff. The spinning lure assortment should include wobbling spoons and spinners of about 1/4 ounce. The outfitter is usually acquainted with the likes and dislikes of the trout in his territory and can give good advice about your selection of lures.
The fisherman should bring along extra rods and reels in case any equipment is lost or damaged enroute to camp. The four-piece dual purpose rod which can be used with both fly reels and spinning reels makes an excellent spare. Other spare items which the angler should carry include fishing line, fly readers, rod tips, and rod guides.
All of the camping equipment is generally supplied by the guide except for sleeping bag, mattress and personal items which the angler himself is expected to supply. However, it is necessary to contact the outfitter in order to get the most out of the pack trip. There are other items which the fisherman should take along. Mosquito repellent heads the list. Without it, the little demons can make the most beautiful day become unbearable. The fisherman should also take along other items that fit his own special interests. These might include a varmint rifle for hunting marmots, a tree or bird identification book, binoculars, a gold.
A camera, whether a simple snapshot camera or professional model, should be carried by every fisherman. The camera, like the raincoat and insect repellent should accompany the angler everywhere during the trip. While riding out, the fisherman should carry his camera and other important items such as his lunch and raincoat with him in his saddlebags.
The alert cameraman takes advantage of many photographic opportunities which will set his collection of pictures apart from the usual smug shots of an angler holding his catch. Try to catch that expression of genuine excitement in the angler’s face. Shoot some landscapes of the fishing country. When out fishing, have your camera preset and ready to use. Using fast shutter speeds, try to get all the action of your buddy hooking a fish, playing fish, casting, netting fish, fish jumping and so forth. Take pictures of the guides doing camp chores. Pictures of the cook preparing a meal are different and interesting. Also try to take good pictures of your camp in the wilderness setting. You will always be glad you did.
A Western pack trip can be a wonderful experience but it can also be an expensive disaster. The final success of your pack trip depends a great deal upon the planning. Planning includes deciding where you want to go and who you will choose to guide you. Other smaller arrangements such as securing a fishing license must also be taken care of. In order to be reasonably sure of success, the fisherman should begin planning for his pack trip a year or more in advance. Start with these primary considerations.
Do you want really big fish or do you simply want a pleasant trip which doesn’t involve riding long distances over rugged country? How much time and money can you afford? Are you an experienced enough outdoors man to make the pack trip with minimum guidance.