Men's Journal

Escape the crowds at known fishing holes, and grab a fly rod and backpack to reel in dinner in the backcountry.

by Joe Cermele

It’s fall, so trout will be feeding like pigs to put on weight for the winter. But pulling into a streamside parking lot guarantees you’ll be fighting for space among fellow anglers more than you’ll be fighting fish. Those crowds and the crisp autumn air make this the best time of year for “troutpacking,” trekking away from the beaten path and heading for lesser-known trails. Put a tent on your back and a few miles under your feet in one of these four parks we never get tired of.

Inner Canyon Trails, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colorado

Difficulty: Strenuous.

The Trails: The inner canyon routes are unmarked and therefore not for everyone. Dropping from the rim to the Gunnison River requires peak physical condition, as ravine routes are not maintained.

The Fish: In the fly-fishing world, this spot is spoken of with reverence. Here, rainbow and brown trout can weigh six pounds or more.

Packing List: A good first aid kit, rope, high-energy foods, and plenty of bottled water are essentials. Beef up your fly rod to a six- or seven-weight and get a Colorado fishing permit (from $9).

The Camping: Get a permit to camp in the canyon (but know that fires are prohibited).

Eagle Creek Trail, Great Smoky Mountains National Park, North Carolina

Difficulty: Moderate.

The Trail: Reaching Eagle Creek Trail first requires a five-mile hike up Lakeshore Trail. Once you hit the target trail you’ve got eight miles to play with.

The Fish: Eagle Creek is what hardcore fly-fishermen call a “sleeper”; because there are good rivers with easier access in the park, most people pass up this gem. Although they’re not huge, native brook trout in deep, clear pools are the highlight here.

Packing List: Eagle Creek is a smaller, more technical river, so you’ll want a shorter, lighter fly rod for the limited casting room. Small woolly bugger flies are a top choice for this stream, and don’t forget a North Carolina fishing license (from $10).

The Camping: Get a free backcountry camping permit from a ranger station; camping and fires are allowed only at designated sites.

Merced Lake Trail, Yosemite National Park, California

Difficulty: Strenuous.

The Trail: Accessible from the John Muir Trail, the Merced Lake Trail follows the upper Merced River into the High Sierra. This is a popular Yosemite hike (it offers views of Half Dome), but crowds thin in November, when the High Sierra cabins close.

The Fish: The clear river is a perfect rainbow trout habitat.

Packing List: Nymph flies and Copper Johns are excellent for hammering on the trout. California fishing licenses start at $13.

The Camping: Camp at Merced Lake, but (free) advance wilderness permits are required.

Seven Mile Hole Trail, Yellowstone National Park, Wyoming

Difficulty: Strenuous.

The Trail: Until November take the 11-mile round-trip walk into
Yellowstone Canyon via the Seven Mile Hole Trail. Cut through thermally active meadows and spot elk and bears.

The Fish: You’ll have a shot at chunky cutthroat and rainbow trout. Yellowstone River is popular among anglers, but most never see this spot.

Packing List: October can bring a foot of snow or warm days, so dress in layers. A five-weight fly rod and reel is standard. Buy a $14 fishing permit.

The Camping: Permits (free) are required.

This article originally appeared in the October 2008 issue of Men’s Journal.

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