A lot of people have asked me what I carry in my pack for UL fly fishing and backpacking trips so I thought I’d do a quick video about it. It’s called the Trico and I’d be curious to hear what others carry and see if it’s similar to my setup or what other gear you carry.
Jason is an avid fly angler and backpacker. As a former fly fishing guide originally from Western New York, he moved to Colorado and became an early adopter of tenkara which perfectly suited the small, high altitude streams and lakes there. He has not fished a Western-style fly rod for trout since.
Hi Cory,
I don’t pack one in while backpacking because most of the high-country lakes I fish are small enough to fish from shore or by wading. I do have a float tube though and use it for larger lakes that I can drive to. It’s U-shaped but I don’t remember the brand (I think it’s a Creek Company). Many, many years old and still going strong.
Nice and simple is the way to go. Most backcountry trout don’t need a large fly selection. A few wooley buggers, royal wulffs and a some pheasant tails. A bit of gink, a few tippet spools and call it good!
I’ve only been out a few times, but I’ve managed to rig something with what I already had lying around. I have an old Camelbak hydration pack, which can hold some mesh merrells and neoprene booties, a light jacket, and all my gear. I took that at out and was adequate. Then, I added the brain from my Osprey Aether pack, which was made to double as a lumbar pack. With that strapped to my front, and my Camelbak on my back, I can access my fishing gear with greater ease. I’ve yet to try it out, but I’m sure the money I saved on buying new gear will make it worth it.
Like it! Next time we go fishing (hopefully soon!) I need to take a closer look at it.
Wow! I love it… You obviously have this down to a fine art. I am going to get several for Christmas presents!
These look great! nice and light and really handy for when you are carrying a backpack. Will have to get a few to try out down here in Aus.
Great pack Jason, do you ever bring a pack raft or some kind of float tube for lakes? If so what do you prefer?
Hi Cory,
I don’t pack one in while backpacking because most of the high-country lakes I fish are small enough to fish from shore or by wading. I do have a float tube though and use it for larger lakes that I can drive to. It’s U-shaped but I don’t remember the brand (I think it’s a Creek Company). Many, many years old and still going strong.
Yup, that’s pretty sweet and something worth trying. Thanks for sharing.
The Average Joe Fisherman
Nice and simple is the way to go. Most backcountry trout don’t need a large fly selection. A few wooley buggers, royal wulffs and a some pheasant tails. A bit of gink, a few tippet spools and call it good!
I’ve only been out a few times, but I’ve managed to rig something with what I already had lying around. I have an old Camelbak hydration pack, which can hold some mesh merrells and neoprene booties, a light jacket, and all my gear. I took that at out and was adequate. Then, I added the brain from my Osprey Aether pack, which was made to double as a lumbar pack. With that strapped to my front, and my Camelbak on my back, I can access my fishing gear with greater ease. I’ve yet to try it out, but I’m sure the money I saved on buying new gear will make it worth it.
Hi Jason,
I was just wondering what the price for the Trico is?(the link above is broken).