fishing the JMT

So ill be hiking the JMT this july and Im certainly planning on taking a pole along the way. I hear fly fishing is the most successful method, but I'm interested in hearing what some of the other hikers had luck trying. I'm not the best with a fly fishing pool and I don't really have a good setup for a long distance backpacking trip, but Im willing to give anything a try. So what is some of your setups that provided fresh trout on the trail?

I am not really sure on your question.

You have a fly-rod/reel and line set-up already correct? Then apart from some terminal tackle (leaders, tippet, floatant, nippers, splitshot/putty) you don't need anything but flies.

If you are asking what flies to use-- then there in lies the beauty of fly-fishing-- there is no answer. Four different fishermen can fish the same water and catch four different fish.

I recently just purchase a Tenkara rod-- it as not arrived yet, so I can't vouch for it, but other people love it for backpacking. I currently use a traditional 9"5-4piece rod and reel and have never had a problem catching fish with such a set-up in the past decade or so.

I fish in the central Sierras while backpacking and have fished along part of the JMT. I usually take a cheap (because I am hard on gear) spinning outfit with a small plano full of flies (grasshoppers, black gnats and black ants are popular and work well), a couple of those twist-on bobbers, and a selection of spinners, rooster tails, and a kastmaster.

Mind the regulations where you go - you will find yourself in areas where it's artificial lures only and barbless hooks. Wild rainbows in some rivers/streams in Yosemite are catch and release only.

Tenkara fly fishing is much easier to learn than Western fly fishing. Even if you're not the best caster, you can probably figure Tenkara out in just a few minutes and be able to cast well enough to catch fish. Plus, the rods are so light and compact that you won't even know you're carrying one. I just slip one in the side pocket of my pack. Since the rods collapse into themselves, you don't need to bring a heavy plastic case (the rod becomes it's own case). You might want to look into them.

There is a "fishing" topic on Sierra Topix forum. A lot of serious Sierra fishermen post on this site - it really is worth a look. The experience on that forum regarding fishing in the Sierra is far superior to our forum here.

sorry for being unclear. I think I would rather bring a ultralight spinning rod setup just because im more familiar with the equipment and its versatility. I was just wondering what kind of luck people have had along the JMT with a setup like this, if any at all?

While Tenkara would seem to be a great system for the smaller creeks and streams of the high Sierra, I don't think it allows you to cast as well for lake fishing, or larger rivers.

And we all know that UL backpackers NEVER take split shot--too heavy!

a fishing pole with float line is recommended with a large supply of flies.
dont forget the reel and leader line
edit: really I would just bring a small bit of float line and leader, I would hate to bring the pole even if its a 4-p. I just use a walking stick or hiking pole.

For years now, I have been using my old telescoping rod and a spinning reel. 4 lb. test line, clear Adjust-a-bubble brand bubble that the lines goes thru and then twists around the line to hold in place and a fly of the fishes choice. Add some water to the bubble if you like, throw it out, but stop the line before it hits the water so the fly has a small chance of clearing the bubble. You will still get wrapped around the bubble a lot. Flies, mosquito, both red and gray, black ant/knat, red ant, gold beaded thingies in two or three different pattern range. The fly shops are a big help. You only need a couple of each in 8-10 patterns I would say. Fly rods do the best, but I can stay busy if the fishing is good. Not all locations are good.

Fly fishing is as succesful as the fisherman's skills. If you are a good fly fisherman, go for the fly rod, otherwise the fly on the bob idea is good. My fishing skills are mediocre at best, but I have been OK with only two types of flies - mosquito-looking things and fly-looking things. My kids tied flies and gave them for me for birthdays and Christmas for years - they are like kid's art - unique to say the least! Twenty years later I still use these and catch fish- at least the dumb ones!

If you are serious about fishing, check with F&G and make a list of lakes and streams that have fish and mark these on your map. Years ago I found a web-site with this listing. No point in trying to fish a barren lake.

Colindo said
"So what is some of your setups that provided fresh trout on the trail?"

We have had discussions about the idea of "providing fresh trout" while camping and there are a couple of things to think about - fishing takes time and commitment, so does hiking the JMT. Fishing tackle adds weight, you may catch nothing at all, and finally on the JMT you are in a very fragile eco system and removing (unstocked) fish from lakes in the Sierras, especially golden trout, may not be in the best interest of those species. However sadly, many lakes up there have been destroyed and small black catfish have taken over a lot of areas where native trout can no longer live. As far as know there are no restrictions on catching them. They like mashmallows and artificial bait.
Jim

Shakespeare makes a fly rod thats 3pc 8' 5/6wt with floating line (http://www.amazon.com/Shakespeare-Fly-Fishing-Reel-weight/dp/B001JAA6E0) It retails for 29.99 and it comes with real,line,leader and flys. For $30 bucks carry it into the woods catch some trout tear it up and other wise have a great time. up untill last summer when i took that rod setup with my traditional ul spincast setup to the ellicot rock willderness trail in sumter nat forest. I had ben a ul spincast fisherman. long story short i cought upwards to 15-20 trout some of some nice size 13-14" . With no previous fly fishin exp just some comon sence. I havent turnd back i now exlusivly fly fish and do so atleast once a week on my local watters for bass and bream. My spincast setup has been neglected every sence i pickd up that darn fly rod. The True beauty of fly fishing once you get the hang of it is absoulute line controll.
good luck
ps its def lighter than spincast even that cheep 30 dollar rod

oh yeah the one thing you will need to know before tryin to assemble is a few knots the all on the back of the box but practice them on some larger diam mono or somethin untill you get the hang of it.

Ok, so I'm a little late and hope you had a great trip.
I hiked the JMT last summer and over a 16 day period, only fished five times. Lyell Canyon, Marie Lake, Wanda Lake(no fish), Rae Lakes, and Hitchcock Lakes. After the long days of hiking, I just didn't feel like it. However, when I did take the time, the fishing was excellent. A lightweight pole, spin-cast real, a clear bubble with a 2 lb leader, and a who knows what assortment of flies is all I really ever use.
I usually get more fishing on the shorter trips. If and when I do the JMT again, depending on funds, trying out the much lighter Tenkara set up looks good. Although you loose the casting option, the are a lot of places that the fish are up close. I guess it just depends on the person doing the fishing. As mentioned before, ((There is a "fishing" topic on Sierra Topix forum.)) Keep it simple and light, and enjoy..