When venturing into the alpine for fly fishing, having the right gear to accomplish the correct tactics can make all the difference. As promised we said we would highlight all the gear we used. Here's a detailed rundown of the equipment and techniques we used to achieve remarkable success in these high-altitude lakes.
Rods and Reels
Rods:
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Douglas Sky G 4wt and 5wt (9ft):
We brought in two rods which we always recommend for any destination. You never know when one might break or an accident could occur. We also recommend that you pack these rods in, do not put them together at the beginning of the trail. Alright, now the Douglas Rods themselves, these rods are a must-have for any serious angler and ones that I have fished for years. The Sky G's versatility, precision, backbone and feel make them perfect for all fishing conditions, especially in the alpine. The 4wt is ideal for delicate presentations, while the 5wt offers a bit more power for larger fish and windier conditions. In the alpine, wind is a common challenge, and the Sky G rods excel in these conditions.
Alpine fishing presents unique casting challenges, whether you're on a rocky ledge with no backcast, in a wide-open space, or casting between bushes and trees. Your skills will be tested, and it helps to have a rod that performs reliably.
Reels:
- Lamson Force: Lightweight and dependable, these reels are phenomenal for handling the varying conditions of alpine lakes. Their smooth drag system ensures you can handle both small and large fish with ease. I understand that both the rod listed and the reel listed are very expensive but I truly cannot say enough good things about this reel. Frankly put I am obsessed.
Leaders and Tippets
Leaders:
- 9ft Leaders (5x and 6x): These leaders provide an excellent foundation for both indicator rigs and hopper-dropper setups. The length and strength are perfect for clear alpine waters where fish can be easily spooked. For these leaders brand wise we used Scientific Anglers Absolute Trout.
Tippets:
- 6x and 7x Tippet: For the dropper setup, use 6x tippet to tie on a midge about 18 inches below the dry fly. For the indicator rig, use 6x tippet for the chironomid and 7x for the tiny midge. The finer tippet helps with delicate presentations and reduces the chances of spooking fish.
Fly Setups
Hopper-Dropper:
- Dry Fly: Start with a large hopper or one of Pete’s Famous Rocktober Caddis. We tried smaller beetles, ants and other more classic alpine patterns with no success. The bigger seemed to be the better!
- Dropper: Tie a black midge about 18 inches below the dry fly using 6x tippet. This setup proved to be highly effective, with the black midges being the winning ticket after countless fly changes. Make sure you have a wide range of midges in sizes 14-20 it will make a difference. However, don’t overlook the dry fly, as several fish couldn't resist it.
Indicator Rig:
- Indicator: Use a large stonefly pattern as an attractor, even though there are no stoneflies in these lakes. It's a universal attractor that works wonders.
- Nymphs: Below the stonefly, tie a chironomid on 6x tippet, followed by a tiny midge on 7x tippet. This multi-fly setup increases your chances of enticing fish at different depths and feeding preferences.
Additional Tips
- Fly Changes: Be prepared to change flies frequently until you find what works. In our experience, an all-black midge turned out to be the most successful pattern. For this be sure you bring nippers. If you fish a lot you've gotten good and cutting line with your teeth but when it comes to
- Presentation: Ensure delicate presentations, especially in clear waters. The use of fine tippets and accurate casts can significantly improve your catch rate. Lead the fish many of these fish we found were cruising the shoreline so if you had a good cast but there isn't anything around right that second just hold tight and one will come around!
- Patience and Observation: Pay close attention to fish behavior and water conditions. Adjust your tactics accordingly and remain patient.
By following these gear recommendations and tactics, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle the challenges of alpine fly fishing and enjoy the rewarding experience it offers. Happy fishing!