So with the summer season coming up, I have been planning a few excursions into some deep woods territory in search of a few species I have never caught, one being a grayling, another being a golden trout. I am not asking where to find these species, I have done some research, and with help from fell board members I have decided on several places to begin my search. I was wondering if any one here on the forum has any experience packing a tube miles into the back country? if so how did you go about it? I was thinking for me the best method would be to empty out all my tube toys and roll my tube and strap it to the pack. If rolled I think my tube could also fit inside my back. any help figuring out the best way to get my tube into some deep country would be greatly appreciated
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Sounds like you have the right idea. Look forward to hearing about you journey.
On our HIGH Mountain lakes, a tube is fun, but not necessary as you can catch them from shore lines, which would give you more room for camping gear.
Whatever you do, make sure someone knows where you are and be safe!!!
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though your right about being able to catch fish by shore around our neck of the woods here in utah, however, if the lake does not have good casting space, I get snagged up. I know its my casting form and not the earth fault, but I have never formerly been taught the proper cast for when there is foliage to contend with. the more time I spend out there the better I get, but I enjoy the float tube experience so much that It would be worth the added weight. what can I say, strong back...weak mind? haha. but safety is my middle name, the uintas are my back yard and I know them very well. hopefully I will be able to find a few goldens that are claimed to still be up there.
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Oh man, I hear ya. We love to go to Washington, kick all the way across (in our float tubes) and specially when the other little lake (I think it is called Tail) is connected to Washington. Anyway, once on the other side, we hike up hill to Shadow. There are some NICE Brookies in there, and it is fun from a tube, but half the lake is a wall of rock.
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there is something simply magical about having a fly rod and being deep in the high mountains, adding a float tube would be the icing on the cake. I have not yet packed my tube in, but this summer I will be for sure. I would have to say my favorite lakes up there are in the four lakes basin. It is a ways from the trail head, so it does not get a lot of pressure, and a little ways off trail are a few lakes I have not yet explored, but research tells me that the DWR did a grayling bombing on those lakes without trails in 2005. though the fish will still be small, they are there. still unable totrack down golden trout though... they are much more secretly gaurded.
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I pack into several high mountain lakes every year. If I am not staying over night I pack my tube in inflated. My tube right now is a FC4. I bought a set of suspender type straps made by caddis specifically for packing tubes. I clips perfectly into the four D-rings on the bottom. I then pack all of my accesories into the center of the tube.
I carry my day pack on my chest to balance out the load.
If you want great greyling fishing go to Grebe Lake in Yellowstone. I hit it every year. The greyling are easy to catch and the rainbows are high flyers. They go airborn everytime.
Windriver
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[cool][#0000ff]If you have the determination and the stamina, don't let anyone talk you out of trying your tube in the back country. While there are plenty of lakes with easy shore access, there are others in which you can't fish some parts of the shoreline or else there are areas way out there where the fish are rising and you can't reach them, even with a long cast with a bubble. Those are the spots where it is worth tudging your tube back in. Although you might be wondering about that before you get there. You will even be cutting your toothbrush in half to save a half ounce of weight.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Most modern tubes have lightweight vinyl or urethane bladders...not like the old inner tubes. That helps. But, when you add waders, fins and pump, you get both bulk and weight. No problem. Just leave the sleeping bag home. And, who needs food?[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]A large backpack, on a good frame, can accomodate the addition of a tube and support system if you pack it right. That might mean lashing the tube across the top (deflated) and hanging the fins off the back...outside.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]I am attaching some pics. One of our BFT members designed a PVC packframe for his tube a while back...modeled by his wife. Actually, the PVC might be heavier than you would like for a LOOOOONG hike. One of the other pics shows the backpack with exterior attachments.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Whatever you rig up, take it on a couple of short test hikes, to make sure of the weight and the durability for longer hikes.[/#0000ff]
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that is the exact reason I want to bring my tube into some backwoods lakes. I remember a trp where almost every lake had the fish holing just out of my longest cast with my fly rod. i was very aggrevating. I have a very nice backpack, capable of holding 70+ pounds, and I have tested it, and myself to the load rating in the windrivers. and by wind...they mean winded, because it was a little too much weight for me in that hilly country. I have a very light sleeping bag and an even lighter tent now. and I dont need food, haha, thats why I am packing a tube right? ha. thanks for all the advice, I guess the only thing left to do is load my pack like I would for a trip and see what works out best.
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Hey fishboy2 Make sure to let all of the air out of your tube, to lighten the load. I'm sure there are a few pounds of air in there! [laugh][laugh][laugh]
Somtimes I am so funny HUH!
But really let us know how you do on you adventure, sounds like a great time
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DUDE...what about helium.....seriously would definitely lighten the load.
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Another possibility if you plan to make regular or return trips to the area or other close by lakes. LEAVE it or some parts behind in a hidden (buried?), sealed bag of some sorts. Some fairly used up pumps, waders, fins or seconds of such that you are getting ready to replace soon would be possible candidates. That would lighten the load for future trips anyway. Retrieve on your last trip of the season.
Pon
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[cool][#0000ff]You have no idea how funny that advice is...for this guy. He ALWAYS leaves stuff behind. But, it is usually his dad's good stuff...not anything that is older or worn out. Nothing lasts that long with him. And, he leaves it laying out where others will be sure to find it and take it...no hiding for him.[/#0000ff]
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[#0000ff]Sorry, Josh. Just hadda take a dig at ya.[/#0000ff]
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helium would probably lighten the load huh, but then again how much helium would required to lighten the tube? its a good theory if nothing else.
I do not leave anything behind when I go backpacking. I pack out anything I pack in, as should everyone else. you wouldn't believe some of the random stuff there is out there. I do see what your saying, But I tend to hit different waters in search of bigger or better fish.
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Don't we all fishboy2[fishon]
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yeah yeah yeah. well I will take it, I mean its true. LOL. but what can I say I was younger and less concerned witht he price of things. haha, if maturity has taught me one thing it is not to leave stuff where others can find it.
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