Overnight float trips are a fun way to experience a new adventure and explore new water. To learn more about doing a camp float fishing trip, we turned to Anglers All Boathouse manager, Johnnie Trujillo.
Johnnie has been float camping most of his life, and with his experience, he helped us outline some of the important things you’ll need to think about when doing an overnight float. Check out some of the items that Johnnie packs for a simple camp float here on the Colorado River, and you can take these principles to any river system.
Leave No Trace
“First off, if you are staying in a primitive camp, it’s critical that everyone follows Leave No Trace practices,” Johnnie began. “And that begins with a groover, Wag Bag or other waste system. Then moves on to making sure you pick up completely when leaving.”
Many of us have rolled up on a campsite, only to find the mess from previous occupants. Don’t be like that. Take time to review the seven principles of Leave No Trace camping. And let’s make sure that the people who come after us can enjoy their experience.
If you are interested in working to clean up our river systems after those who don’t follow the above principles, check out the work our friends at Protect Our Rivers are doing!
Food Storage
“On most overnight trips, I’ll bring two coolers,” Johnnie explained. “First, a hard cooler for the boat. Something like the Orca 40 or 58-quart is great for short trips and good camp dinners. Then I’ll bring a soft cooler for snacks. The Orca Wanderer 24 is a nice example of one.”
Having a separate soft cooler is nice, because as you’re digging around in the cooler for snacks throughout the day, you’re not constantly opening your primary, hard-sided cooler. This helps keep its contents cold, for much longer.
“Another nice item to have is the Stanley To-Go Food Jar,” he added. “This is great for soups or chili. It stays hot for hours and makes for an easy dinner on your trip. Patagonia Provisions also makes some convenient and tasty food options.”
Along with your food and food storage, Johnnie recommends the picnic kit, cutlery and cutting board from Opinel, making it easy to prepare great meals streamside. Having dedicated cooking kits ready for overnight floats makes packing easy, and many of these products are designed specifically for time on the water or at camp with features that make sense.
River Map for the Colorado River
When it comes to maps for the adventure, Johnnie has two great suggestions.
“First, pick up a TroutMap that covers the Colorado River or wherever you’ll be floating and camping,” he said. “These are laminated, show boat ramps, river miles, campsites and rapids. Having one accessible to you on the river goes a long way.
“Next, you can use a mapping software. We like TroutRoutes or OnWater,” Johnnie added. “Just remember to download the offline maps before you depart. That way, you can keep your phone on airplane mode while you’re away from cell service, and still have access to map and GPS tools.”
Dry Bags and Storage
“The NRS Bill’s Dry Bags, and Tuff Sacks are both great dry storage options,” Johnnie told us. “Then the NRS Boulder and Canyon Camping Dry Boxes are great for hard-sided storage. It is important to keep essentials like your sleeping bag and clothing dry no matter the conditions. A late afternoon storm while pulling into camp can make for a cold night if you aren’t prepared.”
Some of our other favorite storage options include the Jacks Plastic Welding dry bags, collapsable buckets and mesh bottom buckets.
Essentials for Camp
Johnnie pointed out that one of our favorite overnight float camping accessories is the LavaBox portable campfire. Nothing is better than a campfire while out under the stars. LavaBox makes a safe, portable campfire option that can even be used during fire bans.
“Again, don’t forget your groover or waste system,” Johnnie pointed out. “Make a plan before your trip to keep your campsite clean.” To shop for these waste systems, check out our friends at Down River Equipment.
Next up, make sure you have a med kit with you on any trip. NRS Med kits come in a dry bag and are river ready. And don't forget a repair / patch kit for any trip of any length!
“A Jacks Plastic Welding Paco Pad will make your nights more comfortable, and can serve as a soft seat while on the boat” Johnnie suggested. “And when it comes to a river safe soap, Dr. Bronner’s is my go-to.
“Of course, a tent or tarp will be needed to keep your sleep system dry in case of weather,” Johnnie added. “A water filtration system will be required for clean drinking water. And you’ll want to bring a lantern and headlamp. The Black Diamond Moji Lantern, Volt Lantern and Cosmo Headlamp are all perfect for overnight river trips.”
Fishing Gear
Finally, you’ll have your fishing gear on board. As you prepare for the trip and consider storage, keep in mind any boat bags, landing nets and other fishing gear items.
“Sometimes, wading from camp is a great way to find uncrowded stretches of river,” Johnnie pointed out. “Row to camp while the river is the busiest and then fish after all the traffic is downstream!”
Contact Us With Questions
Have questions about overnight river trips? Stop by the Anglers All boathouse in Littleton. Johnnie and the rest of our crew would love to help you get ready for your next camp float adventure. You can also give us a call at 303-794-1104.
