This time of year we love fishing Colorado’s remote waters and high alpine lakes (check out this previous blog post about our favorite high country flies). Of course many of these backcountry pursuits are limited to fishing from shore. But lightweight, packable boats are a fun way to reach new water that rarely gets fished.
If you’ve ever fished a high country lake, you’ve probably spent time wishing you could cast to risers out in the middle. Or wished you could fish the submerged logs or rocks that are just out of reach.
When it comes to backcountry boating, anglers have more options now than ever. It still takes commitment to reach these waters – especially with a boat on your back. But today’s packable watercraft and other lightweight fly fishing gear make it a ton of fun.
Lightweight Float Tubes
Anglers have some great options when it comes to packable boats. Whether you’re putting it in your own backpack, or using the help of a packhorse, these float tubes are both compact and highly functional…
Among our favorites is the Outcast Summit Float Tube. This boat is specifically designed to be lightweight and packable for those remote backcountry trips.
The Outcast Summit weighs only 7 pounds and comes with a compression sack, making it easy to pack. Yet despite being so lightweight, it’s still comfortable and maneuverable with its inflatable backrest and U-shaped design. And it’s supported by Outcast’s 5-year warranty.
Another good option for anglers is the Outcast Fish Cat 4 LCS Float Tube. Not only is it the number one selling float tube in the U.S., it’s also very packable. It weighs just 16 pounds and provides a stable and comfortable platform for anglers to explore remote lakes.
Packable Fins and Helpful Accessories
One of the first things an angler can add to their packable boating system is a pair of Outcast Backpack Fins. They collapse down completely flat, making them easy to bring anywhere. And when it comes to maneuvering a float tube, fins are a must-have item.
Another great item that makes these boats even more versatile, are the Outcast Backpack Straps. These backpack straps attach to the outside of a fully-inflated Outcast or Fish Cat float tube. When you’re going back and forth between camp and the water for example, these straps make it easy to carry the inflated float tube without having to break it down for the hike in.
What About Waders and Boots?
To save weight getting to these remote waters, anglers can fish wet, in a pair of quick-dry pants. But in that icy cold high alpine water, it’s sure nice to be in waders.
One nice option is the Patagonia Swiftcurrent Ultralight Waders. These packable waders roll up to the size of a big burrito and they weigh just 36 ounces. And when it comes to boots, the new Patagonia Forra Wading Boots are lightweight and durable enough to tackle those high country adventures. They are designed for both the water and the trail, making them a perfect hike-wade hybrid boot.
Safety Equipment
Anytime you’re out on the water, but especially when you’re in a very remote area, safety equipment needs to be a top priority. Make sure you always have a life vest or PFD when fishing from a boat. We have a number of great options in stock at the Boathouse, and be sure to check out the CO2 inflatable options. These pack smaller and are perfect for float tube days – stop by or give us a call to find the right fit for you.
Visit the Anglers All Boathouse for Help
Have questions about float tubes or packable boating options? Come visit us at the Anglers All Boathouse in Littleton. We have fully inflated float tubes, paddleboards and a variety of other fly fishing watercraft that you can see first-hand. Whether you want to try out those Outcast Backpack Straps or just ask questions, we’re here to help. You can also give us a call at 303-794-1104 for help.
