Issue link: http://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/893386
86 | SignatureMT Camping Camping opportunities run the gamut from established campgrounds with vault toilets and potable water to "pick your own patch of dirt" primitive areas requiring self-reliance and a modicum of backpacking camp skill. Plan on the laer, as even areas with significant trail traffic generally offer no commercial creature comforts once you get where you're going. Occasionally, areas with spectacular scenery and incredible fishing offer limited camping options because of steep boulder slides or dense tree cover right up to water's edge. A lile map study can go a long way here too, as topographical maps offer information that can help you forecast these issues and avoid the frustrations that accompany camping in a rock pile or being forced to pitch your tent far from the water. Fishing Location, climate and access limitations all contribute to tiny windows of opportunity to pursue hungry, uneducated fish in gin-clear mountain lakes. High- country trout rise readily to aggressively strike seasonal dry flies and are more forgiving of errant presentation than their kin from more pressured water sources. Hoppers, ants, caddis and the like work well, as do nymphs and streamers when you're ready to search the depths of the lake for the larger fish that are rumored to lurk there. Spin and bait fisherman can have excellent success as well with Kamlooper spoons and Panther Martin spinners in a myriad of sizes, colors & paerns, both registering as top performers on cold water lakes. ~ Shane Klippenes is a husband to a woman that he still wonders how he landed, Father to 3 teenage daughters who are tougher than him, a Fire Captain / Paramedic, outdoorsman, author, speaker and all-season explorer of Montana's wilder places. www.blackleafwriting.com / Instagram @g ffr35 MT S Fire makes life better in the mountains and headlamps are indispensable. Veteran packers who understand the contributions they make to safety & efficiency in the mountains, will often carry a spare headlamp in case of problems with or damage to their primary light.