Fishing across the continental US

[lovely_bunny]

Hi Everybody, I'm new here, but I've been lurking a lot over the past month and have learned so much...thanks for all your expertise!!

My wife and I are touring/camping from NYC-San Francisco from mid-June to mid September.  Our route meanders a bit... the line we're drawing is roughly:  NYC-Pittsburgh-Chicago-Milwaukee--Madison--Southern MN--Badlands SD--Denver--Pueblo--Western Express Route to San Francisco.

I'm bringing along a lightweight spinning rod and reel and some lures and tackle to hit up some streams/lakes along the way.  I'm planning on bringing a variety of in-line spinnerbaits, a couple heavier (relatively speaking) spoons, and some hooks for live bait. 

Any cross-country fisherpeople out there?  Do you have any tips?  Recommendations on what else to bring?  Spots along my route that I shouldn't miss?  Tell me your fish stories!!!

[staehpj1]

Different strokes, but on a cross country tour.  I really don't see taking fishing equipment.  The reasons?

• Lack of time and energy for fishing when riding all day.
• Cost/inconvenience of dealing with many different licenses.
• Weight of gear vs. likely frequency of use.  I personally can't imagine myself wanting to carry the extra weight especially on that route.

If you really must fish while on tour...  Maybe hire a guide somewhere along the way and fish for a day or two.  I don't know of any particularly good places to do that on your route, but there were some places on the TA like Riggins ID and Eugene OR where a float trip might have been fun maybe there are similar places on your route.

[lovely_bunny]

Well, thanks, but that's really not what I was asking.

[staehpj1]

Well, thanks, but that's really not what I was asking.

If you have done one or more long tours before and have really thought through the idea of fishing along the way feel free to ignore my comments.  Otherwise please at least consider whether what you are proposing really makes sense for you.

I know that for me after a week or two on the road lots of things that seemed like good ideas really weren't and lots of stuff got sent home.  I also know that finding much time or energy to do stuff other than ride was a lot harder than I would have imagined before I actually was on the road a while.

Your experience may be different though.

[lovely_bunny]

This is a very appropriate response to a thread about whether or not to carry fishing equipment on a tour.  Perhaps you can start such a thread if you are interested in discussing it.

[staehpj1]

This is a very appropriate response to a thread about whether or not to carry fishing equipment on a tour.  Perhaps you can start such a thread if you are interested in discussing it.

Just trying to be helpful.  Sorry if my response rubbed you the wrong way.

I don't think you will find much info because it is not commonly done for the reasons I mentioned.  That said try this link:
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com/forum/board/message/?o=RrzKj&thread_id=151501&v=U&page=1&nested=0#151501
That thread was the only one that jumped out at me, but a search there on the CrazyGuyOnaBike forums may turn up a few more.
http://www.crazyguyonabike.com

[DaveB]

One thing to be aware of is that you will need a non-resident license in EVERY state you fish in unless you can limit yourself to strictly private lakes and ponds.  This could be a real expense and a hassle finding a sporting goods store that sells licenses in each place. 

[driftlessregion]

Some people love to visit historical sites as they tour, or stop and hike, some like to fish. There is no one way to tour.  I can't imagine taking a computer or larger than a very small camera, even guitars, but they do and don't regret it. When touring we try to camp on a lake or river and I often wish I could catch my dinner!
Great fishing here in Wisconsin, including here in Madison; even some trout streams. Have a great trip!

[lovely_bunny]

Actually many states allow you to purchase licenses online or on the phone these days, you can be 100% legal within a matter of minutes.  You never actually receive any piece of paper or anything.  I'm willing to spend the money on a license in certain states. And, truth be told, I've done a fair amount of fishing without a license in my time, depending on where I was and if I thought I could get away with it.

Driftlessregion, I grew up in Milwaukee and got my undergrad in Madison.  While I doubt I'll be hitting up Lake Monona or Mendota, I'd definitely be interested in hearing about any off-the-beaten-path trout streams, if you're willing to share.

[Tourista829]

I say go for it, net, gear to clean the fish, something to cook it in, some spices, and your appetites, yummy! Light weight cooler, for when you get lucky and can get ice to keep the fish chilled. Bicycle Touring is different things to all of us why should there always be set rules. If you don't mind carrying the extra weight, shared between both of you, I think it is a great idea. If you think of it, bicycle touring and fishing are a lot in common, tranquility and restorative powers. Oh one other thing. Get a couple of shirts made that say "Gone Bike Fishing back in September." I also like the one I saw on the TA, "Have Bike Will Travel." Take pictures and post them. Hey, you might start a whole new trend. Have fun!!!

[lovely_bunny]

Ha.  I don't think I'm going to go quite THAT far.  But look, it's really not that much weight/space.  My rod weighs 3.5 ounces and breaks down into four 1.5 foot sections.  I could strap that to my top tube if I want, but will probably nest it in the pump pocket between the tent roll tube and main bag of my Arkel GT 54 pannier.  That's such a great pocket.  The reel is just a bit bigger than my fist and weighs 7.1 ounces.  Tackle is negligible too--everything I need can fit in a small, flat plastic box.  We're bringing cooking stuff anyway.

The cooler I will have to think about.  Maybe I can strap it to my thigh. 

[Pat Lamb]

I'll admit that, as I was riding through prime trout streams in Virginia on the Trans-Am, I was wishing I'd brought along a pack rod and some flies.  Same thing spending a day riding down the Madison (the Madison River!) in Montana, and some of the other rivers we passed in Montana and Colorado.  Your route bypasses these areas, but you could arrange to go through some great trout country in New York and Pennsylvania.  Unless you get a guide or rent a boat, you'll be limited to fishing from shore or wading.

Two other things to consider.  Not knowing the Western Express route that well, how many fishable rivers do you pass?  It'll be pretty late in the season when you get to the Sierras, and I don't think the Arkansas is prime fishing in eastern/central Colorado.  Second, you might run into fly-fishing only areas, or at least "single hook artificial lure" restrictions.

As Pete notes, the cost of non-resident licenses could add up fast.

If you decide to try it, despite the obstacles we're throwing up, I do hope you'll document things well in an on-line journal.  I'd like to know how it works out.

[indyfabz]

But look, it's really not that much weight/space.  My rod weighs 3.5 ounces and breaks down into four 1.5 foot sections.  I could strap that to my top tube if I want, but will probably nest it in the pump pocket between the tent roll tube and main bag of my Arkel GT 54 pannier.  That's such a great pocket.  The reel is just a bit bigger than my fist and weighs 7.1 ounces.  Tackle is negligible too--everything I need can fit in a small, flat plastic box.  We're bringing cooking stuff anyway.

That doesn't sound like much weight or space in the overall scheme of things.  If my girlfriend were to sneak a pound and a half of stones into my gear I doubt I would notice the difference.  When I crossed the county I carried many pounds of camera equipment and film.  it was something I was passionate about and I was not going to make the trip without it.  Sounds like you feel that way about fishing.

Come back and tell us about the big one that got away.

[lovely_bunny]

Yup, I definitely will update you guys--we're blogging the trip.  Not sure of the website yet but I will post it here.

[staehpj1]

Yup, I definitely will update you guys--we're blogging the trip.  Not sure of the website yet but I will post it here.

Please do I am sure quite a few of us would follow your blog.