Backcountry fishing rod

[Thealo]

Hey guys, I’m heading back into the flat tops this year to hunt elk. While I’m there, I’d like to do some fishing in some of the lakes. Can anyone recommend a lightweight fishing rod setup that I could pack in my bag?
Thanks!

[NapalmCheese]

I imagine you're looking for a spinning set up, and for that I can't help you as I've never been real discerning on my spinning set ups. An Ugly Stick and a Shimano reel for me (balanced with weights in the butt cap or just duct taped on if I'm feeling like it).

I will, however, say that I've been using a cheap tenkara rod from Amazon lately. Both in lakes and on small streams. If you haven't tried tenkara fishing it's a lot of fun and the whole concept is to strip fishing down to about its minimum. You take a few generic flys, your tenkara rod, and fish. Most of them telescope down into themselves and you can either add or find one with storage for the tenkara line while it's packed down. They are slim, and self contained, and perfect for sliding down the side of a backpack. If you're not familiar with tenkara fishing it seems a lot like just using a cane pole. You have a long flexible telescoping rod with the line tied to the end. If you're a fly fisherman, it fishes a lot like a 'dappling'.

My cheap set up works, but having fished my buddies Tenkara USA rods and lines, they do feel better; but feeling is subjective.

[ibanezfoo]

Depends on what fish you are fishing for. A general all rounder would be something like a 6'6" medium heavy / fast 2 piece if you have to break it down for hiking and a 3000 size spinning reel. Lately though I've been using a 7" MH fast with a baitcaster loaded with 30lb braid and 10 or 12 lb fluorocarbon leader as my "go to" rod. I throw jigs, worms, cranks, etc with that thing. Catches em pretty good. I have a pile of rods in the boat but I'm lazy and this one does pretty much everything.

[RAMCLAP]

Fly or Spinning?

[Chancey]

I have had a St. Croix rod that breaks down into 4 or 5 pieces for many years, Shimano spinning reel. It’s been a trout slayer many times in the Sierras. Light weight and fits perfectly on the side of a pack.

[Trapper]

I use a Tenkara rod for small streams and high elevation lakes. Weight is far less than a spinning or fly rod.

[bigbossman]

When I backpacked a lot in the Sierra, I carried one of these. Worked great:

https://daiwa.us/products/mini-systems/1000?gQT=1