Bob's Question:

I am planning to hike the Shenandoah National Park in early June. I will be backpacking, so I'm looking for a telescoping flyrod — any suggestions? My concern with a two piece rod was the abuse it would take strapped to the side of a backpack. Also, can you give me any pointers on native Virginia brook trout?

Bob Heil

Mark's Answer:

Bob,

You're gonna love fishing those clear mountain streams.

But I would really recommend not getting a telescoping rod. For less than $100 bucks, you can buy a new fly rod and reel (a 7- to 8-foot, 2- to 4-weight fly rod) that will serve you much better on those streams.

There will be times when you need to make a 15-foot cast and a telescoping rod will not let you get close enough without scaring the trout. And a 7 or 8 foot rod is ideal for poking through the streamside vegetation and dapping a fly lightly on the water.

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I'd suggest you look at a 3-piece rod — they come with lightweight but durable cases and can be strapped easily onto a backpack. I have used 2-piece (with a long aluminum case I use as a walking stick and enjoy the extra stability on the trail), and 3 & 4 piece rods in the backcountry.

But the quality of casting you'll get from a flyrod will be much better than a telescoping rod. The 3-piece rods do cost 25 to 50 bucks more but you don't need a top of the line outfit for backpacking.

Bring lots of attractor flies for those brookies. They love to take a well-presented dry fly. And Virginia brookies are some of the most colorful of all trout.

Harry Murray wrote a great book on the park titled Trout Fishing Shenandoah National Park. Also, The Mid-Atlantic Budget Angler by Ann McIntosh and Virginia Trout Streams by Harry Slone are two other useful books with info on the Shenandoah.

All three of these books are available at Adventurous Traveler Bookstore through GORP.com.