Solo Backpacking in the Heart of the Montana Wilderness | Fly Fishing in Bear Country (Ep. 4/4)

[@montanamountainmen6104]

I live in Montana, SW Montana actually. I never go fishing, hunting or knocking around with out a sidearm. To many bears and cats and I'm not on the menu. Great vid by the way.

[@timothyberlinski2299]

What is a good one? I have .45 1911 but think would neex more. .44 mag or 454 casul?

[@samuelthurman2731]

Even 357 magnum with 180 or 200 gr will suffice, just visited there a week ago and caught some bows myself in the Gallatin an grayling creek

[@georgeloveday9674]

Wow to be young and fly fish Montana again. I gave up fly fishing years ago when I developed balance problems. I used to live in Montana. Two of my favorite places were some beaver ponds west of Flat Head Lake and the Mission Mountains. Never ever ran into other hikers. Where are you fishing? Beautiful scenery and fish. I really miss it. Your video takes me back to the most wonderful times of my life. Thank you.

[@garrettschilling7241]

Sounds like a wonderful time

[@OldDominionTroutBum]

What an outstanding video, Dan. Really enjoyed it. And thank you for your service to our beautiful country. God Bless you and the USA 🇺🇸

[@chrisribble]

So smart to put the fishing net in the food hanger. Genius

[@tomdietz1777]

My wife and I have been going to Western Montana the past three summers. Absolutely nothing like that country anywhere! Came across this excellent video today. Excellent job self filming your adventure! We can 100% relate to your respect of the Griz out there. We feel the same way when we are fishing out there. Nice work and thank you for your Military service too!

[@ChristisLord70]

Solo trips like this in the backcountry really fill that primal need that we all hunger for. Glad you got to experience this in one of the most amazing areas in the world. Fish on.

[@jasoncartrette6666]

Just got back from this same trip solo about a month ago. Trekked all the way to the lower Danaher in the Basin. I was in the wilderness for nearly a week in all. Hard to put the experience into words but one of the highlights was hearing wolves at dusk on night five. I did not see a soul the entire time except for a few fisherman I spoke with on my way in just up from the trail head.

[@kathywestcott9742]

Wow what a beautiful place Dan the views, & gorgeous clear water some lovely cutties thanks so much for sharing great !!!

[@samb5.5]

I’ve had similar experiences of being on edge when in the bush alone, a dog helps but also adds another layer of concern

[@flyrodhiker8326]

Awesome video! When I solo backpack I worry about bears and wild hogs, and I’m in TN we don’t have grizzly. I appreciate your honesty and bravery in admitting your fears and being able to face them. God bless you!

[@mikewalter8625]

Any epic backpacking fly fishing loops you would recommend in Tenn? I am from Florida so it’s within reach.

[@flyrodhiker8326]

@@mikewalter8625 Smoky Mountains! Pretty much anywhere. Not loops as much as an in and out. Make reservations for your campsite though. They can be made online.

[@edmiller4149]

Awesome adventure!! Back country and cut throat trout. Congrats Dan on your trip and your call to serve. We are a Marine Corps family and appreciate your commitment. 👍👍👍👍

[@robertnevarez7599]

It takes a lot of guts backpacking in grizzly country, especially by yourself. You can really learn a lot from the comments, but in my opinion you did good. I do a lot of solo backpacking in Colorado, we may not have the grizz as we know, but tooth and claw exist. If a camp fire is permitted, they’re nice to have as a companion, there is something about a campfire that makes you feel a little more comfortable when being alone. As more time passes through the country your ability to figure things out starts to line up. Anticipating the inevitable can help when in the outdoors, we can prepare all we want but it’s our experience that can set us up for the next thing. Great fish!!

[@jinglekeys123]

Enjoying your videos! Note for your next trip: if you're at where I think you're at you might have missed some good fishing above the pack bridge. That canyon section is still fine water though. I was in there last with a little 3wt, 5x tippet, and some royal wulffs. Had a mega fish come smash a dry fly and instantly break me off. Climbed up on the cliff above the river and the pool held about half a dozen bull trout the size of my forearm, pretty rad to watch them fin around. Also, Go Buckeyes!

[@BackyardBassin]

That water looked great, but there were some guys in there. Definitely going to hit that area when i get back up there. We Are!!!

[@scottrick5190]

One of the best vids I've seen in a while, cutthroats in bear country, friend you've got guys. Good luck in your career. Thank you!🇺🇸

[@earthman7983]

Great video man, I spent a season living and working in Wyoming and this brought me back. Did a handful of solo backpacking trips and the bear anxiety was always real. Even encountered a big grizz one day swimming across the stream. Be smart and respectful of nature and you’ll be just fine. Tight lines

[@markreed1169]

Absolutely wonderful video!! I look forward to these videos and just get lost in the beauty of this great Country. Thank you for sharing!!!

[@hillbillysportsman5818]

Thanks for sharing this awesome experience! Thank you for your service to our country !🇺🇸

[@David-ze6bb]

Thanks for keeping it real, man . It took me several tries to follow through with a solo backcountry overnight trip. 3 times I made it to where I was going, even started setting up camp once, only to say "nope" n hike back out.🤦. Finally, my 4th try, I forced myself to hike out late n far n the thought of hiking out in the dark was scarier than hiding in my hammock n tarp 😂. i DON'T recommend that approach, but I got through it.

[@jimmynoname4089]

Lmao. I’m too ignorant, dumb, or whatever you want to add. But i’d do it lol.

[@thefirststrike]

Good for you! And did you enjoy it? Ready to go again? I have been a solo backpacker for over 20 years. I prefer soloing to going with other people, with the exception of my best friend. I love being in the backcountry by myself. You can almost forget that the rest of the world even exists.

[@patrickjohnson746]

Enjoyed your video. I live in Montana now (retired army officer) and headed up to the top of the Beartooth mountains tomorrow to hike and fish! Thanks for your service!!

[@Jonalexxx]

That was a great video and even better journey! Nicely done👍🏽

[@4bearscamp219]

Way to represent PSU! Very cool trip and thanks for taking us along.

[@jadestamaria8626]

the water is so clear ♥ he said he was afraid but still made it through the night! tc always!

[@brettwoody8121]

Good work on this video! That area you were in is very special. I've thru hiked it from afar.. clearing trail, fighting fire and casting while off duty. Thank you in advance for your service. Cheers!

[@michaelbarger2078]

Nice job, I am a thru hiker and fly fisherman, I think about doing exactly what you have done while hiking portions of the CDT. In fact I bought a 5 piece rod to accomplish the task!

[@corbeilyves5489]

Well it was quite a adventure in bear country, nice catches in crystal clear water. When i saw your omega-3 deluxe mix hiking back dawn the mountain, i said to my self, lucky you officer not turning in a deluxe omega treat for grizzly. Next time bring your gun, i didn't sleep from 14:44 to 14:51 ha! thank's..

[@Querenciatv]

Awesome Video! Thank you for posting. Can't wait to see more videos 👍

[@briancramer6250]

Wow! Fantastic and very real experience - it's as if we were right there with you. I have fished up in MT almost every year for the last 15 almost always by myself. The bears are no joke! I definitely share your jitters. Have had one encounter, thankfully not close. I feel way safer in Yellowstone or Glacier because the bears are used to people being around. The wilderness areas are a totally different story. Again, awesome work!

[@thefirststrike]

Actually, the ones that are used to people are more dangerous than the wild bears, because they don't fear people anymore. They are not afraid to just waltz into your camp and tear things apart looking for snacks or food that people have probably been handing them for years. Wild bears are cautious, and most likely will run off rather than attack you or hassle you. The exceptions being if you get between them and their young, or if you foolishly leave food out or cook in your campsite. I have had sevral close encounters with bears, and never had a bad incident.

[@FishingCircle]

Cool trip! Makes me want to go on a trip this year!

[@jakekeyes648]

That area looked familiar. As soon as you said Bull Trout, I knew where you were!! Great video!!

[@BackyardBassin]

It's a great area!!

[@jakekeyes648]

@@BackyardBassin hope you can keep up the videos as your military career begins

[@dong8307]

Thank you. Enjoyed this very much.

[@raulzuniga9375]

This video was great to watch. I liked how raw it was. Wasn’t to extreme on scenery and gear junky stuff. You had a mission in mind, which was to do the solo backcountry fishing trip in bear country! Your honesty with emotions during the trip kept me watching and the reward was..you seeing the day break on day 2! and you caught your largest cut throat to date. Keep it up!

[@BackyardBassin]

Really glad you enjoyed the video! Thank you for watching and thanks for the nice comment!

[@uni_shadow164]

Beautiful Country an be scary and dangerous! Thanks for taking us along. You have a new subscriber! Well Done!

[@briankelly6113]

Rule #1 when hiking in bear country: Do NOT cook and eat in your campsite, the smells can lead bears right to your tent at 3:00am. Not good.... Go 100 yards downwind instead.

[@TopSecretVid]

how about dont cook at all..have items pre cooked and have dry goods.

[@timothyberlinski2299]

I am not a hunter but what would be a good weapon to have just in case? I have 45 1911 but think will need more than a 45. Inwqs camping a few years ago and heard a bear aroumd my tent

[@briankelly6113]

@@timothyberlinski2299 That's an age old question, some people swear by bear spray, others by a gun that can serve as a noise maker first and can fire thru the walls of a tent unlike spray. Guns are heavy and bulky. Some wouldn't go out with anything other than a .44 mag.

[@COB506]

Man I'm totally paranoid about bears too 🤣🐻 great vid! You made it through the night so that's good 🎣

[@mattier3030]

What a gorgeous freestone River!

[@randybutchyallison7207]

Awsome video guys. Also THANKS for your service.

[@derek6947]

Great video. I’m starting to plan my retirement from the Army trip. Montana and Wyoming are both in my list.

[@BackyardBassin]

Definitely recommend both! Congrats on retirement from the army

[@thefirststrike]

There are lost of awesome trails in and around McCall, Idaho, in the Payette NF and the Frank Church wilderness. I worked at that forest for several years and went backpacking and flyfishing in the alpine lakes almost every weekend.

[@aaronmiller6118]

I can't express to you how much I wish I was a backpacker. Also great video!

[@thefirststrike]

What's stopping you? It isn't like it takes any particular qualifications, other than buying a pack and the ability to carry it. Do your research, pick a nice easy trail for your first trip, rent some gear, or invest in good gear of your own (don't go cheap, you will regret it), and go for it.

[@kinnymane8593]

I’m also curious what’s stopping you?

[@aaronmiller6118]

Kinny Mane Mostly just that I’m a student and I live in a big city. I’m leaving tomorrow for my first backpacking trip though and I’m thrilled. Funny timing for your comment!

[@kinnymane8593]

@@aaronmiller6118 oh hell yes I’m so excited for you! Don’t have any expectations, every trip features at least some suffering. Embrace all of it

[@VizXRyRy]

Been looking for some good catch, cook, and camp videos lately. Came across your channel for the first time tonight. I enjoyed it. You get my subscription my guy. Keep up the great content. 👍🏻

[@paulmcginnis4375]

Dan, just a suggestion. Don't carabiner clip your bear spray to your pack strap. Buy an elastic canister holder and clip the holder to your strap. The time it may take to unhook you bear spray canister when you need it will most likely be too late. Just saying............

[@jjsemperfi]

Good suggestion. I work in West Yellowstone and a lot of the people who are attacked still have their bear spray in their holsters or on their chest. They never had the chance to get it out.

[@markkuntz571]

I don't know about others, but it seems to me the video would be much more enjoyable if it showed exactly where you were at. At lease show the trailhead markers. I think most people would like to know the locations. I know for me, it means alot more when I can relate to the area. I grew up in Montana and traveled and hiked all over the Northwest. Even if it is some other part of the country, I like to see exactly where it is. Just the way I am wired and I think others may be the same way. Thank you for the video, very nicely done. I had to laugh when you were complaining about the ants. I have been living in the Philippines for 6 years. Ants, (lamigas) everywhere. No escaping them here. Ha ha ha!

[@TheHomeWinemakingChannel]

Awesome video! You must have had a out 100 different video clips to put that together. Appreciate the hard work!

[@WildBlueDiscovery]

Awesome stuff my friend!! Way to be brave and go out by yourself! God's creation is so awesome!! Tightlines!

[@freedomofabird]

Really enjoyed that buddy, nothing like that in the UK

[@nonewherelistens1906]

Anytime you are not eaten by a bear it is a successful trip. Nice vid. Thanks.

[@atatterson6992]

I love watchin' folks "hittin' the backcountry" solo for the first time. I suppose growing up in semi-remote Alaska lends a different perspective but I truly cannot remember (or fathom) having trouble finding a camp spot unless it had to do with being in a swamp. You've produced a really nice video and I commend your efforts but I have to ask the definition of backcountry if all the camp sites were occupied? Tight lines and safe travels...

[@BackyardBassin]

Maybe "suitable" camp site is a better word. I don't know about you, but I personally would prefer an open site with a good view rather than in heavy timber. Just makes a more enjoyable camping experience but maybe that's just me. Thanks for watching

[@rodc4334]

Great fun. Thanks for putting that together and sharing. Best of luck on your upcoming career. I'm on the back end, retiring in a couple of months. At your age roamed the CO Rockies backpacking and climbing. But my wife has decided we needed to take up fly fishing and roaming places like MT so off to new adventures. So much appreciate videos like this one. Out of Missoula I wonder, are you in the Bob?

[@kennydean4083]

Great trip fishing was looking good

[@AlfieinMontana]

Great video! I live in Bozeman, more bears around here and ya never stop being scared of em. It’s best to go in bear country with 3 people minimum.

[@everyseasonidaho6163]

Awesome trip. Great video.

[@forwardobserver6441]

Army officer in the wilderness alone without a sgt!!! God help us!!! Haha drive on sir! Great video- I hope to be up in Missoula next year. So far I’ve only fly fished Taos nm - north Georgia, north Alabama - NC-!tennesse.

[@mattvanvleck8779]

Great video man looked like a great trip. God bless.

[@maxcorder2211]

Looks like the Swan Valley. Near my home. Yep. Lots of bears.

[@cylusstremel18]

The Swan has a healthy amount and some of the biggest griz I’ve ran into.

[@calebbecker9706]

I did a 5 day backpacking trip with my dad in a remote part of Yellowstone and we could have sworn we heard a bear outside our tent several nights! The thought of hearing that by myself is terrifying lol

[@danielsynther2294]

Very cool adventure and well made video 👍

[@DG-PNW]

amazing video

[@HolyFire333]

Awesome 🔥🔥🔥

[@mikewalter8625]

Amazing video.

[@ConservativeVet84]

Sometimes it’s not how big or how many it’s just how you caught it. I’ve spent 30 minutes to an hour trying to catch a finicky 12” feeding trout. When I do catch em, it’s worth it.

[@DaveG-kb2sr]

Great video, some lessons learned for you. Pass some of that outdoor knowledge along to your guys/gals when you get to your unit.

[@imsorry8236]

I’d recommend bear bell, and possibly a pair of binos or a monocular. If you think you see one it’s good to know for sure ahead of time. Here in BC we also have grizzlies.

[@simonthuku9508]

REALLY COOL nice to watch and i wish i could do something like that

[@craigdavies9716]

When u go back to Penn State tell Cail Sanderson HELLO from Utah!! His Dad was my high school wrestling coach.

[@calvintreser1419]

As you may be aware now, some people say things to frighten hikers. Always be bear aware, but no need to be paranoid.

[@bushwhackersfly-fishing]

Nice! Very cool video

[@craigf3624]

I have been in Alaska for over 50 years and fly fish in Alaska and British Columbia. I don't think you ever get use to bears. I often carry bear spray or a gun In BC, bear "bangers" are popular; you fire them toward the bear, they fly out, and then explode. Bears in Alaska (and BC) that are feeding on salmon tend not to be interested in people later in the season, they're full of fish. Going through heavy brush, let them know you're there -- bear bells, loud talk, etc. And never get between a sow and her cubs...............and finally, always save the last shot for you!

[@evanhammond7305]

Awsome vid. I fish lots in the southern Alberta just a few hundred kms north of there

[@reelguyoutdoors5536]

Bear mace is a good idea, but additionally, a 10mm or 44 mag is a great idea. And great video!

[@jbeavers151]

Is a .357 big enough?

[@brett9382]

@@jbeavers151 yes. People have killed attacking grizzlies with 9mm. The important thing is using hard cast bear loads. Penetration is the most important thing when it comes to grizzlies and the hard cast ensures this. If you got a 357 use that if your looking to get a bear gun get a glock 20 in 10mm (just because it's plenty powerful and has more capacity). Just my opinion. Some will say nothing less than 44 mag but I think 357 and 10mm is fine.

[@jbeavers151]

@@brett9382 thanks!

[@dong8307]

What weight/length , model fly rod were you using. Great video. 👍

[@rickliles7048]

You answered my question about storage.

[@sickbrawler91]

Mate!! That is awesome. I’m an Australian living in Alaska and have been fly fishing for a year. Love getting into the back country and wouldn’t mind doing a Montana trip. What river is this?

[@nathanhamrick7740]

Great vid. Was this in the Bob Marshall?

[@southbaygladiator7748]

High timber in bear country is something most flat landers will never understand. Next time bring a gun and ditch the bear spray. We carry 454’s and 10mm’s where I’m from. Also we rarely worry about bears. Always look up for the real threat “lions”.

[@ultimatewarriror5664]

They say for future reference take pure pine salt and spread it around the campsite it will deter anything with a strong sense of smell especially bears.

[@leefritchman9643]

We are!!!!

[@BackyardBassin]

Penn state!!!!

[@78dogrun]

Great video. No way could I do it without a firearm, though. You're brave

[@thefirststrike]

First let me say...I am not trying to ridicule anyone or make light of anyone's feelings about anything. If you are new to solo backpacking, of course there will be some nervousness and apprehension. That being said, there is no need to be scared about solo backpacking. As long as you are prepared physically and mentally (ie you have bear spray or a firearm, you hang your food, you take other basic precautions) there is no reason to be worried. I have been solo backpacking for over 20 years. Most of my backpacking trips have been solo. I have soloed much more than I have taken trips together with other people. I prefer solo for many reasons. I like being alone. I don't like having to depend on other people, or having to adjust my schedule to fit theirs. Also I find that most people, except truly diehard backpackers, are not really up for going deep into the backcountry and really roughing it. Many people want to backpack, but they also want it to be easy and super comfortable, and while it doesn't have to be a death slog every time, it is not like camping in some state park. It takes a different mindset to go deep into the wilderness and be comfortable being alone so far from civilization. I commend you Dan, for taking the leap and doing it, despite your reservations and your fears. I hope you enjoyed it, and maybe you might consider it again, even though you expressed that you probably would not. It is a truly different experience going it alone. I love it! For all the reason you mentioned and many others. BTW...thank you for your service. Go ARMY!! from an Army vet.

[@KushByTheBush]

I can’t like this video enough. May I please ask where you started and what trail head?

[@tidyfishing]

Really enjoyed that, well done 👌how many batteries did you go through on your main camera ?

[@BackyardBassin]

Went through 2 batteries!

[@trailnscaleRC]

awesome vid! new subscriber

[@tooter1able]

Great Job!! No Bear Bells? Bug repellent? Boots? Trail Sox?

[@fuciledacaccia]

Do you, or did you go to Penn State? Went to West Virginia University, played football, right cornerback, you guys used to beat up on us every year! Galen Hall was the QB, Robinson the defensive end who went on to become an all pro linebacker for the Packers. Graduated in 65.

[@rickliles7048]

How did you store your food ? Not sure about cooking so close to your tent.

[@SzymonFlytiers]

Knorr from Poland :)

[@carltests6237]

I've got to ask. Are you guys spoofing a certain popular triple crown through hiker? ;-) Either way, I enjoyed the video, but I am curious.

[@ultimatewarriror5664]

What was the name of the Trail Ive been wanting to do something like this?

[@leefritchman9643]

You need to do the Yellowstone upstream of the lake.

[@BackyardBassin]

Yes!!! Have you done it? It's a huge bucketlist trip for me

[@leefritchman9643]

Backyard Angling no I haven’t. I’m scared of bears too hahaha. There are huuugggeeee cutthroat in the Yellowstone river. My pb is out of there. I didn’t measure it but I’d say 22 inches is conservative. Pics on my ig. Lee Fritchman. The pic is horrible because it was a long fight and didn’t wanna stress him. It was also on a dry. I have the photo and the fly displayed in my living room haha.

[@foragefarmer1300]

@@leefritchman9643 Did a backpack fishing trip into another Yellowstone river a couple years ago. Bears are not a big issue in that part of the park, only saw one small black bear. And I know they are not really a concern but the wolves howling much of the night one night kind of got to me.

[@leefritchman9643]

Foragefarmer I’ve done a little research on the south eastern section of the park. I was just going off what I’ve read. I’m not a fan of not being in a tent and not on the top of the food chain. Haha.

[@foragefarmer1300]

@@leefritchman9643 Don't go too early or the mosquitoes will carry you away. Make the bears seem like child's play.

[@cali_misfit1387]

Did you head over to the Jocko river in Arlee!?

[@thewildchiarian7933]

Why were you so scared of bears when you were in prime squatch country?

[@BackyardBassin]

Hahaha such a good point😭

[@thesecretshade]

That is funny 😂

[@johnswanson3741]

Hope you made it back home in that wreck you are driving, lol

[@BackyardBassin]

Of course I did! It's a Toyota 🙂

[@johnswanson3741]

@@BackyardBassin Just messing with ya...but it did sound a bit rough when you drove off. Toyota's are pretty bullet proof as a rule

[@GondellaOutdoors]

Just curious if you had to pull permits, because you were filming in a National Wilderness?

[@BackyardBassin]

If you are filming commerically with sponsors and whatnot it is necessary i believe, but we are just a couple of dudes with a cheap camera making KZbin videos haha

[@GondellaOutdoors]

@@BackyardBassin you are correct. I asked only because I saw another KZbin channel get fined because they are monetizing from KZbin. You guys have some great content. And don't want to see you guys have any issues thats all.

[@ezequielmartinez3582]

FYI! Bear spray is not enough buddy, take a weapon dont be gambling you're life like that just because " its my bucklist trip"

[@rashie]

👍👍

[@newlifeeveryday1821]

What kind of camera is was this filmed with ? Do you have any advice on filming in the back country while carrying a large pack and fishing ?

[@BackyardBassin]

Shot with a sony a6000! We use a sealline watertight fanny pack. It makes it easy to keep the camera safe while still being able to access it fast when needed!

[@newlifeeveryday1821]

@@BackyardBassin When you guys are making videos do you video the entire time you are fishing? How do you keep your batteries charged under these circumstances especially if you are going on a week long expedition away from a power outlet to recharge?

[@BackyardBassin]

We dont always have the camera rolling. We turn it on if we are in a promising piece of water and want a hookset. We have a portable battery. I believe it is 5200 amh but you can always go bigger if you plan on a longer expedition!

[@j.r.w6623]

Is that the big ag copper spur hv 2?

[@stovepipehahaha272]

A pistol grip short barrel shotgun with slugs would help with the bear anxiety. Getting mauled by a bear is to be avoided. IMO

[@marianfrances4959]

👍😎🇨🇦📷🌊

[@oppy2002]

Go PSU! Are you from PA?

[@robertmckean1929]

Thank you for not sharing the name of the location, though I know exactly where you were. :)

[@BackyardBassin]

We are trying to be more discreet about areas we fish as the channel grows. The whole idea behind our channel is exploring uncharted territory, and we want to keep those areas wild!

[@magicdinsmore3107]

Yeah, I'm pretty sure I got this one too. I head up to this place a lot to packraft and fly fish. I even recognize the mountain contours, valleys, and I've stayed at that camp spot. It's an epic adventure if you take the river all the way to Glacier.

[@justing5034]

Bear bait.😆