Fishing in high alpine environments presents unique challenges that demand a mix of physical toughness and technical skill. In this interview, Russell Davie shares his experiences and tips for tackling alpine fishing, from gear choices to overcoming unpredictable weather. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a novice, these tips will help you navigate the highs and lows of high-altitude fishing!

What is your background, and how has it influenced your approach to fly fishing in high alpine environments?

I spent much of my adolescence and early adulthood competing and training at the Olympic level in Greco Roman Wrestling. This spirit of competition and pushing the limits mentally and physically has translated well into adventuring in alpine environments. I feel like backpacking and fishing in true backcountry gives me opportunities to prove my toughness to myself in ways I can no longer like competing as an athlete. I am also a high school teacher which helps me utilize and maximize my summer time to adventure and see many different environments

Can you share some memorable experiences you’ve had while fishing in high alpine locations?

I have had amazing experiences in the high alpine, but perhaps my favorite moments were sharing these special places with friends and family. Showing my own children the value in adventuring and spending time in nature has been my favorite. Teaching my children how to fish, camp, backpack, forage, and hunt has been my favorite. This past summer I took my daughter Isabella, a sixth grader, on a 40 mile backpacking trek in the Wind River Range. This was her second time into the Winds and this time we finally made it to our goal destination. Watching her become mentally and physically strong and knowing that it will translate into real life scenarios makes me really proud to be her dad. I am working on my youngest Wesley to convince him of the value in backpacking. Wesley has figured out the joy that flyfishing brings and he is excited to check Grayling off his list in the near future.

What are your top five flies for high alpine fishing, and why do you recommend them for success?

I tend to advise others to run leeches, scuds and chironomids. While I have my specific searching patterns that I have created or been fortunate to learn from friends, I do not share my own inventions as I like to keep my edge. I have seen great success with a simple hare’s ear, copper johns, black beauties, egg patterns, mosquito dry fly patterns, and Griffiths gnats.

What unique challenges do you face when fishing in high alpine areas, and how do you overcome them?

Alpine areas present more challenges that deter anglers from taking risks. Factoring in the physical toll of the hike, timing of ice off and ice on, lightning storms which are almost daily occurrences, and finicky fish who can act bipolar are just a few to name. The challenges of alpine are why I seldom get bored compared to river and tailwater fishing. Day to day changes in barometric pressure, temperatures, and weather systems can all change conditions rapidly. While high alpine areas are dangerous and take preparation and education, they also offer some of the most magical opportunities, times when you catch a trophy fish every single cast, and always reward you for diligence and stubbornness.

How do you prepare for a day of fishing in high alpine conditions, and what essential gear do you take with you?

My preparation depends on whether I am making a day trip, a couple days overnight, a five-day backpacking trip, or a 10+ day backpacking trip. I always start with food and snacks, nobody wants anyone getting hangry, especially my little kiddos. I love peanut M&M’s, pistachios, beef jerky, NUUN tablets, and cosmic brownies the most! I always bring two rods, and two reels incase something goes haywire. I think sunscreen, a rain jacket, multiple layers, GPS, sunglasses, long sleeve shirts, a buff, a good hat, and sometimes a good book can come in handy.

Looking ahead, what are your plans for your fishing adventures and any new techniques or flies you’re excited to explore?

My season is just coming to an end, so I have not had a lot of time to reflect on the future although I will start here this fall. I have worked hard to develop my euro nymphing skill set, I have recently taken off all weights and gone specifically with weighted flies with improved success. I have a lot of flyfishing goals but the next three species on my hit list are Bull Trout, Dolly Varden, and Apache Trout. I am hoping to check off at least one of them in the next calendar year. I am excited to explore more of Idaho and New Mexico in 2025 as I continue to check off my bucket list!