Packing fish out

[Steve Brown]

I’m curious what methods are being used to pack fish out without the meat spoiling

When I’m about 2 hours from the car or campsite I really don’t know how to get the fish out, so I just throw them back … but I would like to eat somee.

Possible ideas I’ve had :
– ice
– dry ice
– instant cold packs

I’ve had good success smuggling ice cream into WA from the Lochmead dairy 5 hours south in Oregon using a brown grocery bag and dry ice, but I’ve never tried packing dry ice in a day pack.

Just curious what others are doing ?

– Steve

[Brian Curtis]

I pretty much only pack fish out if there is snow available. That worked for us a couple weeks ago. Of course snow can be hard to come by in some places. I’ve had fish do fine with no extra cooling if it is not a hot day and they are wrapped in as many clothes or other insulation as possible. Old school Thermarests used to be perfect for that. Freezing a disposable water bottle full of water would be a good source of ice, but I don’t now how long it would last on a hot day.

[Spencer Meline]

If I’m planning on bringing back fish I just pack a trash bag toss the fish in the bag then wrap it in my puffy and place it the the center of my pack. Haven’t had any issues with spoilage.

[Jeff Mix]

I like packing them out in my belly after I tempered them over some coals with a little Johnny’s and olive oil.

[Kaleb]

Steve,

I have found that in temperatures up to 80 degrees, dressed lake trout conserve surprisingly well if basic measures are taken.

When at all possible, I will place the trout in a colder feeder stream going to, or running near the lake for a minimum of 45 minutes. I have them wrapped in some sort of insulating material during this time. Leaving them in their cool, wrapped cloth/wool bag, I place them in my backpack, which has ideally been in the cooler shade for a few hours.

I have packed fish out for over 5 hours in 70-80 degree temps, and consistently have found that they keep without any issue. No discoloration of the meat, no foul smell, nothing.

I hope this helps. Tight lines

[Author]

Posts