802 | Fly Fishing Roadtrips and Fitness Adventure with Mckenzie Johns

Show Notes:https://wetflyswing.com/802

Presented By: Intrepid Camp Gear

 

Sponsors:https://wetflyswing.com/sponsors

 

Mckenzie Johns’ fly fishing road trips have taken her from small Pennsylvania streams to epic solo journeys across the Rockies. On her recent fly fishing road trip from Colorado to Alberta, Mckenzie combined her passion for trout fishing with the freedom of rooftop tent camping, traveling with her blue heeler, and testing the Intrepid Geo Solo tent. Along the way, she shared how fitness helps her stay strong and confident outdoors, making long days on the river and setting up camp effortless. Her approach blends gear know-how, solo travel safety, and a love for exploring wild, beautiful places.

For women looking to plan their own fly fishing road trips, Mckenzie’s story shows it’s possible to merge fishing, camping, and fitness into one unforgettable experience. From choosing the right tent and packing fly fishing essentials to embracing solo travel and building outdoor strength, her advice encourages confidence on and off the water. Whether on a calm lake, a fast-moving river, or a mountain campsite, Mckenzie Johns proves that fly fishing road trips—when combined with skill, preparation, and passion—lead to adventures worth remembering.

01:14 - Mckenzie Johns was introduced to fly fishing by her father in Pennsylvania, stepped away from it for years, and reignited her passion after catching her first trout at Deckers, Colorado, about 7–8 years ago. She is now in Canmore, Alberta, preparing for her first fishing trip with her father since 2019, highlighting the deep bond they share through the sport.

05:46 - Mckenzie Johns discussed her Intrepid Camp Gear setup, which she tested during an eight-day solo road trip from Colorado to Canada. She uses a 2024 Toyota 4Runner equipped with a Geo Solo rooftop tent and a 190 cargo box, a combination that keeps her organized, allows for quick setup in under two minutes, and provides safety and comfort, especially valuable for solo female travel in remote, scenic locations. For more information, view here.

12:45 - Mckenzie Johns explained that when she first committed to fly fishing, she relied on guidance from her then-partner, supplemented by podcasts, YouTube tutorials, and self-study, but ultimately improved through hands-on practice. She identified casting as her biggest early challenge, starting with Euro-nymphing before transitioning to traditional fly fishing, and now relies on a few “confidence” patterns—especially a size 18 perdigon, flashback hare’s ear, and hopper-dropper rigs with a chubby Chernobyl and egg pattern—favoring an intuitive approach over strict hatch-matching.

19:03 - Mckenzie Johns shared that she hasn’t been Euro-nymphing much lately, instead fishing with an indicator setup holding two to three subsurface flies—often using a bright pink indicator for visibility. With rivers blown out from recent rain, she’s considering lakes while enjoying the rare chance to fish alongside her father, a dedicated trout angler from Connecticut who’s always ready to pull out a fly rod whenever he’s near water.

22:18 - Mckenzie Johns said road trips let her explore beyond Colorado into places like Wyoming, Montana, and now the Canadian Rockies—finding beauty in the landscapes and the waters she fishes. Her tip for a long journey is to research for safety but embrace solo travel for its empowerment, noting that a reliable vehicle like her Toyota 4Runner makes it easier to be ready for adventure anywhere.

29:15 - Mckenzie Johns described how her fitness journey began from a low point in her life, where hiking in New Hampshire sparked the realization that better physical health would let her enjoy the outdoors more fully. After moving to Colorado, she shifted her mindset from exercising for appearance to training for strength, endurance, and mental clarity—eventually embracing home workouts and even coaching other women to build the fitness needed to explore and adventure confidently.

35:00 - Mckenzie Johns explained that anyone can start a fitness journey at home with just a yoga mat, a few sets of dumbbells, and a focus on weightlifting mixed with some cardio, noting that expensive equipment or a gym membership isn’t necessary. She also shared how the fly fishing community has become more inclusive for women in recent years, though challenges remain, and emphasized the importance of female-led groups that create safe, welcoming spaces for beginners to learn and grow in the sport.

46:18 - Mckenzie Johns advised that anyone looking to improve their health can start small with regular walking for low-impact cardio and basic stretching to keep muscles limber before and after activities. She also shared about her blue heeler, Sari—nicknamed “Smooch” for her affectionate natur