Trout season opens soon, an annual event that ushers millions of anglers to the water. For many, this means a trip to a freshly-stocked stream or lake. But that’s not the only option.

Pennsylvania boasts miles upon miles of streams supporting wild trout, many of which flow through publicly owned lands where access is not an issue.

Most streams with populations of wild trout don’t support the artificial densities found on a temporary basis on stocked streams — and the fish are often modest in size — there’s something special about catching trout reared in their natural environment rather than a hatchery runway.

Preparing for a backwoods trout trip differs from one where you drop down to the creek from a roadside turnout. Greater preparations are needed, based on the length, in both distance and time, you expect the adventure to entail.

Consider for instance an outing that involves a hike of a mile or more to reach the stream. You may well fish a couple miles of creek — “what’s around the next bend” has a strong draw — and then have a lengthy hike back out at day’s end. Several hours will be involved, so you’ll need to carry food, water, map and compass, and a minimum of survival gear including fire-starter material and a basic first-aid kit. It’s comforting to carry a small flashlight, just in case you underestimate the time needed to hike back out. A hand-held GPS is standard equipment on all my trips.