Fishing vacations that also offer family time...

FontinalisFin said:
I dunno, I thought this might need some perspective as theres a lot of people out there that don't have 10k at their disposal for leisure.
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To be VERY clear, this thread has nothing to do with having $10k for a vacation. I'm sure some folks have that kind of cash and more power to them. But I am sure that they are in the significant minority. I know I sure don't. Spending $10k on a fishing trip would be a once in a lifetime event for me I suspect. And to be honest, if you read the other thread, I think it would be for most folks who replied as well.

This thread is simply about places you could go to have a family vacation and still get some fishing in. A budget campground on a bass pond is as legit as a suggestion for a fancy resort in Hawaii for the purposes of this discussion. Which is why my initial question is exactly this basic:

Josh said:
So, my questions to you all, where would you go if you were looking to find somewhere you could fish part of the day and still have a good time with the family?
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PhilR said:
Don't go to the Met unless you want to teach your kids all the curse words :(
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I've only been there a couple of times, but that's been my experience on the Met.

Beautiful river though.
 
what do your wife and kids like to do? they into the resort thing or free tent camping by a stream with room to run and play?
 
Josh said:
I've

only been there a couple of times, but that's been my experience on the Met.

Beautiful river though.
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Josh, PM me if you get down there again. The Met is all about being in the right place at the right time (until its not) and I'd be happy to point you in the right direction.

Which frankly lends it self to family time. Because if you know the hatch at X hole goes off for 2 hours starting at noon, you can kind of plan around it a bit (yes, the Met can be that specific)
 
We've stayed at flowing lake state park a few times. It's cheap, and close by, but still fun for the kids (getting to camp and swim and do all that fun stuff). Brought the boat and snuck out early for some sunrise bass fishing (and snuck in a couple evening sessions) . Good times had by all, and really inexpensive.
 
Josh said:
To be VERY clear, this thread has nothing to do with having $10k for a vacation. I'm sure some folks have that kind of cash and more power to them. But I am sure that they are in the significant minority. I know I sure don't. Spending $10k on a fishing trip would be a once in a lifetime event for me I suspect. And to be honest, if you read the other thread, I think it would be for most folks who replied as well.

This thread is simply about places you could go to have a family vacation and still get some fishing in. A budget campground on a bass pond is as legit as a suggestion for a fancy resort in Hawaii for the purposes of this discussion. Which is why my initial question is exactly this basic:
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Yea I got it confused with the 10k fishing trip thread that you mentioned. Move my post there if it fits better.
 
I don't like to travel anymore. So what I would do is get a motel in that area I want to fish here in Montana. Get it for a week. I don't get up early here in Montana as the fish don't wake up before noon. But I would fish my ass off for that week. Plus, I would do it by myself. One has to get away every now and then.
 
Favorite family vacation as a child was my parents flying us in to Anchorage and renting an RV for a couple weeks. Fishing was not the focus of the trip however it sure added to the memories along with Denali, bears fishing with us, gold mines, tide pools, mosquitos, mosquito netting and nights that never got dark. We did not fly fish at that time or hire a guide however we managed to catch multiple species, eat well at our campsite every night and fly back a couple coolers.

We have not made the trip to AK with our rig and kids yet however as the director of vacation planning, I frequently find myself prioritizing fishing opportunities while attempting to balance family activities. I have found success setting up base camps for kid friendly activities and reasonable access to fishing in Bend/Hood River/Pacific City OR, Stanley/Ketchum/McCall/Driggs/CDA/Sandpoint ID, Whitefish/Missoula/Bozeman MT & Fernie, BC.
 
Rob Allen said:
what do your wife and kids like to do? they into the resort thing or free tent camping by a stream with room to run and play?
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I think my family could be happy either way. One kid is probably more towards the resort idea than the other, and my wife wouldn't hate some time to read her book by the pool or a fireplace. But overall, we enjoy the outdoors adventures plenty.
 
Josh said:
I think my family could be happy either way. One kid is probably more towards the resort idea than the other, and my wife wouldn't hate some time to read her book by the pool or a fireplace. But overall, we enjoy the outdoors adventures plenty.
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I don't know much about resorts. But I can if you like give you good Intel for SW Montana camping( mostly free) and great fishing and family fun stuff.
 
If outdoor stuff is your families thing, don’t forget our National Parks. Yellowstone is a shit show for sure crowd wise but if you hit it right during a shoulder season you still have a a great shot at amazing fishing as well as great hiking, wildlife viewing, geothermal features, etc. There are a ton of other parks where the fishing may may not be quite as good but the crowds smaller and the family activities plentiful.

If you are looking for warm and sunny, Hawaii is better for family stuff imo but there is enough opportunity diy fly fishing wise to keep a person happy.

Florida is another good option for families if they are interested beaches and amusement parks. There are tons of fishing opportunities in that state as well.
 
Bend or Sun River, OR. On or close to the Deschutes, Fall River, Metolious, Crooked River and probably some I’m forgetting. Our family did Sun River a couple times when our kids were young. Could hang out at the community pool, ride extensive bike trails, go cave exploring, go check out the observatory, go to the high desert museum, horseback riding, rafting, etc. And lots of good water to sneak away to for a half day in the morning. Bend is also a cool place with good restaurants, shops, brew pubs.
 
Josh said:
This is actually a really good suggestion. I've only been to the Met a couple of times, but every time I think "I should bring the family down here!"

Did you camp or rent a cabin?
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Love the camping along the Met. Fish a little, and spend time with the family. Love that area!
 
We did 5 nights in one of the cabins in the dry falls resort. Had kids of 3, 7, 11 and 13. With a 19 year old kicker nephew. We went in june, brother in law and I would be up early, float tubing the smaller lakes and taking the boat out on park and up to banks. Took the kids out a couple times trolling, they also had a pool and ice cream shop and all kinds of kids running around. We went hiking, some people golfed and everyone swam. Only thing missing was a boat with toys. All the ages enjoyed it, good and diverse fisheries are super accessible and long days to cram it all in. A case of kirkland 5hr energies kept the dads on point from 4am til bourbon thirty.
 
o mykiss said:
Bend or Sun River, OR. On or close to the Deschutes, Fall River, Metolious, Crooked River and probably some I’m forgetting. Our family did Sun River a couple times when our kids were young. Could hang out at the community pool, ride extensive bike trails, go cave exploring, go check out the observatory, go to the high desert museum, horseback riding, rafting, etc. And lots of good water to sneak away to for a half day in the morning. Bend is also a cool place with good restaurants, shops, brew pubs.
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As much as I like Bend, I never think of it as a vacation thing. Really good suggestion!
 
Pink Nighty said:
We did 5 nights in one of the cabins in the dry falls resort. Had kids of 3, 7, 11 and 13. With a 19 year old kicker nephew. We went in june, brother in law and I would be up early, float tubing the smaller lakes and taking the boat out on park and up to banks. Took the kids out a couple times trolling, they also had a pool and ice cream shop and all kinds of kids running around. We went hiking, some people golfed and everyone swam. Only thing missing was a boat with toys. All the ages enjoyed it, good and diverse fisheries are super accessible and long days to cram it all in. A case of kirkland 5hr energies kept the dads on point from 4am til bourbon thirty.
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4am til bourbon thirty is definitely my theme.
 
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