Travel Tips

Window Seat or Aisle Seat: Go Fish this Father’s Day!

Locations in this article:  Charlotte, NC Chicago, IL Seattle, WA Tampa, FL Tucson, AZ

11. Two hours from Roanoke, Virginia is the uber family friendly Elkhorn Inn & Theatre. It is a 13- room Inn on the historic “Coal Heritage Trail” in the mountains of Landgraff, West Virginia. It sits on Elkhorn Creek, which has been described as “the best wild trout stream in the USA.”  The rainbow and brown trout in Elkhorn Creek average 24″-32,” making it a truly unique and  fun creek to fish. I’ve been told that their fly-fishing guests often catch between 30-150 trout a day. You can fly-fish or fish with a simple fishing rod and any kind of bait you choose. Other family fun activities in the area include world-class railfanning and ATVing, as well as a mountain golf course. The Elkhorn Inn is pet-friendly and has a “Family Suite” of 2 adjoining rooms. Rates start at $99.00/night including a Continental Breakfast. West Virginia Waterfall

12. For a real adventure, you and Dad can fish the historic Ausable River in the Adirondack High Peaks Region of Lake Placid. Named one of the “Best Hunting and Fishing Towns in the US” by Outdoor Life, the Lake Placid- Wilmington stretch of the West Branch of the Ausable River offers incredible fly-fishing for anglers throughout the spring, summer, and fall. Nearby fishing outfitters provide the lures you need to land the river’s massive native trout, while experienced guides provide the insider’s tips you’re looking for – from favorite honey holes, to which lures they’re using and how to tie your own.  Accommodations in the area include the Hungry Trout Resort, which Field & Stream named as one of the “25 Best Fishing Lodges in North America.” The property is located directly on the West Branch of the Ausable River with private access to an area of the river known as the “Dream Mile.”

13. Mammoth Lakes in Southern California offers world-class fly-fishing, and is easily accessible via direct flights into the Mammoth Lakes airport. The area offers fly fish lakes, high alpine ponds, and streams all in close proximity. Fish Rock Creek Lake known for monster Browns. At 65 surface acres of clear cold snowmelt in the Inyo national forest, Mammoth Lakes Basin is four lakes (George, Mary, Twin Lakes and lake Mamie) just outside of town, full of beautiful rainbows and the unique local Alpers trout.  Then there is Lake Crowley, the most popular destination for local anglers, which boasts some of the finest lake fly fishing in the world. Unique conditions caused by the alkaline soil are ideal for the chance catch a Golden trout, and while they’re not huge, they are full of spunk and well worth the trouble. Stay at the Tamarack lodge, on shores of the Twin lakes.

14. Harrisonburg, Virginia was host to the recent 2013 Tenkara USA Fly-Fishing Summit. Harrisonburg’s Mossy Creek Fly Fishing Shop was a co-sponsor for this event. The shop is home to fly-fishing expert friends, Brian and Colby Trow, and the shop offers one of the most active fly-fishing guide services in Virginia. By the Side of the Road B&B has a special Virginia Fly-Fishing package that includes a $60 dinner certificate to local eateries, a $25 gift certificate to Mossy Creek Fly Fishing Shop, breakfast to-go for the anglers on the mornings they head out early, and a complimentary signed copy of Fly Fishing Virginia by Beau Beasley, the package is $130 + room rate.

15. For a wide variety of fish, you and your dad could take a trip to Lake Erie Shores & Islands. The location is best known for walleye, perch and smallmouth bass, but anglers also catch catfish, steelhead trout, largemouth bass, white bass, rock bass, and other species. A wide variety of fishing charters and walk-on head boats provide an opportunity for a great day of Father’s Day fishing. You can also visit the best-kept-fishing-secret destination, Port Clinton, Ohio. It’s affectionately known as the “Walleye Capital of the World.” This tiny Lake Erie town is the source of 80 percent of all walleye. After spending the day on one of the local fishing charters, stop by Fish Tales Diner to get a taste of the walleye that makes this town famous. Head to the Lagoon Saloon after dinner for a few drinks and then head off for a good night’s sleep at Port Clinton’s Island House Hotel.

16. Coffee Creek Ranch, north of Redding, California, is a great place for some quality Father’s Day Bonding. Fly fish for native Rainbow’s or bait cast – your choice.  You catch em’ and they’ll cook them for you, or you can freeze the fish and take them home.  Drive down to Trinity Lake to catch some bass, and maybe you will see a bald eagle fish for his dinner! Come back to the ranch where your cabin and special Father’s Day dinner of turkey and ham with all the trimmings is ready and waiting. Then get set to go on a horse drawn hayride where you get dropped off at a bonfire for some homemade ice cream along with smore’s and popcorn. It’s a magical time with your family. The ranch is offering 50% off for either the kids or the father’s so multiple generations can enjoy each other’s company this Father’s Day weekend.

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