Bucket list fishing trip suggestions

[jackelope]

Turning 50 next year and I'm thinking about a fishing trip with some buddies who are living in different parts of the country now. Looking at a week long trip, we're looking at DIY trips in Alaska and we're looking at road tripping somewhere in the west where we can hit different types of water for different fish. Not interested in saltwater down south like mexico or florida or south america.
Alaska trips that we've looked at briefly at this point are the Situk for steel in the spring and the Kvichak for huge rainbows.
I've started looking at a Boundary Waters trip and a spot or 2 in Canada for trout, pike, smallies and lakers.

Anyone have any great ideas or suggestions? Trying to keep it budget friendly so all the guys can partake. Don't need fancy, we're all good with camping, driving, making our own food, etc.

Thanks in advance.

[NRA4LIFE]

I've been to the Boundary Waters twice.  Had a blast both times.  One trip was 10 days, the other 12.  The great thing about it is by selecting different lakes you can fish for nearly anything.  We caught smallies, lake trout, northerns and on and on.  We ate fish nearly every day.  It's not for the timid, some of the portages were grueling.  I was much younger though, in my late teens/early, early twenties. 

[Karl Blanchard]

The experience of just fishing or are you wanting to load coolers? A fly in kodiak river trip would be awesome. Probably not the best option for keeping fillets though?

[Jonathan_S]

So jealous!!! About the trip...not turning 50 

Hope you have a blast whichever you do. I'd go for the experience vs. the meat haul and yeah a fly in trip within Alaska sounds like the coolest!

[jackelope]

The experience of just fishing or are you wanting to load coolers? A fly in kodiak river trip would be awesome. Probably not the best option for keeping fillets though?

Not concerned with filling coolers. In fact, more than likely we'd be mostly catching and releasing. If we get into some good dinner type fish, we'd keep enough to eat there. Unless we end up fishing salmon in the salt or halibut in AK. Then I'm bringing fish home.

[jackelope]

So jealous!!! About the trip...not turning 50 

Hope you have a blast whichever you do. I'd go for the experience vs. the meat haul and yeah a fly in trip within Alaska sounds like the coolest!

I'm looking forward to it 100% for the experience and the time relaxing and hanging with friends. We've been talking a bunch about doing a hunt somewhere, but logistically it's challenging figuring out where to go and when to go and for what and none of us are particularly versed in planning big hunts.

[blacktail master]

Jack-
as a suggestion you might consider driving to Nimpo Lake BC.  Taking a Super Beaver float plane out of Nimpo and fly into the Blackwater,  they will land you at Pan Phillips Fishing Resort on Airplane Lake.  Cabins and small boats w/motors are provided. No electricity or cell service.  They do have a shower room w/hot water that is heated with a wood stove. There is great history in that part of BC, the fishing for Rainbows is great and it would make an outstanding trip for you that is not to expensive.  I have made this trip many times and can vouch for the hospitatility you will get from Rob and Linda.  The best advise I can give would be to take lots of bug spray!!  That country has mosquito's the size of Dragon Fly's and lot's of them bugger's.  If you take the trip, a must is to read Grass Beyond the Mountains, A Rancher Takes a Wife, and Nothing Too Good for a Cowboy before going. All those books were wrote in regards to living and cattle ranching in the Blackwater. Sorry for the long winded post!!  Cheer's

[Skyvalhunter]

Boy you are OLD!! You would love a float trip in the Brooks range on one of the rivers like Kongukut, Charley, etc. Beautiful country, catch more fish than you can shake a stick at, lots of wildlife. Down fall might be mosquitos but you get used to the swams.

[tank21]

I have been to the boundary waters a bunch of times from growing up there and it is 100% primo.  Couldn't recommend it enough, absolutely gorgeous and great fishing.  Often times spooky good.  Nothing like casting a daredevil or spinner bait out, lodging it between your legs in the canoe and paddling to the next portage, hopefully with dinner when you land. 

Another is a Canada fly in trip.  Those are really fun too and a little easier on the body.

[metlhead]

Kamchatka

[Platensek-po]

Man I might regret this. Look at Darwin ranch in Wyoming. It’s just absolutely amazing with hands down some of the best fly fishing for trout anywhere. You didn’t hear about this from me tho.

[Mfowl]

As an alternative to Alaska, I've always wanted to try great lakes salmon fishing. You can catch chinook and coho plus lake trout, brown trout and steelhead. Depending on timing you could probably work in bass/walleye/pike/musky fishing too. Another trip I want to do is Lake Pend Oreille for girard's rainbows. Which also has lake trout/brown trout, walleye and pike. Let us know what you choose! Have fun!

[cavemann]

Kamchatka

Have you been???  That looks amazing!!

[jackelope]

Kamchatka

Have you been???  That looks amazing!!

Kamchatka would be amazing, but that's out of our budget and takes longer to do than we will have available. My stepdad has fished there a few times.

[Jonathan_S]

That Hakai Lodge looks like an amazing place to go.

[klickman]

For an amazing Alaska trip I’d reach out to Dave Duncan and Sons. https://www.alaskaflyfishingcamps.com/


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[whacker1]

Maybe apply for the smith and float the smith on a permit fishing trip/float trip?  MT
https://flylordsmag.com/so-you-want-to-float-the-smith-river/

This is a bucket list for me.

horse back trip into the Bob Marshall Wilderness for the South Fork of the Flathead river.

i think it would be fun to spend a week or 10 days in Montana with or without guides fishing the Big Hole, Missouri, maybe the Madison, Gallatin, Yellowstone, Bighorn.  or a combination of guides and without.

[Wetwoodshunter]

I worked for 2 summers for Lake Creek Lodge and Cottonwood Lodge in Alaska. They do drop off self guided float fishing trips up Lake Creek which is a tributary to the Yetena River.

When I worked there fishing was May - August depending on your target. Kings early, coho and sockeye later. The rivers were always packed with grayling and rainbows, side slews and lakes could hold northern pike and burbot.

I would give Jeff Woodward a call at Lake Creek Lodge, you probably won't be able to reach him now because it mid season for him in Ak and the lodge is remote. You could also give Regal Air a call in Anchorage. Regal Air has some of the best pilots I have ever flown with, I have probably flown 30 times with them over the 2 years I worked there.

https://jeffwoodwardsportfishing.com/
https://regal-air.com/

[walt]

Maybe apply for the smith and float the smith on a permit fishing trip/float trip?  MT
https://flylordsmag.com/so-you-want-to-float-the-smith-river/

This is a bucket list for me.

We drew a Smith River permit in 2019 and had to give it up. 

If you want to stay in the states and do it without breaking the bank, I’d rent a cabin in central Montana.  Borrow or rent a couple drift boats or rafts and go for it.  Missouri, Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Bitterroot, Rock Creek, Madison, Gallatin, Jefferson, Henry’s Fork, Yellowstone, Big Horn… and a dozen or so more.  I’ve rowed and fished most all of them and there’s no place I’d rather be.  Add in smaller tribs, hike-in lakes, and warm water reservoirs if you want.  I can help with more info on any specific or out of the way places if you decide to go that route.  If money and potential travel restrictions aren’t a consideration I’d head to New Zealand or Patagonia.  Congrats on 50, I’m only a few years behind you.

[Wetwoodshunter]

I worked for 2 summers for Lake Creek Lodge and Cottonwood Lodge in Alaska. They do drop off self guided float fishing trips up Lake Creek which is a tributary to the Yetena River.

When I worked there fishing was May - August depending on your target. Kings early, coho and sockeye later. The rivers were always packed with grayling and rainbows, side slews and lakes could hold northern pike and burbot.

I would give Jeff Woodward a call at Lake Creek Lodge, you probably won't be able to reach him now because it mid season for him in Ak and the lodge is remote. You could also give Regal Air a call in Anchorage. Regal Air has some of the best pilots I have ever flown with, I have probably flown 30 times with them over the 2 years I worked there.

https://jeffwoodwardsportfishing.com/
https://regal-air.com/

This link is to the exact float. I do not think the pricing includes the raft rental, but I'm not sure.
https://regal-air.com/alaska-shore-excursions/alaska-river-rafting/lake-creek-river-float/

The pullout is also at Lake Creek Lodge. With a full bar, showers and great food.

Brings back memories, this one was #52 and I was only 21.

[fishngamereaper]

Jeff's a good guy....went to school with him. Runs a quality operation.

[Widgeondeke]

Lower 48 I'd go with Montana
I've fished the Mo a few times out of Craig. Averaged 10 trout in the 18" range with a +20" or two. One in our group caught a 18" bright silver kokanee this year
I fished the Bighorn last year and will say the average fish were bigger than the Missouri, but fewer fish.
I can give you a report on the Madison in 3.5 weeks. We arrive on the 10th for 4 days 

for North of the border. I would love to fish the interior for pike or muskie 

[carpsniperg2]

For an amazing Alaska trip I’d reach out to Dave Duncan and Sons. https://www.alaskaflyfishingcamps.com/


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I haven't fished with them but I know 2 of the sons. Great guys and I know one if not both are site members on here.  I have done a lot of business with them. If I was was looking for a trip it would be with them.

[RightPlace-RightTime]

Get ahold of branch river air in King salmon Alaska. They fly you out to a lake. Then you float the Alagnak River. Done it 6 times. Camp n fish all the 65 miles down. Absolutely amazing. They provide raft or pontoon. Fly out n back. Bear proof containers etc. You bring everything else.
Have more questions. Pm me or I'm willing to phone chat. Best trips I've ever been on.

[plugger]

Fort peck in montana has pike (lots of them), walleye, bass, lake trout and king salmon. Spent a week there a couple years ago. Great fishing. We were targeting walleye and did quite well but we also had 30 pike days if we pulled plugs

[nwwanderer]

Short on cash?  Try Dworshak.  Lots of species, could spend a month and maybe have a new world record smallie.

[jackelope]

I don’t want to say short on cash. Just trying to keep it reasonable so 3-4 can go without having to worry about different budget limits.

[jackelope]

I’m looking pretty hard at a boundary waters trip at this point

[RightPlace-RightTime]

That flyout to Alagnak can be done for a very fair price

[jackelope]

That flyout to Alagnak can be done for a very fair price

Talked to the guys who are back east and it’s a crap ton of airplane time and a lot more money to fly to AK from upstate NY.

[actionshooter]

I’m looking pretty hard at a boundary waters trip at this point

I have heard from a friend that it is pretty incredible and have recently been thinking of a trip there more for the experience than the fishing.... your going to have to keep everyone informed!

[Widgeondeke]

That flyout to Alagnak can be done for a very fair price

Talked to the guys who are back east and it’s a crap ton of airplane time and a lot more money to fly to AK from upstate NY.

Interior Canada is middle ground 🇨🇦

[Angry Perch]

I’m looking pretty hard at a boundary waters trip at this point

Been on several boundary waters trips, and it is truly awesome.

[Stein]

Maybe apply for the smith and float the smith on a permit fishing trip/float trip?  MT
https://flylordsmag.com/so-you-want-to-float-the-smith-river/

This is a bucket list for me.

We drew a Smith River permit in 2019 and had to give it up. 

If you want to stay in the states and do it without breaking the bank, I’d rent a cabin in central Montana.  Borrow or rent a couple drift boats or rafts and go for it.  Missouri, Blackfoot, Clark Fork, Bitterroot, Rock Creek, Madison, Gallatin, Jefferson, Henry’s Fork, Yellowstone, Big Horn… and a dozen or so more.  I’ve rowed and fished most all of them and there’s no place I’d rather be.  Add in smaller tribs, hike-in lakes, and warm water reservoirs if you want.  I can help with more info on any specific or out of the way places if you decide to go that route.  If money and potential travel restrictions aren’t a consideration I’d head to New Zealand or Patagonia.  Congrats on 50, I’m only a few years behind you.

I agree, many floats that are even better than Smith that don't require permits.  Missouri from Craig to Mountain Palace is about as good as you can get for both scenery and fishing.

I heard on the radio Boundary Waters is closing due to fires, hopefully it doesn't all burn.

[bearpaw]

I’m looking pretty hard at a boundary waters trip at this point

Been on several boundary waters trips, and it is truly awesome.

Just curious what kind and quality of fish you caught on those trips?

[Angry Perch]

I’m looking pretty hard at a boundary waters trip at this point

Been on several boundary waters trips, and it is truly awesome.

Just curious what kind and quality of fish you caught on those trips?

Walleye, smallmouth and northern for the most part. Nothing huge, but we were rookies. Most epic was an out of control monster brook trout bite. A total "pinch me" moment in the middle of nowhere.

[bearpaw]

I’m looking pretty hard at a boundary waters trip at this point

Been on several boundary waters trips, and it is truly awesome.

Just curious what kind and quality of fish you caught on those trips?

Walleye, smallmouth and northern for the most part. Nothing huge, but we were rookies. Most epic was an out of control monster brook trout bite. A total "pinch me" moment in the middle of nowhere.

Sounds like fun, several years back a good friend drew a moose tag there, him and another friend canoed in there, they had a great time and killed an awesome moose, they said the fishing was good too.

[Angry Perch]

I’m looking pretty hard at a boundary waters trip at this point

Been on several boundary waters trips, and it is truly awesome.

Just curious what kind and quality of fish you caught on those trips?

Walleye, smallmouth and northern for the most part. Nothing huge, but we were rookies. Most epic was an out of control monster brook trout bite. A total "pinch me" moment in the middle of nowhere.

Sounds like fun, several years back a good friend drew a moose tag there, him and another friend canoed in there, they had a great time and killed an awesome moose, they said the fishing was good too.

It is an incredible place, and as hardcore as you chooses to make it.

[avidnwoutdoorsman]

I know you said no salt...south america...but sea run browns in Argentina is what hit the brain for me.... its #1 on my bucket and you can absolutely DIY fish/camp in the foot hills of the Andes.

Fishing BC is pretty incredible if you like still water fishing. You can fish the interior lakes for some incredible fishing with some absolute hogs, then mid week move up past FSJ and tear up the lakes and stream up north for some different species like grayling and pikes etc. Last time I was up there we pulled over at every piece of water that looked remotely fishy and were hooking up constant. Lots and lots of fun.

The Skeena is awesome too and the neighboring rivers. Something about surface eats by a steelheads on a skate fly is awesome.

Boundary Waters fishery is insanely fun.

Flight tip.... put Vegas as a layover... not gonna work for the boundary waters but when I worked in Hawaii and other places you could fly to Vegas and then anywhere for cheaper than flying straight there. Buddy did that from GA this year to get to WA.... just a tip.

[jackelope]

I’m looking pretty hard at a boundary waters trip at this point

Been on several boundary waters trips, and it is truly awesome.

Just curious what kind and quality of fish you caught on those trips?

Walleye, smallmouth and northern for the most part. Nothing huge, but we were rookies. Most epic was an out of control monster brook trout bite. A total "pinch me" moment in the middle of nowhere.

Sounds like fun, several years back a good friend drew a moose tag there, him and another friend canoed in there, they had a great time and killed an awesome moose, they said the fishing was good too.

There are a crap ton of youtube videos from the boundary waters. Tons of fish. Looks like some pretty good sized pike get caught now and then. Lots of walleyes that look like a lot of medium sized fish. Smallmouth and lake trout too.

[CP]

If you like the Boundary Waters you'll love Isle Royale National Park.  Take bug repellant (both places).

 

[jackelope]

If you like the Boundary Waters you'll love Isle Royale National Park.  Take bug repellant (both places).

 

A buddy of mine suggested this as well.

[jeffro]

Alaska river fishing, kenai chinook for sure or any number of other rivers for any species, including salmon, trout, char or pike
Marlin/ sails  in a modern small boat (under 30’) out of Panama or Hawaii
Montana/ Yellowstone fly fishing, done it before, tons of fun.
Alpine lakes and streams anywhere in the NW. WA, ID, OR, MT
Snake river, Hells canyon is awesome, done it multiple times. Steelhead, chinook, sturgeon, bass, birds
That’s what dream about
Throw in a elk/ moose/ bear/ anything hunt on top, and that’s heaven….