Bucket list fishing trip suggestions

[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….