Finding a Family Friendly Fishing Spot
One of my favorite things about fishing is the seemingly endless opportunities nearby, at almost all times. Whether we’re talking river fishing, exploring small creeks high in the mountains or casting into the local town lake, there are more opportunities than meets the eye. A little research goes a long way in finding the perfect spot for an afternoon of fishing. Thats especially true when venturing out with new anglers and especially when kids are along for the ride.
Starting the year off right with a good Largemouth Bass, Caught and Released from shore.
Finding a family friendly fishing spot can be challenging. Not all waters are created equal and that especially true when you’re fishing with kids. Safety, access and fishing pressure all come into play when selecting a place for a family friendly fishing outing. There are a few tools that you can use in order to find these special spots. Let’s dive in!
One of the first places to start your research is at the local sporting good store, tackle store or fly fishing shop. Especially if that store is a Mom and Pop, Family Business, kind of store. These local gems are great for nearby fishing knowledge. Not only will they know where you should go, but they will know what specific baits or lures you should bring along. These employees are fishing the local waters and keeping in contact with guides and other anglers. We hardly head into unknown waters without stopping by the local fishing shop first.
Another great place to find your next family friendly honey hole, is the local division of wildlife or agency that manages the fisheries in your state. In Colorado, that’s Colorado Parks and Wildlife or CPW. They have a wonderful website they call the Fishing Atlas (LINK HERE). Partnering with Colorado State University, CPW has created a mapping service that allows you to see all of the state managed waterways. You’ll find the fish species in a given waterway, the ease of access, level of fishing pressure, what’s being stocked and driving directions to each given location. There is also a filter that highlights all of the family fishing locations. These spots will have easier access, safer conditions and a good chance at catching fish. We use the fishing atlas every week when were looking for new spots to try out.
The last place to search is good ole’ Google. Once we find a place on the fish atlas or by stopping in our local fishing store, we will head home and do some final research before heading out. These days there are plenty of forums, blogs and other publications that provide trip reports or overviews of fishing waters. You might find some tips that help with fishing success or push you into another place to try out. Its good to know what the parking situation is like, if there are restrooms and where they are located, and if there are operating hours. State Parks and Town Lakes will typically have hours based around the sunrise and sunset which is good to know before hand. Its also good to know if there are any special regulations like are pets allowed, or if you should bring along drinking water. Almost all of this will be found with a simple google search. It sounds simple and easy, but in todays day and age, its easy to forget that old forums and trip reports can make for excellent knowledge gathering.
Fishing with your family is a wonderful way to spend an afternoon. Like anything else, a little research goes a long way. By using checking the local fishing agencies, talking to your local gear shop and wrapping up with some quick google searching, you’ll find the perfect family friendly fishing spot for sure! Its mostly about the experience, but catching a fish sure helps hook them for life! Good luck and have fun. Remember that you’re out there to make a fishing buddy for life!
Tight Lines and Happy Trails,
The Trails To Trout Family
