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

5. Jackson Hole, Wyoming is known as a Mecca for fly-fishing enthusiasts from around the globe. As a special this season for Dad’s and kids, the Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole will be offering a Private Helicopter Fly-fishing package. The Helicopter will ferry up gear and provisions as well as a picnic lunch packed by the onsite Chef. You will be whisked off to a secluded high Alpine Lake for an unforgettable day of fishing and scenic flights around the Teton Range. Not into flying? The in-house director of fly fishing offers casting and fly-tying lessons, and expert instruction and guiding on private float trips in  hand-crafted wooden boats along the Snake River, where native cut-throat trout abound.

6. Juneau, Alaska, is the spot for Dad’s and kids looking for the best deep-sea salmon and halibut fishing, as well as Dolly Varden and Cut-throat Trout in fresh water lakes and rivers.  When not out with the poles, you can go hiking, take a helicopter to land on a glacier, enjoy a whale watch, or hike along some of Juneau’s nearly 300 miles of nature trails.  If you stay at Pearson’s Pond Luxury Inn and Adventure Spa, you can also paddle around the pond to feed the ducks, take bikes and ride to world famous Mendenhall Glacier, or relax in a rain forest hot tub.

7. South Holston River Lodge (SHRL) in Bristol, Tennessee is the South’s premier fly-fishing destination. The South Fork of the Holston River holds 4,000 to 5,000 trout per linear mile. The fish average from 10 to 20 inches in length, but wild browns that weigh up to 10 pounds are caught each season. Owners Bill and Will Andersen are passionate about their sport, and the entire staff will do everything possible to make sure guests’ time on the water is educational and enjoyable. Experiencing a summer-time Sulphur hatch on the South Holston is one of the best dry fly fishing experiences of a fisherman’s life. Accommodations are first class, but the SHRL is a fishing-casual environment. Flip flops, T-shirts, a light rain jacket, and fishing clothing are all you need.

8. Suncadia Resort is a year-round mountain resort located 80 miles east of Seattle, Washington. Fly tying is complimentary for resort guests and is available each Saturday at 10 a.m. Kids get hands-on classes to learn the basics of fly fishing, and trout biology, habitat and behavior. Dads study the art of casting under the guidance of an expert instructor. And the entire family can enjoy guided fly-fishing day trips, walk and wade guided fly-fishing excursions, and river rafting trips.

9. The Idaho Rocky Mountain Ranch in central Idaho’s Sawtooth Mountains offers a great setting for a fishing expedition with your Dad. Many of the nearby alpine lakes, as well as the ranch’s pond, are stocked with fish. The pond features a paddleboat for anglers and those who just want to meander around the lake. There’s also access to fishing on the Salmon River on ranch grounds. The ranch is offering a special Father’s Day Weekend Package, June 14, 15, and 16, giving all fathers the children’s rate: three nights for $510 in a cabin or lodge room. In addition to fishing, the ranch provides a hearty breakfast, packed picnic lunch, dinner, the use of mountain bikes and the natural hot springs swimming pool, hiking, and a knowledgeable staff to assist with activities. Dinner styles are rotated with a casual barbecue Saturday and fine dining in the Lodge dining room Friday and Sunday. Musical entertainment is featured on Saturday and Sunday.

10. Tanque Verde Ranch, located on 60,000 acres in the Sonoran Dessert of Tucson, Arizona, is a great place for a Dad and kids getaway. Lake Corchran, an on-property 1.5 acre catch-and-release fishing lake, has plenty of action for both experienced and novice anglers. It’s swimming with an abundance of bluegill sunfish, largemouth bass, and channel catfish waiting to bite. Not only is tackle and bait provided for visitors, but there is also fishing instruction available several days a week for those who want to learn more about the sport. The Ranch is offering a “Hey Dad, Hey Dude” package that allows families to celebrate Father’s Day anytime throughout the month of June. With rates starting at $199 per night, this package includes two-nights in southwestern-styled accommodations, breakfast, a guided mountain biking ride, group trail rides or private family walking rides on horseback, two tickets to the Pima Air Museum or the Sonoran Desert Museum, and unlimited fishing.

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