Suggestions for first time

[jakobfisher]

Hello everyone, I'm wanting to take my sons on their first fishing trip this weekend. I need some suggestions on where to go that will give us the best chance for success. We are looking to catch some trout and maybe some bass. I won't say we want a guaranteed catch because after all it is called fishing not catching and it's more about the time spent together than anything, however it would be great for them to have a good experience and catch something.

Thanks in advance for your replies.

 

[Trout-tacular!]

Where are you looking to head? Are you just trying to find something close to you? If so where is that?

 

[jakobfisher]

Where are you looking to head? Are you just trying to find something close to you? If so where is that?

Not too far away, maybe an hour or less drive from Gladstone. We don't have a boat so somewhere we could fish off the bank.

 

[Trout-tacular!]

For your area, right off hand, I would suggest the wild and scenic Salmon river near Welches. Its a hour drive from you but is well worth it, smaller size fish but beautiful area. I believe its restricted to artificial flies and lures with a single point hook (size 1 I believe) and multiple hook no larger than maybe 3/8". No limit on Brookies but limits on other trout species. As usual check regs. before heading somewhere to make sure what's ok and what's not. If fishing is slow there's always good hiking to be had.

You might also want to check out ODFW site for other possible easy angling for the kids.

Hope this helps

 

[jakobfisher]

Thanks so much!

 

[wozniasm]

Salmon River area is great!

An option is the campground next to North Fork Reservoir (just east of Estacada) since you're in Gladstone where, if your kids are under 17 can fish the pond (Small Fry Lake) there.
You won't be able to fish Small Fry but the kids can and a stones throw away is the reservoir where all can fish.

Promontory Park Campground

If you want to teach your children to fish, Promontory Park is the place to come. Small Fry Lake, a one-acre lake within the park, was developed for the exclusive use of young anglers. Kids up to 17 years old can fish for their limit of two fish per day on Small Fry Lake. Anglers of all ages can fish on the 350-acre North Fork Reservoir. In addition to fishing, Promontory Park has:

• 50 campsites, including 13 yomes
• Restrooms and showers
• Picnic areas
• Picnic shelter accommodating 75 people
• Electric cooking facilities

Groceries, ice, cafe, fishing tackle, moorage and boat rentals are available at the concession store located at the downstream end of the park. A boat dock and launching area are next to the store.
For people with disabilities, the park has accessible restrooms, campsites and fishing areas.


Another possibility is Harriet lake:
This 22-acre reservoir, which stores water for PGE’s Oak Grove Hydroelectric Project, is stocked with trout.
A small, 10-site campground is located at the head of the lake.
For people with disabilities, the park has accessible restrooms and picnic sites.
Directions: Take Highway 224. Just past the Ripplebrook Campground, turn left on U.S. Forest Service Road 57, then take another left on U.S. Forest Service Road 4630. Watch for signs to Lake Harriet.
Camping reservations: Call 877-444-6777 or reserve space online using the National Recreation Reservation Service.
Park features: Camping, fishing and boating.