Fishing trips for kids are dear to my heart. Growing up, my family owned a fishing lodge in northern Manitoba. From a young age, I was out in a boat, casting my line to catch a trophy. Some of my best memories are of our fishing lodge and being a kid out in nature.
Fishing trips are a great family activity that will keep everyone entertained. There is nothing like spending time with your kids and watching them reel in their first fish.
In this blog post, we will look at some of the best fishing spots for kids and provide tips on how to make the most of your trip.
We’ll also recommend some gear that will make your fishing experience more enjoyable.
So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to take your family on an adventure they’ll never forget!
Table of Contents
Here are the top USA fishing trips for kids:
OREGON FISHING TRIPS FOR KIDS
Oregon is a fisherman’s paradise, with hundreds of miles of pristine coastline and plenty of rivers, creeks and lakes that are teeming with fish.
If you’re looking for a great fishing trip for kids, you’ll find everything from trout and salmon to bass and catfish in some of the most beautiful scenery in the country.
CRATER LAKE
Crater Lake National Park is home to one of the deepest lakes in the United States, Crater Lake, making it a perfect spot for fishing.
The park also offers hiking, camping, and wildlife watching opportunities, so there’s something for everyone in your family to enjoy.
This popular tourist destination is also a great place to catch trout. The lake is stocked with rainbow trout, cutthroat trout, and kokanee salmon.
There are also plenty of opportunities to catch other fish, such as bass and perch.
If you’re looking for a challenge, you can try your hand at fly fishing.
WILLAMETTE RIVER
If you’re looking for a place to fish that’s a little less crowded, you may want to try the Willamette River.
This river is located in western Oregon and is home to many different types of fish.
You can find trout, salmon, and bass in the Willamette River.
The river is also a great place to go kayaking or canoeing.
FLORIDA FISHING TRIPS FOR KIDS
If you’re looking for some saltwater fishing for your kiddo, Florida is at the top of the list.
A fishing trip to Florida is a must for any angler, and there are plenty of great spots to choose from.
Kid friendly fishing charters aren’t hard to find in Florida. Most will have a half day trip option that’s perfect for young children.
GULF COAST
The Gulf Coast is home to some of the best fishing in the state, and the following destinations are hot spots.
– Destin
– Panama City Beach
– Pensacola Beach
– Fort Walton Beach
– Navarre Beach
– Perdido Key
FLORIDA KEYS
The Florida Keys are another hot spot for kids to fish.
The Keys are made up of a series of small islands, so there are plenty of options for where to go fishing. Some of the best fishing spots include Marathon, Islamorada, and Key West.
When it comes to bait or lures, there are also many options.
For bottom fishing, live bait such as shrimp or crabs work well.
For trolling or casting, try using artificial lures such as jigs or spoons.
And for fly fishing, there are a variety of flies that work well in the Keys, including bonefish, permit, and tarpon flies.
You can take private charters for day trips off the coast and see different species of fish, including
An inshore trip would be most enjoyable for young anglers, as offshore fishing trips (deep sea fishing trips) are long and arduous for kids.
MONTANA FISHING TRIPS FOR KIDS
There are plenty of fishing opportunities in the beautiful state of Montana, and the scenery is simply stunning. Kids will love spending time outdoors in the fresh air, and they’re sure to catch plenty of fish.
The state is home to some of the best trout fishing in the country, so be sure to bring your tackle box.
And if you’re looking for a little adventure, try your hand at fly fishing in one of Montana’s many rivers.
HUNGRY HORSE RESERVOIR
If you’re looking for a place to fish that’s close to Kalispell, look no further than the Hungry Horse Reservoir.
This spot is known for its abundance of trout, making it a popular destination for anglers from all over the state.
Not only can you reel in cutthroat and bull trout, but also whitefish.
The best time to fish here is in the spring and fall, when the water is a bit cooler.
GLACIER NATIONAL PARK
Glacier National ParK is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Montana, and for good reason.
The scenery is simply stunning, and there are plenty of opportunities for fishing.
Kids will love hiking through the park and fishing in the pristine lakes and rivers.
Glacier National Park is a must-see destination for any family that loves fishing.
Species range from bull trout to northern pike to white fish. It just depends on the area of the park you’re fishing in.
You don’t need a fishing license when you fish inside of the park, which makes it a great spot!
FLATHEAD LAKE
Flathead Lake is one of the most popular fishing spots in Montana, and for good reason.
This lake is home to a variety of fish, including northern pike, largemouth bass, cutthroat trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, lake trout, pumpkinseed sunfish, and yellow perch.
The best time to fish here is in the summer, when the water is warm and the fish are biting.
YELLOWSTONE RIVER
The Yellowstone River is one of the best spots in Montana for trout fishing.
This river offers plenty of fishing opportunities for kids, and it’s located in a stunningly beautiful area.
The scenery here is simply amazing, and your kids will love spending time by the river.
There are also plenty of campsites near the Yellowstone River, so you can stay for several days.
This river is located in southwestern Montana, near the town of Bozeman.
The best time to fish here is in the spring and fall, when the water is a bit cooler.
Species of fish include: walleye, whitefish, brown trout, channel catfish, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout, sauger, blue sucker, shovelnose sturgeon
MADISON RIVER
The Madison River is a great place to go fishing for trout with your kids.
This river is located in southwestern Montana, near the town of West Yellowstone.
This river is known for its excellent trout fishing, and it’s located in a beautiful setting.
The scenery is simply breathtaking, and your kids will love exploring the riverbanks.
There are also plenty of campsites near the Madison River, so you can spend several days fishing here.
The best time to fish here is in the spring and fall, when the water is a bit cooler.
Fish species include: Arctic grayling, stonecat, longnose dace, mountain sucker, white sucker, longnose sucker, Rocky Mountain sculpin, mountain whitefish, and westslope cutthroat trout.
COLORADO FISHING TRIPS FOR KIDS
Colorado is a mecca for outdoor activities, and fishing is no exception.
The state is home to some of the best trout fishing in the country, and there are plenty of great spots to choose from.
So whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, you’re sure to find a spot that’s perfect for your family.
ARKANSAS RIVER
The Arkansas River is known for its excellent fishing opportunities, and it’s especially popular with kids. Rainbow and brown trout abound.
The river is home to a wide variety of fish, including trout, bass, catfish, and salmon.
There are also plenty of places to fish along the river, so you’re sure to find a spot that suits your needs.
COLORADO RIVER
If you’re looking for a more challenging fishing experience, head to the Colorado River.
The Colorado River is known for its large trout and bass populations.
You can also fish for largemouth bass, channel catfish, walleye, black crappie, and striped bass.
It’s also home to some of the most beautiful scenery in Colorado.
If you’re looking for a fishing trip that your kids will never forget, the Colorado River is the place to go!
POUDRE RIVER
If you’re looking for a family-friendly fishing spot, try the Poudre River. There are plenty of places to fish along the river, which makes it a great day fishing spot.
The Poudre River is known for its large brown trout population, and it’s perfect for kids of all ages.
The river is also home to a variety of other fish, including arctic grayling,
WYOMING FISHING TRIPS FOR KIDS
Wyoming is another great state for fishing, and the options are endless.
The state is home to several major rivers, including the Yellowstone River, so you’re sure to find a spot that’s perfect for your family.
And if you want to get away from it all, head to one of Wyoming’s many lakes for some peaceful fishing.
BIGHORN RIVER
One of the best places to fish with kids is in the Bighorn National Forest.
This forest is located in north-central Wyoming and offers plenty of opportunities for fishing, hiking, and sightseeing.
The Bighorn River is a great place to start your fishing adventures in the national forest, and it is home to a variety of fish, including rainbow trout, brown trout, and cutthroat trout.
PLATTE RIVER
If you are looking for a fishing trip that is closer to the Wyoming state capital, Cheyenne, the Platte River is a great option.
This river offers plenty of opportunities for both novice and experienced anglers, and it is home to a variety of trout, including rainbow, brown and cutthroat.
The Platte River is also a great place for kids to learn about the history of Wyoming, as it was one of the main routes used by settlers travelling westward in the 1800s.
GLENDO RESERVOIR
Glendo Reservoir is a beautiful location for a day of fishing.
The reservoir is home to a variety of fish, including bass, catfish, black crappie, walleye and perch.
The best time to fish at Glendo Reservoir is during the spring and summer months.
ALASKA FISHING TRIPS FOR KIDS
A fishing trip to Alaska is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, and there are plenty of great, kid-friendly spots to choose from.
The state is home to some of the best salmon fishing in the world, and there’s something to appeal to everyone.
And if you’re looking for a little adventure, try your hand at fly fishing in one of Alaska’s many rivers.
TALKEETNA RIVER
If you’re looking for a trip that the whole family can enjoy, the Talkeetna River is a great option.
This river is known for its its salmon population and includes all 5 species of pink salmon.
You can also fish for Arctic grayling, rainbow trout and Dolly Varden.
The Talkeetna River is also perfect for kids, as it’s relatively easy to fish.
KENAI RIVER
The Kenai River is a great place to take your kids fishing.
This river is known for its abundance of salmon, and it’s home to some of the best fishing in Alaska.
You’ll find king salmon, silver salmon, pink salmon and sockeye salmon, plus more.
The Kenai River is also a great place for trout fishing, so you’re sure to catch something no matter what you’re after.
And if you’re looking to catch halibut, you’re in luck! You can fish for those here too!
CHUGACH RIVER
The Chugach River is another great option for kids fishing trips in Alaska.
This river is known for its large rainbow trout, and it’s the perfect place to teach your kids how to fish.
The Chugach River is also a great place to see wildlife, so you’ll get to enjoy some beautiful scenery while you’re fishing.
Species on the Chugach River include red and silver salmon and beautiful rainbow trout.
MINNESOTA FISHING TRIPS FOR KIDS
OTTER TAIL LAKE
Otter Tail Lake is a great place for fishing, especially if you’re looking to reel in a walleye.
With its deepest spot at 120 feet, this lake is a fishing oasis. You will find largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, black crappie, walleye, bluegill, green sunfish, rock bass, yellow perch and northern pike.
The kids will have a blast trying to catch one of these fish, and they will never forget the fight a walleye puts up while being reeled in.
Make sure you bring your tackle box and plenty of bait!
If you have family members who would rather swim, or water-ski, they can do that to!
This versatile lake is one of the best around.
LAKE MINNETONKA
One of the best places to go fishing for kids in Minnesota is Lake Minnetonka.
This large lake is home to a variety of fish, including largemouth bass, muskie, sunfish, crappie, and bluegill.
The best way to catch fish in this location is by using live bait such as worms or minnows.
You can also use artificial lures such as spinnerbaits or crankbaits.
MISSISSIPPI RIVER
Another great place to go fishing for kids is the Mississippi River.
This iconic river is home to a wide variety of fish, including large mouth and small mouth bass, walleye, sauger, white bass, blue gill, crappie, northern pike, and catfish.
The best way to catch fish in this location is by using jigs or live bait such as minnows or nightcrawlers.
You can also use artificial lures such as spinnerbaits or crankbaits.
HOW TO PLAN A FISHING TRIP FOR KIDS
One of the best things about fishing is that it can be enjoyed by people of all ages. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fisherman, there’s a fishing spot that will be perfect for you and your family.
DECIDE WHAT YOU WANT TO FISH FOR
There are so many different types of fish that you can fish for with your kiddos.
If you’re new to fishing, I recommend trying out trout or bass fishing.
These are two of the most popular types of fishing and they can be enjoyed by people of all ages.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT SPOT
In general, smaller streams and rivers are ideal for kids because they offer plenty of opportunities to catch fish and they’re not as deep as larger bodies of water.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced fisherman, there’s a fishing spot that will be perfect for you and your family.
In general, smaller streams and rivers are ideal for kids because they offer plenty of opportunities to catch fish and they’re not as deep as larger bodies of water.
CHOOSE THE RIGHT TIME OF YEAR
Plan your trip around the time of year that offers the best fishing conditions.
For example, trout fishing is best in the spring and early summer, while bass fishing is most enjoyable in the late summer and fall.
Some spots are more productive during certain times of the year than others.
CONSIDER A FISHING GUIDE
If you’re new to fishing, it might be a good idea to bring along a guide or experienced fisherman tIf you’re new to fishing, it might be a good idea to bring along a guide or experienced fisherman to show you the ropes.
Fishing guides will help make your trip more enjoyable, and will give your kids a chance to learn from someone who has years of experience in fishing.
Not all fishing techniques are created equal, and a guide will share their knowledge on how to catch the most fish.
BRINGING THE RIGHT FISHING GEAR
In addition to choosing the right spot, you’ll also need to bring the right gear.
Here are a few items that we recommend bringing along:
☐ A fishing rod and reel
☐ Tackle box with a variety of lures and bait
☐ Sunglasses and sunscreen
☐ Hat or cap
☐ Insect repellent
☐ Cooler with drinks and snacks
FINAL THOUGHTS ON FISHING TRIPS FOR KIDS
– Have fun! Fishing should be enjoyable for the whole family, so make sure you spend quality time together and enjoy your trip to its fullest extent.
Now that you’re armed with the right information, it’s time to start planning your next kid-friendly fishing trip! These tips will help make your trip a success and provide you and your family with some unforgettable memories. So, what are you waiting for? Get ready to take your family on an adventure they’ll never forget!