Where to take 6 yr old for first time fly fishing

[Redside]

Hello all,

I've spent most of my time fly fishing on the Deschutes but that was with other fishing buddies my own age. It's now time to take my youngster (6 yrs old) on his first fly fishing adventure and was wondering if anyone had ideas. The Deschutes would be too much for the little guy and I'm looking for some place that will give him lots of opportunities to see fish - quantity is more important than quality at this juncture.

We will either bank fish or fish from a small two-person aluminum boat. We probably won't go for another month or so but I'm doing my homework now. We went and bought him a fly rod this morning. We're in Portland and would like to find something within an hour drive. Any ideas?

p.s. Found this forum while googling Vernonia Pond --- very cool forum.

 

[redhawk50]

Well if you weren't on this side of the mountains I hear (never have fished it myself) that the Crooked river is a great place for beginners. Otherwise there are a couple of 17 and under ponds that people on this Forum talk about. I know Canby Pond is one of them. Like it that you are starting young with your kid!

 

[Redside]

I have fished the Crooked and you're right it would be a nice place to take him. It's best if you can wade it so that might have to wait - no waders yet for him. I'll check out Canby Pond. Thanks for the advise.

 

[cutthroat]

i would take him to horning's hideout in north plains, it's a small private lake that is full of rainbows. catch and release fly fishing is about $7.50 an hour per person. the fish are plentiful and some of good size. google horning's hideout and give it a try

 

[ArcticAmoeba]

Agreed. Hornings was great the three times I have been there with the neighborhood squirts.We just crushed 'em on ant patterns, and 4 wt. Bamboo bug flingers. Great fun, and fast action for a beginner/younger angler. And there is plenty if room for nice backcasts, so learning is easier out there, as opposed to a brushy river setting. Good luck to you guys!

 

[Redside]

Found it... Official Web Site of Oregon's Premier Wedding Site, Horning's Fishing and Picnic Hideout

Excellent suggestion. We'll be sure to hit it first before we move on to other venues. I especially like that they allow fly fishermen to catch and release. Thanks!

 

[Raincatcher]

Check this out

Check this out

Hello all,

I've spent most of my time fly fishing on the Deschutes but that was with other fishing buddies my own age. It's now time to take my youngster (6 yrs old) on his first fly fishing adventure and was wondering if anyone had ideas. The Deschutes would be too much for the little guy and I'm looking for some place that will give him lots of opportunities to see fish - quantity is more important than quality at this juncture.

We will either bank fish or fish from a small two-person aluminum boat. We probably won't go for another month or so but I'm doing my homework now. We went and bought him a fly rod this morning. We're in Portland and would like to find something within an hour drive. Any ideas?

p.s. Found this forum while googling Vernonia Pond --- very cool forum.

Redside;
On behalf of hundreds,actually over 1200 fellow members,welcome! Welcome to you and your fur flinging family. Way to go,passing on a wonderful hobby/sport/tradition to your little guy.
Here is a website that has tons of information for Oregonians wanting to hit the water. Boat Escape; Ultimate Oregon Boating, Camping, Fishing Resource . Check it out, it even has current weather conditions,maps and what species. There is a section just for campsites,a list of handicap accessible lakes & rivers...just oodles of useful information. Check out Harriet Lake while you are there,it is fairly small-fry friendly. Or it used to be when my kids were small. Have fun & be safe.
Barb

 

[Redside]

That is a cool website. Thanks for the tip.