More Colorado Freshwater Fishing Destinations

This is a follow up to a previous post - Colorado Freshwater Fishing Destinations.

Rio Grande River: The legendary Rio Grande River flows through the San Juan Mountain Range and Rio Grande National Forest, boasting enormous brown trout just waiting for cagey fly fishermen. Near the towns of South Fork and Del Norte, in particular, you'll find government leases on private land that allow you easy access to the Rio Grande. This website offers a nice assortment of links to Del Norte area motorhome campgrounds.

North Delaney Butte: Three bodies of water boasting great trout fishing can be found near Walden in Northern Colorado. North Delaney Butte Lake, East Delaney and South Delaney Butte Lakes form a fisherman's paradise that will tempt you to stay for weeks. North Delaney is actually one of a handful of "Gold Medal" rated trout lakes in the state. By the way, the North Platte River winds through the canyons in this area and also offers tremendous trout fishing possibilities.

There are areas for wakeless boat fishing on these lakes, and those willing to do a little hiking can also find quiet bank or bellyboat fishing areas. Plan to fish primarily for brown trout here, but also be on the lookout for rainbow and cutthroats. A nice RV campground, Lake John Resort, is available on the shores of nearby Lake John, also known for its trophy trout fishing.

There are hundreds of great freshwater fishing destinations in Colorado, and most of them have comfortable RV campsites nearby. As you're putting your vacation plans together this year, why not schedule a trip to the Rockies for some serious fishing action? To keep your trip very affordable, gather a few of your fishing buddies and split the cost of RV rental, food and campground fees.

You're not going to want to come in off the water once you've learned the joys of fishing in Colorado. Why not find out why thousands of RV campers drop a hook in the Centennial State each year?

Utah Freshwater Fishing Destinations

Does the idea of dropping a line in a clear, cool lake have you reaching for your fishing tackle? RV campers from all over are discovering the joys of freshwater fishing in Utah. Huge lake trout, abundant striped bass and tiger muskie that will give you the fight of your life are all waiting for you in Utah. Here are some places RV campers report make a great fishing vacation destination.

Lake Powell
Deep blue waters and amazing red rock canyons are only two of the reasons motorhome campers who love to fish love Utah's Lake Powell. Located in Glen Canyon National Recreation Area, which stretches from northern Arizona into Utah, Lake Powell has thousands of miles of shoreline waiting to be explored. Every campground on this enormous lake offers scenery that will have your camera clicking. Fishing for striper is especially popular at Lake Powell, and this handy Fishing Lake Powell guide will point you to the coves with the most action.

Flaming Gorge Reservoir
Located near the Utah/Wyoming border, Flaming Gorge National Recreation Area has spectacular scenery, woodland RV campgrounds and thousands of trophy-size rainbow, brown and cutthroat trout! While you're in the area, fish the Green River in the scenic canyon below Flaming Gorge Dam for record-breaking brown trout. This popular RV camping destination does require campground reservations, so use this Camping at Flaming Gorge Reservoir link to make yours.

Jordanelle State Park
West of Salt Lake City in the front range of the Wasatch Mountains, you'll find Jordanelle State Park, home to abundant fishing opportunities. It's famous for its smallmouth bass population, and also offers plenty of cutthroat, brown trout and perch fishing. Nearby, Rivers Edge at Deer Park Resort features picturesque, tree-shaded RV campsites and fly fishing adventures on the Provo River.

Ready to find your own trophy trout in Utah? Our Salt Lake City RV Rentals location is ready to provide you with a well-equipped RV for your Utah camping and fishing trip. The fantastic scenery, comfortable RV campgrounds and memorable fishing experiences make Utah one of the best places you'll ever visit. Let us know what your Utah fishing adventure reels in!

Fishing, World's Largest Flea Market & More at LakeRidge RV Park

This was provided to us by our friends at LakeRidge RV Park in Gun Barrel City, Texas.

LakeRidge RV Park is located in the heart of Gun Barrel City, Texas which is located in the "Heart of Cedar Creek Lake" and is approximately 60 miles southeast of the Dallas/Fort Worth Metroplex. It has the distinction of being the only town in the United States to bear its unusual name. On the shores of beautiful Cedar Creek Lake, Gun Barrel City offers visitors diverse options for dining, golfing and water sports. Gun Barrel City is located a short drive from area attractions, including world known First Monday Trade Days in Canton and the Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens.

First Monday Trade Days is the oldest and largest flea market in the world! They have 100,000 - 300,000 visitors a month with over 3,000 vendors including various Food Concessions. The Trade Days open 7:00 a,m. on Thursday and run through Sunday before the First Monday of every month. They have covered and open air spaces, have Paramedics and Police Sub-Stations for safety

Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center in Athens you and your family will have a great time discovering the magic of freshwater fish and wildlife at this incredible $18 million facility, which includes a state of the art hatchery and scientific laboratory. Stare eye-to-eye with freshwater fish in their incredible 300,000 gallons of aquaria. Don't miss the dive show - talk to the divers through the underwater intercom while they feed some of Texas' biggest fish. Catch trout and catfish in their 1.5 acre pond (they even provide poles, bait and show you how). Walk through the new wetlands exhibit and discover where the fish and wildlife live-it's a natural classroom! Visit the Angler Hall of Fame. Schedule a tour through their hatchery and take the tram to see it all.

While here plan on enjoying water sports and fishing Cedar Creek Lake. Also nearby is Purtis Creek State Park where the fishing is good at the Purtis Creek State Park Lake.

Other RV Campgrounds should feel free to share with us the wonders that may be found in and around their campground. Please send your article submissions to monty@elmonterv.com.

Washington State Freshwater Fishing Destinations

Anglers who know where to find great freshwater fishing make tracks regularly to Washington State. The lure of clear, blue lakes and rivers with abundant fish species is hard to resist. Travelling there by RV keeps it comfortable and affordable.

Here is a quick rundown of lakes and rivers in Washington that boast fantastic fishing. We've included information of interest to RV campers to help make vacation planning easy.

Washington's Fabulous Fishing Lakes
There are hundreds of lakes in Washington to choose from. They make the perfect venue for a motorhome camping/fishing trip. Here are five spectacular fishing lakes that you can visit in the Evergreen State.

Lake Curlew – This gorgeous lake near the Canadian border in northeast Washington attracts bigmouth bass and trout fishermen year-round. Beautiful lakeside RV campsites allow you to dock your boat adjacent to your motorhome. What could be more convenient? Some nice places to stay when fishing Curlew Lake include Tiffanys Resort and Curlew Lake State Park.

Banks Lake – Carved into the red rock canyons near Grand Coulee Dam, Banks Lake offers trout, walleye and largemouth bass worth traveling for! Full service RV campgrounds are located near the water (including the Sunbanks Lake Resort), so plan to fish late and then sleep in motorhome comfort.

Spencer Lake – Largemouth bass, trout and crappie are waiting at Spencer Lake near Shelton on the Olympic Peninsula. Pull your RV into the pines, reel in a stringer full of fish and enjoy camping vacation memories for years to come.

Offut Lake – The perch and largemouth bass at Offut Lake equal family fishing fun on your vacation. Roll your motorhome into large RV campsites in the forest and enjoy classic Washington RV camping. You might want to check out the Offut Lake Resort when there.

Lake Chelan – Come to the largest lake in Washington State to fish for kokanee, rainbow trout, burbot and lake trout. You might even land a landlocked salmon or two! Located within the North Cascades National Park Service Complex in central Washington, Lake Chelan is an awesome experience for RV campers and anglers alike. The Lakeshore RV Park run by the City of Chelan might be a nice place to stay.

Rivers Where the Fish Are Jumping!
We'd be leaving out some of the best fishing in Washington if we failed to mention its rivers! The mighty Columbia, of course, rolls from its beginnings in British Columbia to the Pacific Ocean at Astoria, Washington. If you're itching to fight a six foot sturgeon weighing in at over two hundred pounds, the Columbia River has plenty to offer! Chinook salmon are also stars of the Columbia, so don't miss a chance to land one yourself.

Fortunately for Columbia River fisherman, abundant RV camping can be found in the towns and villages along the banks of the Columbia. That's also true for another great Washington river, the Lewis, where quiet RV campsites near the river free your crew to fish steelhead in late winter. Whether you're chasing trout, sturgeon, salmon or steelhead, great Washington rivers like the Cowlitz and Wynoochee offer year-round fishing experiences.

Just in case you have questions about special rules that apply to certain freshwater species, the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife has a very informative website and a downloadable brochure to keep you up to date.

So why not come to Washington, where the fish are biting and full-service RV campgrounds are always plentiful? Once you've fished the clear waters of the Evergreen State, you're going to want to come back soon, we promise! El Monte RV can set you up for an RV rental from our Ferndale RV Rentals and Seattle RV Rentals locations.

Texas Freshwater Fishing Destinations

If you love to fish, your next RV vacation should be a Texas RV Vacation. More than a hundred lakes tempt fishermen to drop their hooks in the Lone Star State. Travelling there by motorhome makes the trip easy, with comfortable beds and a well-stocked kitchen to greet you when you come in from a day of fishing. Why not use the links below to start planning your Texas freshwater fishing trip soon?

Freshwater fisherman will find plenty of sport chasing black bass, walleye, crappie and catfish, just to name a few of the species abundant in Texas lakes. Lake Arrowhead near Wichita Falls is famous for its white crappie population. In the same region, Lake Meredith offers walleye enthusiasts a run for their money. An abundance of RV campsites at both lakes makes setting up the fishing camp simple.

In the Piney Woods area of East Texas, lakes like Sam Rayburn, Houston County and Toledo Bend are nationally known for black bass, crappie and catfish. World famous fishing tournaments fill this region's calendar, too, so be sure to sign up if you like your fishing competitive.

Roll your motorhome west to the Lakes Region of Texas, home to more than twenty freshwater fishing lakes. You'll find beautiful Lake Texoma right on the Oklahoma border, promising crappie, bass, catfish and bluegill galore as well as an abundance of privately run and US Corps of Engineer RV campgrounds.

Don't miss your chance to go fly fishing along the Texas Gulf Coast, either. Fly fishing enthusiasts flock each year to Sabine Lake along the Louisiana border, where trout of record size test their skills annually. Trout fishing in this region is legendary, so plan to camp all along the coastline and visit several lakes and estuaries on your trip.

No Texas freshwater fishing trip would be complete without a visit to the South Texas lakes, where striped bass and redfish reign supreme. Try Calaveras, Braunig or Choke Canyon for the ultimate South Texas fishing expedition.

Freshwater fishing is as American as the Fourth of July, and there's no better place to try your hand than Texas. You can also find information on camping, fishing and all kinds of outdoor recreation at the Texas Parks and Wildlife site.

Hook up your boat to a great motorhome and head down the road to Texas. The fish are biting and an adventure for the record books awaits.

See here for more on fishing.

Fisherman's Paradise - Harvey's Lake Cabins and Campground in VT

This is provided to us by our friends at Harvey's Lake Cabins and Campground in West Barnet, Vermont.

Harvey's Lake Cabins and Campground is Vermont's oldest private campground. The campground is located on the shores of Harvey's Lake and channel leading into the lake in the heart of what is known as Vermont's Northeast Kingdom.

Harvey's Lake, a deep glacially formed lake, is well known as a fisherman's paradise. The lake is regularly stocked with lake and rainbow trout, and perch, pickerel, and smelts may also be caught. Some large fish are there for the taking for those anglers willing to work for them.

Other lake activities include kayaking, canoeing, boating (motor boats are allowed on the lake), and water skiing. Harvey's Lake is known as one of the cleanest in Vermont making for excellent swimming. The campground has 2 swimming areas and there is a public beach across the channel.

Some other Northeast Kingdom attractions include:

• The Cabot Creamery Visitors Center in Cabot, VT
• The Caledonia County Fair, August 26 - 30 in Lyndonville, VT
• The Fairbanks Museum & Planetarium in St. Johnsbury, VT which is northern New England's Largest Museum of Natural History
• Horse farms and maple syrup farms

Montpelier, the capital of the State of Vermont, and all that it has to offer is also only an hours drive to the west.

For those who need to rent an RV for a Vermont RV camping adventure, El Monte RV can provide the perfect motorhome from its Boston RV Rentals location, which is actually in Sutton, MA. From there it is a beautiful, scenic, 3 1/2 hour drive north to our friends at Harvey's Lake Cabins and Campground.

Other RV Campgrounds should feel free to share with us the wonders that may be found in and around their campground. Please send your article submissions to monty@elmonterv.com.

Barn Door Halibut in an Alaskan RV Vacation Adventure

This post is courtesy of our friends at Alaskan Angler RV Resort in Ninilchik, Alaska.

As you might imagine, RV parks in Alaska offer opportunities to camp in the midst of breathtaking scenery - glaciers, volcanoes, world-class mountain ranges that cascade into deep blue ocean waters. However, not many RVers realize that camping in Alaska also provides access to world-class fishing in both saltwater and freshwater locations. One of the most popular locations for these activities is Alaska's Kenai Peninsula, just south of the major hub of Alaska, the city of Anchorage. This area is easily accessible by modern highway and is usually the endgame destination of those who drive up the entire distance from the lower 48 on the Alaska Highway.

On the Kenai Peninsula, the village of Ninilchik has become known as the "heart of recreation" due to its central location to several fishing and clamming sites. Ninilchik and the State Recreation area known as Deep Creek is the access point into the salt waters of Cook Inlet, the world-renowned home of huge "barn door" halibut. These unusual flatfish can grow to sizes exceeding 8 feet long and 400 pounds, although the average sport-caught fish is in the 20 to 40 pound range. This area is arguably the most prolific halibut fishery in the world, and it is a very popular activity with RV visitors who charter day trips with local operators.

In addition to white-meat halibut, salmon fishing opportunities abound in the Ninilchik area. The two streams in town, the Ninilchik River and Deep Creek, both support runs of Chinook "king" salmon and coho "silver" salmon. King salmon are the largest salmonoid in the world, and can grow to lengths of five feet and nearly 100 pounds. Silvers are much smaller, about 10 pounds, and are the hardest fighting fish around. They are known for dramatic jumps, back-flips, and dives when hooked. The local rivers are easily fished from the riverbanks, while there are opportunities for chartered boats for these species in the Kasilof and Kenai Rivers just to the north of town.

The prime fillets of all the salmon species come from the sockeye, or "red" salmon, and that fish is also available in this vicinity. The beautifully firm, bright-red, meat of the red salmon makes it the highest priced and most desirable seafood in Alaska. These fish do not require a boat or guide, and can be caught in the Kasilof or Kenai Rivers.

There is also an additional seafood opportunity on the local beaches at low tides: razor clams. These crustaceans are available by digging into the beach sand at times of extra-low tides, known locally as "negative tides". This opportunity occurs when the tide cycle flows out so low that the clam beds are uncovered and you can walk on the ocean floor, usually twice a month for a period of four or five days. Ninilchik is blessed with almost thirteen miles of beaches suitable for clamming, and with the clam bag limit of sixty per person, it is easy to see why this is a very popular endeavor.

Alaskan Angler RV Resort has grown into the largest full-service RV resort in the area due its central location for all of the above activities and its notoriety for providing excellent service, amenities, and activities for RVers while participating in those activities. With on-site fish processing, fishing and clamming gear rentals and sales, as well as charter ocean and river fishing, Alaskan Angler RV is known as the area's premier fishing and clamming resort.

Fishing New Melones Lake, California

We're hearing great reports from RV campers who have discovered New Melones Lake in California's gold rush Country. Nestled in Calaveras County, New Melones Lake is a fisherman's dream come true. With one hundred miles of shoreline, this scenic lake is home to trout, catfish and bass fishing year-round.

Recent fishing reports from the lake boast of rainbow trout over three pounds. Bass, which are strictly catch and release, are giving fishermen plenty of action. There are also monster catfish at the lake that guarantee some great fish stories back home.

Don't have a boat? No worries, if you make your RV vacation trip during cooler months. Plenty of fish are caught right off the bank from November to late spring.

The uncrowded shores of New Melones Lake also make it the perfect place to spend an RV camping vacation. Hundreds of campsites managed by the Bureau of Reclamation are located around the lake in scenic campgrounds. Call for reservations before you head for New Melones, to insure the perfect campsite for your stay.

Hundreds of miles of wooded trails make biking and hiking great alternatives for the non-anglers in your party. The abundance of wildlife in the area, including osprey, deer and bald eagles, keep nature photographers busy year-round, as well.

When you're ready to take a break from fishing, visit Angels Camp nearby. This historic town has preserved the look and feel of a gold rush mining town and makes a great day trip for the fishing party.

For more information on fishing excursions, visit the fishing vacation section of Monty's Musings. Nearby El Monte RV Rental locations for a New Melones Lake fishing vacation include our Sacramento RV Rentals and Stockton RV Rentals locations.

Fishing Lake Amistad, Texas

Lake Amistad straddles the border between Texas and Mexico. The Amistad National Recreation Area is the United States portion of International Amistad Reservoir.

The not so well kept secret of Lake Amistad - top-quality year round fishing. While Amistad is well known for fantastic bass fishing, including largemouth, smallmouth, and striped bass, other fish that can be caught here include: catfish, crappie, various species of sunfish, and alligator gar.

According to the National Park Service, "To maintain the high-quality fishery, "Catch and Release" is encouraged."

The Amistad NRA hosts a number of organized fishing tournaments throughout the year.

Camping Lake Amistad

The Amistad NRA area has 4 campgrounds, all of which are primitive without RV hookups. RV parks and campgrounds with full facilities are located nearby, including:

• American Campground & RV Park
• Broke Mill RV Park
• Lonesome Dove RV Ranch
• Holiday Trav-L- Park

For more information on the area, see the Del Rio Chamber of Commerce website.

RV Rentals for a Lake Amistad Fishing Trip
El Monte RV can set you up in luxury motorhome accommodations from its San Antonio RV rentals location.

Other Resources

• Fishing Amistad Reservoir, Texas Parks and Wildlife
• Lake Amistad, by Jeff Bruhl, Probass Networks
• FishLakeAmistad.com

Some things to note when fishing Lake Amistad: Law requires that those who travel to and from Mexico to have a passport. This is not a requirement for fishing and boating on Lake Amistad. Those fishing Mexico side of Lake Amistad are required to have a Mexico Fishing License. However, if you beach your boat on the Mexico side of the Lake and step foot on land in Mexico, law requires that you re-enter the US through customs with a passport.

Fishing Folsom Lake, California

Folsom Lake is part of the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area (SRA). It is located at the base of the Sierra foothills about 25 miles east of Sacramento.

Fishing
Folsom lake fishing offers trout, catfish, large mouth, small mouth and spotted bass, and perch. Folsom Lake is perhaps best known as an excellent destination for bass fishing. Large fish can be caught by those willing to put in the time.

For additional information on the fishing at Folsom Lake see:

• Folsom Lake - Good Fishing for Sacramento Residents

Other Things to Do at the Folsom Lake SRA
The Folsom Lake SRA offers more than good fishing. Other things to do there include:

• A 32-mile long bicycle path (the American River Bicycle Path) that connects Folsom Lake with many Sacramento County parks.
• The Oaks Nature Trail that offers a trail of over three quarters of a mile that is appropriate for hikers of all fitness levels and is handicapped accessible.

Other Attractions Near Folsom Lake
Attractions that are within a 30 minute drive of Folsom Lake include:

• The California State Railroad Museum
• The Old Governor's Mansion
• The State Capitol Museum
• Sutter's Fort
• Marshall Gold Discovery State Park
• Auburn State Recreation Area
• California State University (CSUS) Aquatic Center

Campgrounds for RV Campers
There are two campgrounds near the lake that can accommodate RVs - the Beals Point Campground and the Peninsula Campground.

RV Rentals for a Visit to Folsom Lake
RV campers can easily pick up an RV from El Monte RV's Sacramento RV rentals location for an RV vacation trip to Folsom Lake.

California's Top Freshwater Fishing Spots

If memories of your favorite vacation include fishing gear and long hours on a lake, why not share that legacy with your family? Everyone should know the thrill of pulling in a huge lake trout or swapping fish stories over a campfire! Give your kids the fishing vacation of a lifetime by exploring the freshwater fishing spots of California.

Southern California Freshwater Fishing
Whether you're a shore fisherman or an avid boater, you'll find the perfect vacation spot in Southern California. Fly into Los Angeles and make the two hour drive to Lake Isabella. There you'll find every kind of fishing, from Largemouth Bass to Crappie. While you're there, fish the adjacent Kern River for its famous Rainbow Trout.

Also north of Los Angeles, you'll find Castaic Lake, a bass angler's dream. Fish, swim, hike and camp at this scenic gem in Southern California. For a chance at a monster-bass, check out Lake Dixon, a small lake near Escondido. It's produced record-breaking bass in recent years, and offers numerous inexpensive campsites.

Before heading north, stop by San Vicente Reservoir. Fish from the island, in a boat or on the shore, and take home your limit of catfish, bass or trout. You could also enjoy the gorgeous scenery at Lake Perris, near Riverside, and fish for Largemouth Bass, Black Crappie and catfish.

Northern & Central California Freshwater Fishing
If you venture into Northern California on your vacation, make a stop at Lake Berryessa, about halfway between Sacramento and Santa Rosa. With 165 miles of shoreline, there's lots of room to fish and camp. Watch for eagles as you enjoy trout, bass and bluegill fishing.

If you're in the Sacramento area, why not vacation at Clear Lake? At the largest natural lake in California, Clear Lake fishermen regularly catch bass over ten pounds. In fact, professional bass fishermen flock to the lake from all over the nation! Why not treat the family to world-class bass fishing, then take the kids on a hike to the site of a Native American village?

If you're after King Salmon, plan to stay at Lake Shasta, just north of Redding. This enormous lake is home to two species of trout and bass, as well as catfish and bluegill. Fed by four rivers, Shasta Lake sits at the edge of Shasta Trinity National Forest and offers your entire family the opportunity for an unforgettable vacation.

South of Sacramento, Lake Amador is nestled in the foothills of the Sierras. Here, the fishermen in your family will find bass up to fifteen pounds, as well as the Lake's own “Cutbow” hybrid trout. Let the kids catch their first trout in this well-stocked lake, and try their hand at snagging one of the forty-pound catfish!

And no fishing trip in Northern California would be complete without stopping by the Lakes Basin Recreation Area, which is north of Sacramento near the town of Truckee. Actually made up of fifty lakes and streams, LBRA offers excellent Rainbow and Eastern Brook Trout fishing.

You're going to love fishing in California! Bring the whole family and plan to camp and stay at one of the Golden State's prime fishing lakes. You'll go home with your minds full of memories and plans already started for next year's trip! A note to all of the RV campers out there – many of these California fishing locations are near RV campgrounds.