Combo and Creative Fly Fishing Trips

If you really have caught the fly fishing fever (in my case it is an incurable disorder) you will find almost any excuse to fish wherever you happen to live, wherever you happen to travel, and at any time of the day, week, or year. Here are some ideas for squeezing some fishing into your travels and even your daily routine.

• Fish on ski trips. Where I live skiing and snowboarding rule the winter months as far as recreation goes. However, winter fly fishing here is amazing, some of the best of the year. Utah and many other locations are perfect for the ski/fly fish combo trip.
• Fish on family vacation. Even if your family vacation isn’t to a fly fishing lodge, take the kids or the significant other out to the nearest water and fish away. Be ready to move on when the attention span meter hits red. It may not be a long outing but this is a great way to get some time on the water without the guilt associated with leaving the fam behind.
• Fish on hunting outings. The famous “cast and blast” can’t be beat for outdoor enthusiasts looking for a trip packed full of outdoor adventure. Pheasant and upland bird hunts, waterfowl, deer hunts, turkeys, and many more make great cast and blast opportunities. Just don’t waste time on any snipe hunts.
• Fish at lunch. I used to spend most lunch breaks on the water. Of course you need water near work, but chances are it’s there somewhere in some form. If you need more time go in an hour early or stay late and take an extra hour at lunch. Eat a PowerBar on the way to maximize fishing time. You’ll be fine.
• Fish on business trips. Let your company pay for your fishing trip. Unless you are very familiar with the location, getting a guide when you travel will pay for itself. Many of my favorite clients to guide are people that set aside a day or even just an afternoon on their business trips.
• Fish in the evening. Find the closest three waters to where you live. Hit them after work until you find the best one then keep going there. This is the best way to really figure out a spot.
• Fish for work. Any guide who is worth their waders will tell you this isn’t as easy as it sounds. Guiding is all work. However, if it’s right for you, guiding is some of the most enjoyable work you will ever do. Photographers, TV hosts, and writers occasionally sneak into this category as well. This stuff is hard work too, but once again, it’s enjoyable and the office views can’t be beat.

Make fly fishing a part of your life and I will guarantee it will help you relax and relieve stress, it will improve your analytical skills, and it will teach you more and bring more enjoyment than any other pastime or recreational pursuit.