The great state of Oregon is of course well known for its natural beauty, and that beauty is on full display at the famous Columbia River Gorge National Park. This gorgeous park is filled with natural wonders and visitors from around the world flock here for fishing, camping, hiking, bird watching, wildlife viewing or just to enjoy the grandeur of nature.

There are many must see sites for first time visitors to the Columbia River Gorge National Park, but one of the most remarkable is the breathtaking Multnomah Falls. This natural wonder is not to be missed, and all visitors to the Columbia River Gorge National Park should carve some time out of their schedule to see it.

Standing some 620 feet tall, Multnomah Falls is the second highest waterfall in the United States. This double tiered waterfall is truly remarkable, and well worth the hike. Those who want an up close and personal view of this spectacular waterfall should be sure to visit the Benson Bridge – this bridge lets visitors see the falls from between the upper and lower tier.

Any visitor with an interest in fishing should try his or her luck both above and below Bonneville Dam. The sturgeon fishing is particularly great in the Columbia River, but the waters in the park are also filled with small mouth and large mouth bass, walleye, shad and more. . Salmon fishermen and women should check out the Little White Salmon River, also within the borders of the park.

Washington State has its share of great Columbia River fishing too. A Columbia River Fishing Vacation could be a memorable event for the avid fisherman. There is a nice little guide to catching salmon on the Columbia River and elsewhere HERE. (more…)

Outdoor pursuits are very popular in the state of Michigan, a state abundant with rivers and streams. There are also several lakes, including the Great Lakes of Lake Superior, Michigan, Huron, St.Clair and Erie. Michigan fishing vacations promise terrific catches in the midst of great scenery. Various companies hire out charter boats and organize vacation packages for different kinds of sport fishing. Corporate packages are also available for some out of office bonding.

Fly fishing and ice fishing is catered to along with more common types, and Michigan fishing is good for the scratch beginner or the expert. Rivers and streams are good spots to catch brookies and browns. The numerous inland lakes are ideal for smallmouth, perch, trout, walleyes and northerns.

For sheer scale, nothing can beat the sight of Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world, where the catch is likely to be salmon, rainbows and lake trout. The laws with regard to catching salmon, state that the fish must be a minimum of 10 inches in length. Giant Lakers are plentiful in Stannard Rock, a shallow water reef in the middle of this Great Lake. These can be caught with jigging and casting. Little Bay du Noc in Northern Lake Michigan is the place for walleyes.

The area is perfect for getting into the wilderness, away from traffic noise and polluted air. Companies run day trips, half-day trips and longer stays for Michigan fishing, hunting and sailing vacations. Visitors can stay in five star hotels or accommodation provided by all in packages. There is a varied choice of cottages, bed and breakfast establishments and even lighthouses. Many people like to stay by the lake in heated log cabins.
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Fishermen in California have a wide choice of lakes which provide them with excellent fishing opportunities. One of the best in southern California for bass fishing is the Lower Otay Lake.

Located on the Otay River in San Diego County, the lake was created on the completion of the Savage Dam. Typical lake information includes its size which is around 1,100 acres and its average depth which is approximately 125 feet. The lake is considered one of the best bass fishing spots on the west coast as the many old dead trees and rock piles provide perfect habitat.

The other primary fish species in the lake include catfish, bluegill, crappie and bullhead. Fish limits are 5 catfish, 5 bass and 25 crappie with no limit on other fish species. The lake is a Bassmaster Tournament location and is a popular spot in California during the fishing season.

Other lake information includes that it is open for fishing on Wednesday and the weekend and this can be done by boat, from the shoreline or using a float tube. No overnight camping is allowed around the lake with the nearest campground facilities being 2 miles away. The nearest city is Chula Vista which is around 8 miles west of the lake with downtown San Diego being a 30 minute drive away.

The weather is generally fine throughout the year with little rain. The high temperature in the summer months reaches into the 80’s with temperatures in the 60’s more typical during the winter. Other local attractions include boating and hiking.