Road Trip

[the_cactus_kid]

Okay, so I gots to break the monotony of all these wonderful E. Idaho ice fishing reports (which I'm extremely envious of).

Anyway, I'm taking the family on a road trip this summer, either July or August. We'll be coming down through Salmon into IF, and making a base camp in IF or Driggs.

I got a 1.5 yr. old and a 3 yr. old, so my wife says camping is not an option at this point. So we'll be staying at hotel, and then exploring the outdoors during the day.

What I'd like you all to weigh in on is this - which is better, July or August? Cool places to fish (catch and release, unless someone wants to hook up with me and take the bounty)? I've hunted E. Idaho, but haven't fished it. And what small towns might have a cool celebration to go to during that time? Ashton? Rigby? Etc.?

Any and all suggestions will help, as I'm trying to make this a killer vacation for my wife and two young boys.

gracias!
[signature]

[lucabrasi]

Do you want to fish rivers or lakes? Small streams? Trout exclussively? Do you have a boat?
Driggs may be a bit more central for base depending on what you want to do but depends on all the other diversions you and your family are after.
End of July and first part of August brings some of the county fairs in SE Idaho around the Preston, Soda Springs, and Bear Lake area if I remember right.
Lots of people here will chime in with great ideas to ponder.
[signature]

[the_cactus_kid]

thanks for the response. I know this community will chime in - that's why I love it here!

I'm a trout fisherman only - and not a fly fisherman at this time. Fly fishing and young kids is a nightmare (and it's not easy to hold a gin & tonic and fly fish at the same time - hey, it's vacation). So family friendly lakes, or even rivers, would be great. Some place where I can fish, the wife can sunbathe, and the kids can run around. Won't have a boat.

thanks!
[signature]

[fshlver]

One place we love to take the family every summer is Macks Inn in Island park. There are cabin rentals right on the river for a reasonable price the river is beautiful and great for the kids to play in slow moving and shallow and clear. You can even take a float from big springs boat launch up the road right to your cabin the whole float is flat and relaxing great for kids. Plus you are very close to Henry's lake, Hebgan Lake, Island Park reservoir and right on the henry's fork. Only 20 miles or so from West Yellowstone. Something to look into our family camps in the campground, but the cabins would be a good option too. Have a great trip whereever you decide to go.
[signature]

[lucabrasi]

Macks Inn is a great suggestion. It is a bit further north than Driggs but could be a more central base camp for what you are after. Most definately family friendly and would be a memorable vacation for sure.
Knowing what I know now after many years in the area I would have probably gone the route you are thinking awhile ago but in the last few years have stumbled upon SE Idaho near Preston and Soda Springs and that area. All unique towns not like anytown USA although Driggs definately holds it's own there too. Plenty of lower cost motels and many different kinds of water to fish. Lots of lakes with shore fishing and rivers and streams that are accessable. You also have Bear Lake with great family beaches and warm water at those places. Fishing on those beaches isn't really what you want as they are very shallow and over run with people but it is ideal for little kids to play and blow off steam. I am not sure Bear Lake is a good place to fish from shore in the summer anywhere though it has some very nice fish. You also have Lava Hot Springs with lots of family activities and fishing nearby of different sorts and a few other hot spring resorts nearby. It is really off the main tourist path in this area with plenty to do and see. (here I am advertising it)
If you are more into the classic rocky mountain experience then Driggs/Macks Inn should be considered but for more off the beaten path check out the Bear Lake area.
[signature]

[Belasko]

If you're thinking the northern portion of SE Idaho I might suggest a slightly different location. Try Ashton. It's about half way (I'd guess) between Macks Inn/Island Park and Driggs. It would make it very easy to go east to Driggs, Tetonia, Victor, Grand Targhee, yes they are open in the summer and often have some good concerts, not to mention the Tetons.

Going north you get into Island Park with decent to good fishing at Macks Inn but better if you hit the Buffalo River upstream of where it dumps into the Henry's Fork below Island Park Res., also good fishing w/ a boat. As mentioned the Macks Inn stretch and also the Buffalo near Ponds Lodge have fairly kid friendly waters for wading and floating.

Finally if you stay right around Ashton you have the county boat dock that has a grassy area w/ trees for shade and is usually friendly for wading. F&G also heavily stock that area with trout. I have yet to get skunked in that area. Fishing is great all the way upstream to the Warm River Campground which is also heavily stocked and only about 15 minutes from town. Plus you have access to the Bechler area and cave Falls of Yellowstone a little further out. Easily you could spend your entire trip in any one of these areas and not get enough. I've lived in IF all my life and am still trying to get to large amounts of it! Don't forget that Ashton puts you only about 1 hour from the west entrance to Yellowston, if that.

As for time of year July and August are both pretty good. Busy on the weekends though, like anywhere else. Not too hard to get away from crowds though. Once you have dates figured out, if you come into that general area, let me know. If I'm available I'm always willing to do a float from Warm River to Ashton and I have no problem taking a couple kids with a total of 2 adults in the drift boat. I've done more but gets crowded.

No matter where you go it should be a fun trip.
[signature]

[michael44]

I live in IF and would gladly take you to a couple great places.
Just shoot me a PM when you are here,
Mike.
[signature]

[the_cactus_kid]

Thanks all for the suggestions and offers! While I do need to explore the Bear Lake/Franklin County areas sometime soon, we're going to limit ourselves to North of IF. We'll probably spend a fair bit of time in Driggs, Ashton, and the Island Park area. So as the time draws nearer, I'll take you up on some of that guidance.

thanks again
[signature]