So Many Lakes & Rivers... So Little Time

Over my forty plus years of fishing I have been quite lucky to have traveled to some of the finest fishing destinations in North America. I wanted to share with you a few of my favorites over those years, and to look ahead at the places I'd still like to cast a line, even if only to fish for a day or two.

There are so many lakes and so little time that I wonder how I managed to catch as many fish in as many locations as I have. The people that surround me, grant me those opportunities and to them I am forever grateful. My family and friends understand what fishing means to me, and fear from knowing what I would be like without it.

Each year I try to plan as many trips as I can, but vacation time, raising a son, and financial obligations cut into the amount of days I can dedicate to fishing. Many of these destinations have become repeat trips year after year, making it even harder to travel to new locations. So here is a few of my favorite places to fish. I hope you can make time to experience these special waters.

Alaska - I don't think it matters where you fish, or what you are after here, the scenery will make any day of fishing one to remember. We spent our day deep trolling for pacific salmon in Ketchikan. A picture perfect day.

Seal River, Manitoba - About six hundred and fifty miles north of Winnipeg this home to the arctic grayling, northern pike, walleye & lake trout is a true fisherman's paradise. Moose, bears, wolves and eagles, added to the excellent fishing. A wilderness fly-in that will never be forgotten.

Lake of the Woods, Ontario - I have been to Lake of the Woods a number of times, and I love the diverse fishery that it provides for any angler. Crappie, smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, lake trout and muskie. Around every corner of this famed lake is another unique experience. I'll be back there again soon!

Wolf River, Wisconsin - This river is home to the town of Fremont, "the white bass capital of the world" and for good reason. Each spring hundreds of thousands of white bass migrate up river to their spawning grounds. If you time your trip right to the Wolf it is the fastest fishing action you will ever see.

Pelican Lake, Orr, Minnesota - Our family has been vacationing at Pelican long before I was born. An action packed fishery with some of the best largemouth and smallmouth fishing in northern Minnesota. Pan fish abound in this beautiful lake. Pelican holds a special place in my heart. Take your family, and when you return, tell us about it.

The problem with being a fishing fanatic is that there just isn't enough time to fish all the places that we'd like to. I am no exception to this rule. Here is a few destinations, where a few casts would certainly be appreciated, hopefully before too long.

The Florida Keys - I can only imagine what it would be like to wade the flats and cast a fly ahead of a cruising bonefish. This is one that has to be experienced!

Ireland - The one overseas place I would love to visit because of my Irish heritage and the beautiful pictures I have seen. I'm sure I could find a few places to fish while I'm there. Wouldn't you?

Lake Okeechobee, Florida - I love bass and the bigger the bass the better. Give me a big white spinnerbait with double willow leaf blades and let me cast "The Big O". I might not return to Illinois until sometime next spring.

Blackfoot River, Montana - I think this is one place I wouldn't mind being lost, then I would never have to return. We have all seen the movie "A River Runs Through It" if you haven't go watch it right now!

Lac Seul, Ontario, - Walleye are all over this huge body of water. I think this will be a trip forthcoming soon. A great fishery for numbers of fish. Can I go wrong with this lake for my son Bryan's first Canadian fishing trip? I don't think so.

How come every single time that I sit down and share my thoughts with you I want to go fishing? Do I do that to you too? I certainly hope so. I think it's time to start planning our next trip. Where do you think we should go? Wherever it will be, I am sure it will be right where we belong.