The post below is something that I just wrote in the "Rocky Mountains" forum. I wanted to place it here as well to get the thoughts of those still in the area.
I am torn on locations and would like to eventually get back to northern Wisco, the UP or upper Michigan. I just do not know if it will happen. The one thing I have noticed, everyone from the Midwest the travels west to fish absolutely loves it. So I guess I am asking, would you folks rather be west or in the upper Midwest?
Copied Post.......
Every one of us fantasizes, dreams and looks forward to the day when they can pick up and stop the truck in their "dream" destination, for the remainder of their days.
Growing up and spending life through my 20's in the upper Midwest and NW Ontario, Canada, I naturally have an affinity for the area. Often over looked, under rated and just now gaining attention, the area offers the sportsman everything! From a fly fishing stand point, there are farm pond Largemouth, river Smallmouth, spring creek Trout, Great Lakes tributary Salmon, Steelhead and Browns, Pike and the northwoods legend, Muskie! Add to this the bowhunting, upland bird hunting and waterfowl hunting and it is a hidden paradise! The problem.......the better half REALLY likes the mountains and would like to stay west!
That being said, the other considerations are western Montana or central Oregon. Both places are special, both places offer most of what we are looking for (four seasons, fly fishing, hunting, camping, etc.). Montana has the Trout fishing, no question. There is also great hunting and the scenery from Missoula to Helena to Canada to Yellowstone is flat beautiful! My only concern is variety in terms of species. I also love Bass, Pike and Muskie (I could live with a trip or two for Steelhead) and I am not as knowledgeable on these fisheries in Montana. After talking to some folks also, they say Montana is over rated and that there are better options. This I am not so sure about!
Oregon is kind of like my current location in terms of the varied landscape; high country, high desert and then the ocean (which I do not have currently). There are places I love, such as the rivers and streams in the pines, however I simply do not know about the high desert areas such as the John Day and Grande Ronde (not as appealing to me). Yet, there are four season, there is some great fishing and hunting and there is the variety in terms of species (Bass, Trout, Salmon, Steelhead but no Pike or Muskie).
I simply can not decide, not that the decision needs to be made immediately. Love the idea of Montana, the scenery and the Trout. Love the idea of central Oregon, some of the scenery and the variety. Really would be exploring the Smallmouth rivers!
What are the thoughts of the board?
I am torn on locations and would like to eventually get back to northern Wisco, the UP or upper Michigan. I just do not know if it will happen. The one thing I have noticed, everyone from the Midwest the travels west to fish absolutely loves it. So I guess I am asking, would you folks rather be west or in the upper Midwest?
Copied Post.......
Every one of us fantasizes, dreams and looks forward to the day when they can pick up and stop the truck in their "dream" destination, for the remainder of their days.
Growing up and spending life through my 20's in the upper Midwest and NW Ontario, Canada, I naturally have an affinity for the area. Often over looked, under rated and just now gaining attention, the area offers the sportsman everything! From a fly fishing stand point, there are farm pond Largemouth, river Smallmouth, spring creek Trout, Great Lakes tributary Salmon, Steelhead and Browns, Pike and the northwoods legend, Muskie! Add to this the bowhunting, upland bird hunting and waterfowl hunting and it is a hidden paradise! The problem.......the better half REALLY likes the mountains and would like to stay west!
That being said, the other considerations are western Montana or central Oregon. Both places are special, both places offer most of what we are looking for (four seasons, fly fishing, hunting, camping, etc.). Montana has the Trout fishing, no question. There is also great hunting and the scenery from Missoula to Helena to Canada to Yellowstone is flat beautiful! My only concern is variety in terms of species. I also love Bass, Pike and Muskie (I could live with a trip or two for Steelhead) and I am not as knowledgeable on these fisheries in Montana. After talking to some folks also, they say Montana is over rated and that there are better options. This I am not so sure about!
Oregon is kind of like my current location in terms of the varied landscape; high country, high desert and then the ocean (which I do not have currently). There are places I love, such as the rivers and streams in the pines, however I simply do not know about the high desert areas such as the John Day and Grande Ronde (not as appealing to me). Yet, there are four season, there is some great fishing and hunting and there is the variety in terms of species (Bass, Trout, Salmon, Steelhead but no Pike or Muskie).
I simply can not decide, not that the decision needs to be made immediately. Love the idea of Montana, the scenery and the Trout. Love the idea of central Oregon, some of the scenery and the variety. Really would be exploring the Smallmouth rivers!
What are the thoughts of the board?