Chehalis Lake Family camping fishing trip

[keoke]

I took last Friday off and took the family and some friends out to chehalis lake to do some camping and fishing. This was my youngest son, who is 4 months old, had his first outdoor outing. We didn't take him in the boat at all so my wife and I took turns taking my oldest son Owen out with my friend Scott. For only just turning three next August that little guy sure can cast his spider man fishing rod. He was making 12-15' casts with a 1/4 oz weight, only once I took a cast off the side of the head. Its too bad he lost his grip right at the end and dropped it into the water. I guess it was about 60' before I couldn't make it out anymore, the water in that lake is Gin clear.

We spent the Friday, Saturday and Sunday fishing and fished the shores, out about 25-35', in front of creeks feeding the lake and nothing, not a bite until Sunday. We decided to go deep and let out the lake troll downriggers out 90' and cut across the lake. Well sure enough my friend Scott's rod slowly bends over and snagged a stick in the middle of the lake 90' down. He spent 10 min winching his line up when I stood up and looked into the water and saw this


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There was no head shaking until he was near the boat, that fish just tucked his chin and wanted to swim down. It was a nice bull trout to catch on a 5wt fly rod spooled with mono and a hand tied sculpin pattern. My little guy Owen was so excited, I think it made his trip extra special. When ever you use to ask Owen who catches little fish he would say Scott, but not any more lol. After a few pics we released him back into the lake for someone else to enjoy. I Had a great time with the family and especially lucky with the weather last week lifting the fire ban. My site superintendent at work was pissed at me cause I took the day off but camping with the family and good friends is first in my life. Here are some more pics from the weekend.

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[mikeboehm]

Chehalis lake is so beautiful. Camping is awesome up there. Usually anything green catches fish there

[mikeboehm]

Ill be actually going up sunday for a day of fishing with my buddy

[keoke]

Its going to be smoking hot, I don't know how people camp down by the water. I would rather be up the hill in the nice shady trees and walk down to the lake. Also, I'm pretty sure that the sculpin my friend tied has some nice bright green on the sides. Ill have to get some green in the water next time I go up.

[Steeleco]

The little guy won't remember that day, but that's OK, you won't forget it. Work is always important as it pays for days like that, but it's not always at the front of the list of must do things!!

[mikeboehm]

these are some pics of my camping there july 1

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[keoke]

The little guy won't remember that day, but that's OK, you won't forget it. Work is always important as it pays for days like that, but it's not always at the front of the list of must do things!!

He might not remember but days like that will leave an imprint with you that makes you loves the outdoors.

[pmj]

Thanks for the trip report. It is good to get the kids out while they are young to experience the outdoors. When they are older they will be able to impress their friends with their knowledge of bush craft.

[RayHill]

Get your son a pair of sun glasses. Get him used to protecting his eyes early in life. It's a life skill I hoped I had instilled in me when I was younger. And also they make you look cool!

I love the pics looks like a bunch of fun was had!

[markomoose]

Very Cool keoke!Some of our fondest camping memories were when our kids were small as I say this my wife and my 2 daughters bailed on our annual camping trip? Just me and my son this time but thats ok!He's 19 now so we can catch some fish and drain some cans.Gonna be fun! Cheers Mark

[4 point]

Fun family trip. Good photos and story.

[pnbrock]

is chehalis still a gongshow of hooligans?beard looks good on you!

[keoke]

We stayed at the forestry site so it was pretty tame. I cant say for the other campgrounds at either ends of the lake, but on saturday night someone was in their boat lighting off fireworks in the middle of the lake as they crused. Also from the start of the road to the bridge they were grading the road. I don't know if they are going to do the last 15km's but it sure could use it,