Over the past few summers, we've deposited some amazing outdoor adventures into the old memory bank. One of my favorites has been boat-in camping to Albert Philippi Park near the mouth of the John Day River in Oregon. The challenges of planning and packing for boat-in camping have always been worth the reward of a beautiful, remote site no car can get to. Just launching at Le Page Park where the John Day enters the Columbia River, boating up river a few miles, and setting up camp was an adventure all in its own, let alone the small-mouth bass and yellow / channel cat fishing that would soon follow.
Boat weight limit? What weight limit?
Garrett with a "big" rainbow... not quite old enough to wind in himself
John Day River camping had an early entry into the 2013 Google family calendar of events as was the case with the 3 other family’s we've been making the trip with. A day prior to this year’s trip which was once again scheduled for the 4th of July [see last year's post], one of the other dad’s made the 2 hour boat haul to the river and took his boat upriver to stake our claim at site and setup the group camp early. Much to our surprise, Albert Philippi Park had been shut down due to cuts in funding…. No Camping Allowed!!! Gulp… our 4th of July plans were a bust.
Gavin ready for the early bite as the rest of camp slept in!
Following many phone calls and text messages among the group, our back-up plan of Green Peter Lake, some 225 miles away from Le Page was established. The same guy who did the Philippi park scouting, hauled his boat directly to Green Peter and found the perfect boat-in group campsite. (he wins the save the summer award) Only difference was at Philippi Park campers have showers and restrooms whereas at Green Peter… well, you just go in the woods and jump in the lake.
What an amazing experience and great way to celebrate our country’s birthday. Even my 9 month old daughter had a blast and wins the best camping baby award sleeping in the tent w/ out complaint for 2 nights. Green Peter is well stocked with Kokanee and Rainbow Trout which I think are two of the best species to go for when fishing with children. We put several trout in the boat but with surface water temps at 70 degrees, the Koke’s were just too deep for me to reach without downriggers or proper jigging gear (it was only my second time fishing for Kokanee and first from my boat). Over the two day trip, I only logged a few hours of fishing time but most of that was with Garrett which provided for same precious one-on-one father/son time.
Gavin's 1st cliff jump... No fear from this 4.5 yr. old
In the end, aside from the bathroom situation, I think the back-up location ended up being a better experience. In addition to the standard activities of tubing, wakeboarding, and fishing, Green Peter provided the addition of cliff jumping and camp fires (no fires at Philippi Park in July). I look forward to adding Green Peter to the list of family lakes… next time with downriggers so I can bonk a few Kokes with the kids.
There is something about walleye fishing that strikes the perfect balance of relaxation and intense fish hunting. Trolling around the lake or river with a bottom walker, worm harness, and a list of a few predefined locations on the map is something I could do all day every day, rain or shine. It’s a bonus that walleye is one of the better tasting fish in the lake and makes for amazing table fare.
Work/Life balance?
Over the past few years, June has been a transition month for me as I wash the salmon blood off the boat and get ready for a more family focused atmosphere with relaxing lake fishing, camping, family get together time on the water, etc… The 2013 spring salmon season was a bust for all with a low run return and my hitting the river only twice. Add to that the busiest work schedule in my career and moving to a new home, time on the water during the summer months and our annual trip up to Moses Lake, WA to visit family and friends couldn't arrive fast enough.
After a little work/life balance from my boat office, my day and a half of walleye hunting for 2013 was on. The first day brought great weather but just a handful of eyes, nothing of size and nothing worth wrapping up in a tortilla for fish tacos. The second half of the day was spent swimming and playing from the beach with the family at the south end of the lake.
Gavin and cousin Sierra
The second day of dragging worm harnesses around brought a lot more excitement with cold, raining weather that felt more like March, not mid-June. Along with the weather, a variety of fish species were on the bite as we brought trout, walleye, and some very healthy perch to the boat. The mix of walleye and perch paired with a new instant mash potato based batter made for a great family fish fry later that evening.
