So I had plans to catch the carp and smallmouth fishing in Traverse Bay, Michigan over the next couple weeks while on vacation at the in-laws but things have changed. The wife (and kids) are going to stay for a while so turns out that I might be a bachelor for a month or so. Can you say ultimate kitchen pass? This would be the first time since I got married over 12 years ago.

As I battle the depression of not getting to see the in-laws , I managed to think about what I would do. It occurred to me that since what I want ceased to be a priority about 11 1/2 years ago, I am completely out of practice at thinking of cool things to do. So I thought I'd enlist some help.

So put on your creative hats fellers. 12+ days (probably in July) to burn fishing somewhere at least kind of cool for a working man that wants to keep it on the cheap. In other words, no Alaskan lodges or Christmas Island trips. Not opposed to getting a guide but would consider it. And if anyone wants to do a road trip let me know that too. Would really like to do a hike-in/camp thing but not solo.

Ideas:

-a couple of extended beach trips (like Big Shell or something)
-SW Colorado (or a road trip of some kind)
-Idaho (haven't sorted out where yet)
-some saltwater destination where you can DIY and the flights are cheap (Bahamas?)

I've done Yellowstone, San Juan, Conejos (want to go back), Gunnison/Taylor Rivers and other similar places. My sister has a condo in Gunnison that I can stay in but I've been there dozens of times and want something new. So let's have it. PMs welcome too.

Thanks.

I was going to suggest the Conejos, a river I very much want to fish. I haven't fished New Mexico at all and would dearly love to go.

Don't know what the drive to Arkansas is like from Austin, but it looks like you could do the White/Norfork or Little Red relatively cheap.

Idaho is a great idea. Fly to Spokane and drive to Coeur D'Alene, and I have little doubt there are hundreds of miles of accessible river to fish and explore. Another alternative might be Canada - fly to Vancouver, drive north and east and you will hit plenty of cool mountain water, not to mention cool air. The flight's the expensive part of that jaunt, but Vancouver gets a lot of traffic so it shouldn't be crazy expensive. You could certainly camp most nights in either BC or Idaho.

Those are a couple thoughts, anyway.

http://www.bonefishwhisperer.com/ Just click, then go.

southfork, colorado!!!!

Derik, how do you know Cordell?

He is one of my favorite people in the world! Can you say Ted Nugent with an outrageous talent for catching trophies on a fly rod...

Have you seen the yaks he's fishing out of?

I would highly recommend Cordell to anyone looking for a truly outstanding trip targeting bones, tarpon, reds, permit and snook in the bay or Peacock bass, oscars, and various species of cichlids in the canals! ...all with a longrod.

Should you choose Colorado, but want something different, how about fly into Junction, rent a 4 X 4 SUV, and spend your time exploring the Grand Mesa and Flat Tops? Big brookies and cutts are coming back strong after the drought years, with the opportunity to latch into nice grayling in a couple of spots. Scenic quality is very different from one to the other, but both are awesome!

When you hit Yellowstone, did you also explore Montana and Idaho... Henry's and the Montana rivers right around the corner? Opportunity for trophies in all!

If hiking and camping are really an important part, I would do The Mesa/Flat Tops.

Another thought just crossed my mind... Boulder Mountain in Southern Utah. Only a handful of people are aware of this place, but it's wonderful!

Google Boulder Mountain Utah fishing, and I'll bet you'll get the idea.

I just did, and I did. HFS.

Lake o the Woods/Rainy Lake/Boundry Waters for smallies & pike

Surprised I've never heard of this one. Have heard Fremont River a couple times but never knew where it was. Might be an option. Another option that I remember was the Wind River range--been thinking of that for a long time.