Best Place for Kids to Fly Fish in the Pacific Northwest

There was a line in my first dad blog that has stuck with me ever since I wrote it. I wrote that becoming a dad didn't mean the adventures were over—it just meant they would look different. I still get to chase fish, explore new places, and spend time outside. The difference is now I get to experience those moments again through Walker's eyes.

For years I'd heard people talk about Oregon's John Day River. Somehow, despite all the miles I've spent fishing across the Northwest, I'd never made the trip. Looking back, that almost seems crazy. But when you're drawn to the coast the way I have been for years, certain places just keep getting pushed down the list.

The good news? I didn't just finally get to fish the John Day, I got to do it with Walker.

He's only one year old, so he isn't holding a fly rod yet. Right now he's much more interested in throwing rocks, splashing in the water, and pointing at every bird that flies overhead. But spending time with him on this river reminded me of something I'd forgotten.

Some of my favorite memories growing up weren't standing in the freezing rain chasing winter steelhead. Honestly, as a kid, I hated it. What I loved were the trips with my dad to the Snake River and Dworshak Reservoir in Idaho. We'd spend our days chasing smallmouth bass. The weather was warm, the water was clear, and the fish were eager to eat. Every cast felt like something could happen.

Those trips weren't about catching trophies—they were about having fun. Looking back, they're probably the reason I fell in love with fishing in the first place.

Standing on the John Day, I realized it offers that same experience.

That's why I'm going to make a bold statement.

If you want to introduce your child to fly fishing in the Pacific Northwest, the John Day River should be at the top of your list.

I don't feel like I'm spot burning anything by saying that. Everyone already knows about the John Day and its 100-fish smallmouth days. What surprises me is that people rarely talk about it as one of the best places to introduce kids to our sport. After finally fishing it, I honestly believe it's the best by a mile.

Here in western Washington, many of our fisheries revolve around species that can humble even experienced anglers. Steelhead, salmon, and sea-run cutthroat are incredible fish, but they're rarely a guarantee. That's part of what makes them special.

Kids don't need that.

Kids need action. At least I did.

They want bent rods. They want fish chasing flies. They want to catch enough fish that they can't wait to come back.

The John Day river delivers exactly that.

As adults, we often convince ourselves that the harder the fishing, the more rewarding it is. There's certainly a place for that. But when you're introducing a child to fishing, success isn't boring—it's everything.

There's something special about hearing a kid say, "You're not going to believe how many fish I caught!" That's the feeling you want them chasing. Let them feel like they're great anglers. Let them believe they figured something out. Maybe it was their cast, maybe it was the fly, and honestly, that's all great. Those moments build confidence, and confidence is what turns a curious kid into someone who loves being outside and keeps coming back to fishing.

One day Walker will be old enough to hold a fly rod, and I have no doubt we'll spend a lot of time on this river together. I hope he remembers those days the same way I remember my dad taking me to the Snake River and Dworshak all those years ago.

Sometimes the best fishing trip isn't the hardest one.

Sometimes it's the one that makes a kid fall in love with fishing forever.

One last thing I have to mention is Cottonwood Canyon State Park. It immediately became one of my favorite state parks. It's clean, beautiful, easy to get to, and offers fantastic river access throughout the park. The campground is well maintained, the camp hosts were wonderful, and it's exactly the kind of place families can relax and enjoy together.

Gear Recommendation - 5wt Fly Rod - Floating Line - Any Fly Size 8-2