Where would YOU spend a week in early June?

[ditchbanker]

A little background.

Just getting back into fishing this year after several years (or a decade or more) away. Can't figure why I'm so hooked on it when this year's catch record is pretty abismal, but what are you going to do?

Bought myself a little fishing Kayak several weeks ago. Nice for getting out on the flat water. In the beginning of June my work is going through shift change that results in me getting 6 days off in a row w/out a loss of hours or taking any personal time. Rough life, right? I've got a friend who might be able to make a night or two out with me, but it'll likely be just me for much of the time. I've got a babysitter all lined up and my wife gave me the go ahead to get out of town (she can't come, it's her busy season). So my big decision right now is where to go.

My plans are flat water where I can camp. I don't need to camp at the same place the whole time but all travel time is time spent not on the water. I'm leaving out of the Boise area and I'd like to catch some pan fish (fresh dinner) but wouldn't be opposed to hooking other species as well. Being basically back to beginner status, I'd rather catch a lot than catch big. I'm not opposed to established camping sites, but primitive camping would be preferable. I'm also considering loading my lightweight gear onto the kayak and camping off it a few nights. All flat water is game, but places where I can avoid heavy wind (think protected areas) would be preferable. Cascade reservoir sounds like it's got massive variety in species, but as big as it is and as wide open as the valley is, I'm concerned about wind. It's not a deal breaker, but definitely worth considering.

Where else am I missing? What else should I think of?

All help appreciated.
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[MMDon]

What ever you decide bring your rain gear. I've seen it rain in places like Island Park and Yellowstone Park for 28 of the 30 days in June.
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[cpierce]

I'd go to Brownlee or Oxbow. Use the search function on here and look the two up or just scroll back through the pages so far this spring.

Changed Oxford to Oxbow!
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[ditchbanker]

Is Oxford another name for Oxbow? If it's not, where is it?

Brownlee is a good suggestion, thanks.

As far as the rain gear, I had planned on doing that. Shoot, last Saturday I was just below lucky peak in shorts with my feet hanging off the side of the kayak into the water. Today I'm wearing long sleeves and still a little cool. There's a lot of change from day to day this time of year.

Keep the suggestions coming, I'm soaking them in.
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[cpierce]

I meant Oxbow. Oxford is a little tiny lake here in southeast Idaho. Not much there. Much more at Oxbow!
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[iwantabuggy]

CJ Strike wouldn't be a bad choice either.
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[windriver]

It is further from Boise but if you go to the Preston area you could fish a different small lake/Reservoir each day. For example you could fish Johnson, Twin Lakes, Condie, Glendale, Oneida.

Windriver
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[Kodiak1]

Don't overlook Cascade because of its size. If you camped out in the newly constructed camp site by the dam, you would only have to go a few hundred yards to get into the perch. Just a tad further takes you to Crown Point which opens up opportunities for trout, coho, kokanee, and bass. The dam area is protected under most situations. Day trips I would suggest include Horsethief for great trout fishing, Upper Payette for trout and beautiful surroundings, and tons of river and creek fishing. P.S.: you could easily transfer camping sites to Upper Payette, which is usually under utilized during the week. The Brownlee and two other res.'s is a good suggestion, esp. if warmer weather is a consideration. Mike
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[EZOP]

I'd say Brownlee also, and if you go to the north end by Woodhead Campground. Just past this campground there is multiple spots were you can camp free. Some better then others, but you would have to look closely to find the best camping spots.
From Woodhead to the Dam is about 3 miles and in between this area there is a couple dirt roads that get you pretty close to the water, but you have to look closely to find these roads. This will also put you close to Oxbow and of course you can go to Woodhead campground and use the bathroom and shower facilites for free.

Or you could pay the Woodhead tent camping fee (8 bucks I think) and get a nice tent camping spot next to the water, with shade trees and protection from wind/rain.

Either way the fishing would be fun, if it's to windy you still can fish from the bank or dock.
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[jigs]

preston would get my vote. but i wouldnt pass all these great places if i was driving from up north.
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[ditchbanker]

Again, thanks for all the help. What a terrible problem to have so many places to choose from to fish...

So many fish, so little time... Or is it, so many fish, so little fishing skill...? I think they both fit.
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[Warchild]

Lake Powell one place everyone should fish more than once in there life... A week is to short there..
A million places to camp and fish....
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[cpierce]

On your question about wind -- I am not sure if there is one place that is more protected than others. Where ever you decide to go - stay close to shore and look at some shore fishing options for when the wind comes up. Maybe even a smaller lake or creek in the area. The wind (ever notice that it is a four letter word!) is almost always blowing from noon to 7PM -- just about everywhere.

I am not familiar with Brownlee/Oxbow area (would like to be), but I know in places like CJ Strike there are bays and small areas such as Crane lake that you could switch to if the heavier winds came up.

Maybe someone else knows of some protected areas?
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[idahoron]

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I am planning a trip. I don't know if it will be in June or July. I will be putting in the snake river south of Nampa and I will be calling at the end of the week to let them know where to pick me up. I don't know where I will end up. I guess the farthest I can get will be Brownlee dam.
This will be my river monster quest. We will be staying on the river and packing our camp on the pontoons. I would love to find a new state record catfish, channel or flathead. Ron
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[ditchbanker]

Ron, that sounds like a cool idea. I briefly thought of something like that, but decided that my lack of river experience and solo status made this a bad time to try that. You'll have to report back, that sounds like a blast.
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[Flydragger]

Yes Kodiak and he could venture up to Warm Lake, weather and conditions (Ice) permitting.
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[Kodiak1]

Read , my mind, Flydragger!! Thought about Warm Lake just about the time I hit the "post" button! Could even hook into one of those macs lurking about in there. Good suggestion. Mike
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[Flydragger]

Yes I've done that Cascade H/thief Warm loop a couple of times. At least 1 has always treated me well! I like the pontoon on that run...
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[ditchbanker]

OK, after much discussion with my buddy who will be joining me, we're going to the Cascade area. That being said, I really like the idea of the tiny reservoirs in the area. Google Earth shows A BUNCH! Anyone have any advice on which to hit?
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[PERRY04]

Horsetheif is usually a good bet. not to big there but i dont think youre going to get into really big fish at those little reservoirs. good luck to you and let us know where you ended up and how you did.
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