Unfortunately our 2021 family vacations plans have hit multiple snags and the summer is turning into a bit of a bummer. My wife and I chatted last and agreed we need to start planning well in advance for summer 2022 to make it extra great and allow plenty of time to save. We have always wanted to visit the pacific northwest and a big part of that would need to include some salmon fishing. Having never done a trip like this I have a lot of questions and figured this would be the group to ask. I'll start with our particulars.
Family of five. (Wife and I with our kids who will be ages 17, 13, and 12) All enjoy fishing.
I have Southwest flight vouchers, so we can go anywhere they fly for near free. Would also be willing to rent a car to drive (example, fly to Seattle and drive to Vancouver).
We will probably go for 5-7 days and want other things to do in addition to fishing.
We would probably do at least 1 full day fishing charter during the trip
Due to our oldest son's football schedule, we would need to travel between June 1st and mid-July. The week before or after the 4th of July would be most ideal. The footballs gods (his coaches) allow 1 whole practice free week all summer around July 4th.
With these particulars in mind, here are a few questions:
Where is the best salmon fishing given these particulars, Alaska would be awesome, but probably isn't realistic due to wanting to stick with a Southwest flight
I'm thinking Seattle or Vancouver. We could actually spend a few days in each location, but does one have better salmon fishing at that time of year?
From what I read, Seattle has more restriction on how many and what you can keep. (I love eating salmon) Can anyone confirm this?
Due to current exchange rates, Vancouver seems to offer slightly better pricing.
Any great charters anyone would recommend or anyone we should avoid?
Within this window of time, is there a more ideal time for a better salmon bite (early June vs mid July), or should I be looking at a different time entirely?
What other attractions within driving range (ideally under 3 hours) would you see/visit in the area?
VRBO/AirBNB or hotel in this area?
Lastly, should we scrap this idea entirely and do something entirely different?
Not interested in Disney type stuff at this time.
Must be somewhere with nice summer weather to escape the heat.
We aren't a museum type of family, we like the outdoors and nature.
Any constructive opinions or suggestions appreciated.
Also, before it gets said, I know the pacific northwest is full of liberal hippies. Just looking to visit, not move there! 😂