Idaho is a big country, with a number of recreation areas for our enjoyment. Many of these areas are managed and maintained by federal and state agencies. I love these scenic sites because of the opportunity varieties they offer me as an outdoor buff.
I love fly fishing first of all, but part of that addictive recreational pursuit dovetails nicely with a perfect assortment of other outdoor activities I also enjoy and love. These include backpacking, camping, outdoor photography and both kayaking and whitewater rafting. All of these other loves I have go hand-in-hand with my first love, fly fishing.
Idaho’s list of managed recreation areas is endless, it seems. The list includes designated National Forests, Wildlife Refuges, and Wilderness Areas. These areas are overseen by the Forest Service, the Fish and Wildlife Service and the Army Corps of Engineers on the federal side and by the Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation on the state side. Each of these agencies have a mandate to manage these protected locations for a lot of reasons, not the least of which is public recreation for me, and for you.
I love all of the sites for my primary pursuit. The National Forests, Wildlife Refuges and Wilderness recreation areas contain many fish-laden rivers, creeks, reservoirs and lakes for me to test with my fly fishing skills. And, I love the solitude, too. There are places in the world, including Idaho, where a fisherman can join in the quest for fish side-by-side with many other fishermen. Places harder to get to are often void of fishing competition. So, I’ll hike in or boat in to a secluded spot teeming with large, wily trout. I’m not anti-social, I just love the serenity of fishing alone in the splendor of scenic waters, surrounded by Mother Nature’s fir trees and wild flowers.
For example, I love the Middle Fork of the Salmon River deep in the pristine Frank Church River of No Return Wilderness. This designated Wilderness Area is the largest in the lower 48 states totaling an unimaginable 2.3 million acres! It’s hard to get to, but well worth it. Thankfully, most fishermen are not interested in making this kind of effort. Fishing competition is slim or nonexistent, and the fish are wild and beautiful. This awesome wilderness recreation area is maintained and overseen by the U.S. Forest Service. I love the job they do.
Bob Granstrom, a resident of Idaho, invites family vacation travelers to visit his state. For more information on Idaho‘s managed recreation areas, visit http://www.idaho-insider.com/recreationareas.html or check out check out the state’s tourism site, http://www.visitid.org
Source: www.articlecity.com