Gone Fishin’

One of the wonderful things about living in Tucson is that it really is just a stone’s throw away from all sorts of wonderful, and sometimes hidden, gems.  One of these that we were able to enjoy this weekend was a trip to Rose Canyon Lake on Mt. Lemmon.  If you have not been here – ever or even just lately – you must go!  It was beautiful – 70 degrees, a nice breeze, and all the family-friendly times you could want.   We got up early and packed the kids in the car around 5:00 and once we got the gear and took the short walk to the lake it was about 6:00.  The boys enjoyed baiting and casting, and we did not so much enjoy the nearly constant requests to change bait, but we loved being out with our kids.  I have to toot my own horn a bit and say that I caught three of the four trout we brought home, too!  My oldest son caught the first fish of the season and of the day – and I also get to brag on him because he didn’t even use a hook or bait!  There was a fish stranded in the shallow sand-bar area and he used a small branch to land it.  He was very proud!  The boys bounced back-and-forth between climbing the hill behind us, playing in the sand, and fishing all morning.  We encountered many friendly ‘neighbors’ who were more than happy to tell you exactly where the fish were biting, and what they were having the most luck with as bait.  It was just an all-around pleasant experience, and we will be going regularly from now on.  Remember, if you do go please have a valid fishing license (none needed for kids 14 and under); daily limit is six per licensed adult, three fish per unlicensed youth (we obviously fell far short of that, but could have made it out of there with 18 fish!); you will need the Coronado Forest pass and it is $8 for entrance into Rose Canyon.  You don’t need fancy equipment at all – which we learned only AFTER purchasing all the lures and tackle – there were several “old timers” who were having great luck with just a hook and either meal worms or power bait, but please bring plenty of water, snacks if you need them, sunscreen, bug spray, and your CAMERA.  You will treasure images like the one I have of my kids holding up our string of fish!  Enjoy!