So it was Thursday and we have our first family trip of the summer. We are off to Mile High Resort until Sunday. ( I booked our trip at Mile High because of it being a family orientated resort ) The morning started with packing up both vehicles. Once that was done we were off. First stop was Tim Hortons in Mission.
After that our next stop would be Merritt to pick up a few things we missed from our list. So in Merritt the wind was nasty. I was hoping this was not a sign of whats to come up at the lake. Things took a little longer than I had hoped for with all 5 of us. So after over an hour stop of shopping and getting a bite to eat we were off to Mile High Resort.
I had never been to the resort before or fished Face Lake. I have fished a few of the surrounding lake though. We arrive at Mile High and check in. Staff were very friendly and the office/store has lots of stuff incase you missed anything. They also sell fresh eggs from their own chickens ( which were very tasty by the way ) So back into the vehicles and off to the cabin. The cabin we had is called Chewels. Its very rustic, no running water, no bathroom. Just a stove top, microwave, fridge, wood burning heat. We would have chosen the cabins that come fully loaded but they require a 5 day minimum. Next year it will be a 5 day trip if we decide to come back.
After unloading everything it was time to set up the boat and get out fishing. So I take the boat down and the wind was blowing quite hard but I was determined. My two youngest kids ( 5 years and 9 years, oldest stayed with mom to keep her company ) joined me. I trolled the lake and checked it out. Lake has no shoals but a beautiful lake regardless. The max depth is only 30 feet with a mean depth of around 15 feet. Kids did not last long as they complained it was cold from the wind. I did manage to pick up one fish in the short time we were out.
After fishing we as a family decided to walk around the resort to see what it has to offer. It was a beautiful playground for the kids, a petting zoo with a goat, donkey, chickens, rabbits and a few cats around. It also has a spawning channel for the fish. The resort also offers kayaking, and paddle boats. My wife and kids went on the paddle boats and had a blast.
So each day I would do an early morning fish, after breakfast fish, afternoon fish and an evening fish. Each time offering up the chance to fish with me to the kids and the wife. On the Friday morning fish I trolled around with a clear intermediate and full sink. The clear line was the only line catching fish and quite a few . After breakfast I took out my 14 year old son. I changed the full sink to another clear line. We both landed a couple fish each but it was much slower than earlier. After lunch I went solo and caught maybe 6 fish all on the clear lines with a pumpkinhead. Pumpkinhead was the biggest producer and eventually it was all I would use ( other than one other fly ) Friday night I told me wife she needed to come out with me. With fish rising everywhere I knew it was dry fly time. It wasnt long and my wife was into her first fish. She got it and I had to play guide by netting the fish, taking the fish out and taking a photo with her and the fish. She made me take a photo of every fish she caught. She ended up catching 10 fish that night. I did not do as well as I was too busy playing guide. My rod would always go off as I am helping her making me miss fish. No big deal to me though as I was just pleased she was having a blast.
That night we make a fire and enjoy some S'mores. Kids loved it and so did we. My youngest wanted to build his own fire. I explained why he couldnt, so we improvised.
So Saturday is here which is our last full day of the trip. My youngest son said the night before he would finally spend a morning with good old dad in the boat. So 7am I get everything ready for him and I. I was excited at the chance to get him out and catching fish. I go to wake him up. He says " Daddy I am too tired and want to sleep " I was really disappointed. I dont force my kids to do anything they dont want to do so I went solo. I did very well again. After breakfast I offer him up the chance again. He said he wanted to ride bikes with his "new friends" again I strike out with him. He made several friends who all had bikes and they would bomb around the place. Although disappointed I was glad he was having fun. Back out by myself. Did well again landing probably 10-12 fish. In the afternoon the fishing was terribly slow for some reason. Night fishing approaching I am asking who is coming out. Wife and oldest wanted to but the oldest son wins out. We go out and man what a blast we have with each other. I told him we would go to this one spot I had been having success. We get there and it was fish after fish. As night is falling we troll our way back. We hit another hot spot. Again fish after fish. Since it was so good we make a couple more passes with the same results. As its now dark we make our way in.
That night at the fire we finish off the S'more and some Jiffy Pop. We discuss what a fabulous time we all had and discuss returning next year. Everyone wants to return but next time get the better cabin and stay longer.
Sunday morning is now here. We say our goodbyes to everyone and make our trek back to Maple Ridge.
Here are a few more pictures for your enjoyment. Also I highly recommend this resort for any family wishing to have a great time with lots to offer for everyone.
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Topic: Mile High Resort, July 7th - 10th 2011 (Read 1554 times)