Best Cheap Fishing Trips for End of Summer

With the days getting shorter and the kids getting ready to go back to school, now is the perfect time to plan a couple of quick and cheap fishing trips with your family before the end of summer. If you need a few ideas for fishing trips on a budget that are easy to plan, check out these suggestions.

Lake Okeechobee Bluegill Fishing Trip

Lake Okeechobee may be known for big bass, but Florida’s largest lake also has some of the best fishing in the country for bluegills during the summer months. Your best bet is to hire a guide for a half-day fishing trip to maximize your time on the water. Half-day family fishing trips on “Lake O” are reasonably priced. Plus, with a professional at the helm, everyone on board can relax and have fun while reeling in America’s favorite panfish.

Shoreline Fishing at Elizabeth Park in Michigan

Located just a 25-minute drive from Detroit, Elizabeth Park is often cited as one of the best shoreline family fishing destinations for walleye, pike, perch, and rock bass on the Detroit River. Since the park has over 1,300 feet of renovated riverwalk access and two picnic areas, it’s an ideal summer spot for cheap fishing trips.

Colorado Pond Fishing at St. Vrain State Park

A short drive from Denver or Fort Collins, St. Vrain State Park has eleven fishable ponds for families to explore from shore or by hand-launched boat with an electric motor. The ponds are well-populated with species such as rainbow trout, channel catfish, largemouth bass, perch, and bluegill for family fishing trips. After a morning of fun and cheap fishing, check out some of the easy hiking trails and camp sites.

Pymatuning State Park

The Pymatuning Reservoir at Pymatuning State Park is listed among the best cheap fishing trips because of the park amenities and variety of fish species that can be targeted. There are several launch locations along the shores of the reservoir if you want to fish from your own boat. Alternatively, you can rent a boat from one of three marinas. A late summer visit can bring opportunities to catch bass, bluegill, crappie, and walleye. In addition to the state park facilities, the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission operates a fish hatchery and visitor center, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission has wildlife viewing areas. Pymatuning State Park also rents out lakeside cabins or campsites for cheap family fishing trips, making it a great place to visit at a reasonable cost.

Don’t forget to save time, money, and the hassle of finding a license vendor by buying your fishing license online before you go!