Do you prefer to hike to a far off backcountry stream and fish? Or do you prefer to drive up to a trout stream and fish? And at least for me at the moment, would you take a 10 year old into the backcountry? My son is really wanting to go and I really want to take him. But I’m nervous that it’ll be more than either of us has bargained for. What is your opinion?
hNt
Ps. I’m really leaning towards a backcountry day trip with a little fishing.
I’ve taken my daughters and son on backcountry trips both hunting and fishing 10-12yrs old… Just focus on the whole adventure, and don’t fish their butt into exhaustion. Its about them.
I don’t know either you and what y’all are up for physically, but I would err on the side of caution and make sure that the trip out is downhill/downstream. Later trips can be more involved but keep the first one fairly easy and build up for the real wilderness adventures. Besides, those trophy, sub-inch creek chubs can often be found close to roads…
Regards,
Ed
a mile or two into the back country will take you away from most people, start close and then as he ages go further
I agree with eric and ed, keep it relatively close the first time out. A mile or so should get you away from most. You’ll be their guide more than a fishing partner the first couple of times.
Have fun. I remember with fond memories, taking my two sons out when they were that age. True to form, they had two different styles. One would work a hole or run forever while the other liked to burn water. Checking on both was an experience.
Steve
When I did my hitch in the military all those many years back, and they found I was such a genus that I was a made a grunt in a rifle company (infantry); and I toted everything I practically owned on my back. Since those days I have never considered “backpacking” ~ oh, I’ll tote in some gear a mile off the road (maybe), but that’s about it. My favorite thing by far is a canoe trip … the canoe carries all that gear so much better.
For a child, as long as you’re far enough in that you can no longer hear cars…You may as well be in the hinterlands. 
No need to go far.
Bit of a walk to get here, usually worth it (just give the animals a wide berth); fish it where it bends closer to the road and you’ll have lots of company.
As for kids in the wilderness, we started ours hiking in Glacier when they were 9 and 11; took them 4-6 miles early on and they loved it.
Regards,
Scott
Each of my kids got to go on an overnight pack trip when each of them reach 8 years. Three trips to Little Sandy Lake a 1 and 1/2 mile hike in. They all remember it fondly. It is really a choice I would put to them.