Photo by Robert H. Cleveland Jr.

When it comes to summer getaways for family fishing fun, these plains definitely are great! From North Dakota south to Kansas, destinations that feature great angling and other activities for the family seem to be along any route you might choose.

Let's run down some of the best family fishing destinations in the region. We'll cover things from north to south. Listings for each state are alphabetical. All of them are worthy of consideration when you're planning a summer fishing trip for the whole family.

NORTH DAKOTA
One of the neatest attractions about North Dakota angling is the tremendous variety of species that offer quality fishing options. You'll be able to enjoy a dynamic mix of warm and coldwater species to target.

Devils Lake is about 85 miles west of Grand Forks, N.D., along U.S. 2 Highway. Not only will you find great fishing there for perch, pike, walleye and white bass, but you'll also find some of the most interesting and unique topography in the state.

North Dakota's largest natural lake lies amid a dense hardwood forest, so the look and feel of fishing here is quite different than what you'll find at other North Dakota destinations featured here. The lake is 140,000 surface-acres and offers roughly 390 miles of shoreline.

Woodland Resort is a great spot to make your base of operations for a trip to Devils Lake. It's a full-service resort -- the only one on the lake -- and offers modern lodging with a capacity of 175 along with 15 overnight campsites. And here's a cool deal -- kids ages 12 and under stay free!

You'll find a swimming beach with a slide, floating platform, a nice playground and free kayaks for the kids, as well as miles of interior roads for walking or biking, a fishing dock, boat rentals, a modern restaurant, and a full-service convenience store.

From the Lake Sakakawea Dam downstream to the South Dakota border, the Missouri River is full of fish and adventure. Maybe the best area to target is that stretch of the river immediately below Garrison Dam, and for a couple of reasons. First, you can use places like Lake Sakakawea State Park or Fort Stevenson State Park as your base of operation. Second, both are full-service facilities with everything you and the family might want to enjoy some great outdoor fun when you want to take a break from the fishing.

Of course, given the amazing variety of angling opportunities on the stretch of the "Mighty Mo," you might find it tough to get off the water for very long. This is the kind of fishing diversity mentioned at the start of this story.

Most folks probably would expect to find catfish in the Missouri River, but what about several different species of trout -- and chinook salmon? Brown, cutthroat, lake and rainbow trout are here as well; so are walleyes and pike. Just think about all the possibilities!

Enjoying great fishing here doesn't require you to bring a boat because of access at the Garrison Dam tailrace, but having a boat will open up plenty more of the river to you. Just keep in mind that navigation can be tricky. If you're not familiar with this stretch of the Missouri, make sure to get some tips from local shops and anglers; pay attention when you're on the water; and be careful.