Have you ever seen National Lampoon's Vacation movies? You know, the ones where Chevy Chase plays Clark Griswold, the optimistic father who plans the perfect getaway for his family, but has his well-planned excursion mutate into farcical disaster.

Much the same way as the calamity that befell the Griswold clan on every outing they took, a fishing trip with the family can create the same spoof we laugh at on the silver screen. However, taking everyone out for a day of angling fun can be a meaningful experience if you follow a few guidelines. Destinations need to be convenient, and there has to be plenty of things for children to do in case the fish aren't biting.

If you've been looking for a place to take your posse for a day of productive fishing with a pinch of variety, look no farther than the following destinations. The fishing at each getaway is superb, they all have numerous additional activities for families to engage in, and even Clark Griswold himself would have a hard time messing up a trip to these waters.

LAKE CARLTON
Nestled in the rolling hillsides and woodland terrain of Morrison-Rockwood State Park, Lake Carlton is a great getaway for folks looking to cash in on good multi-species fishing. Department of Natural Resources biologist Joe Ferencak said Lake Carlton has a family's favorite fish.

"Carlton is a good place to take the family for bluegills," Ferencak said, "and fishing can be exceptional in summer. Concentrate on the many small inlets with timber and weeds."

Carlton also has a lot of crappies that can be taken with bobber and minnow rigs in brushy coves and submerged fish cribs. Largemouth bass up to 3 pounds often thrill unsuspecting youngsters. Channel catfish are numerous for a patient angler soaking dip bait or cut bait on the bottom, with cats from 3 to 6 pounds being common. Walleyes and saugeyes are caught on night crawlers and minnows around the levee area. And if you're lucky, you could encounter one of the legendary muskies of Carlton.

Morrison-Rockwood State Park is located in Whiteside County about three miles north of Morrison. Boat rental, ramps, fishing piers, concession, camping and picnicking facilities are available. For more information, call (815) 772-4708. Travel and lodging information can be obtained from the Rock Falls Chamber of Commerce at (815) 625-4500.

THE LAKE AT INDEPENDENCE GROVE
For all the opportunities available in the northern suburbs of Chicago, DNR biologist Frank Jakubicek had difficulty commenting on just one good family destination in his district. However, he named one Lake County location as a standout for a productive day of bent poles and smiling faces.

"The best bet in my area is Independence Grove in the Lake County Forest Preserve District," the biologist said. "Fishing is very good, but the whole lake is catch-and-release for all species right now."

Constructed from a series of gravel mines in 1999, Independence Grove stocks bluegills, largemouth bass, crappies, channel catfish, perch and walleyes. Anglers will have no trouble catching hordes of nice bluegills in a day.