How to Decorate a Fishing Lodge

mountain lodge image by Warren Millar from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

Fishing lodges should be designed and decorated to paint a setting. The lodge itself and the decor should be a shelter that gives a sense of place and offer a connection to the land and water. When guests settle into the lodge after a day of fishing, a properly decorated lodge should make guests feel comfortable and able to sit in front of the fire exchanging stories of the big one that got away. Decorating is a subjective art; however, there a few tips to help with the decor of your fishing lodge.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

Wicker or log and stick furniture
Collected birch bark, twigs and logs
Fish- and wildlife-themed fabric curtains
Old snowshoes
Old fishing gear including rods, reels, lures and sinkers
Old fishing season signs
Seasonal pine or conifer boughs, pine cones and fallen leaves
Bird decoys

Step 1

Cut some birch branches into small pieces, about 4 to 5 inches. Assemble them so they make forked cradles and use these to hang curtain rods. Use a fish or wildlife themed fabric for the curtains. The birch and fabric curtain combination should give the illusion of the woods and lake.

Step 2

Collect several series of old fishing lures such as old spoons, jigs, flies, swimbaits and plugs. Arrange them in any way you like, and then have them mounted into shadow boxes. Hang these shadow boxes in the dining room or common area of the lodge. If possible, get small metal plates engraved to tack onto each shadow box explaining the lure's history.

Step 3

Arrange a collection of seasonal leaves, twigs, boughs and barks in the center of the dining room table. As the seasons change, collect newer forest and woods debris and make a new seasonal centerpiece. Fallen leaves in autumn make colorful centerpieces when coupled with bored-out birch branches, used as candle holders.

Step 4

Mount old snowshoes to the walls as decoration. Snowshoes are not fishing specific, but fit the motif for a fishing and outdoor lodge. Set old fishing rods in corners, accenting the wood of the lodge walls and giving a casual fishing feel.

Step 5

Modify a collection of old and discarded fly fishing reels and mount them to the lodge bedroom and bathroom doors and door knobs. In the bathrooms, outline the vanity mirrors with old fishing licenses from various states and countries, and then varnish them with a clear lacquer.

Tips & Warnings

If you're a dog lover, take your pet with you to the lodge for fun and companionship. Nothing adds more to the atmosphere and enjoyment of a backcountry experience, than having your faithful furry companion lounging with you in your newly decorated lodge.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

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