Photo by Bill Banaszewski.

When it comes to the annual family vacation, compromise usually means conflict. But that's not so for anglers heading to New England this year. Premier trout, salmon and bass waters are just a cast away from other family-friendly outdoor recreation, educational sites and amusements that will please everyone in the clan.

New England's fisheries are thriving, and it's hard not to find great fishing opportunities in every direction. Historical sites, unique museums and shops, wildlife parks and water parks are just a few of the family fun offerings to be found throughout the region. So pack your fishing tackle and load up the boat -- but don't forget the bathing suits, binoculars and cameras.

Here's a sampling of New England family fishing vacations you'll remember for years to come:

CONNECTICUT
The Litchfield Hills region in the northwestern corner of the Nutmeg State is packed with great places for families to fish and explore.

Waters well worth fishing include Wononscopomuc Lake (Lakeville Lake) in Salisbury, Colebrook River Reservoir and Mount Tom Pond in Litchfield.

Bantam Lake in Morris and Litchfield is the largest natural lake in Connecticut. Its 947 acres are considered the state's best bet for really big northern pike. Bantam also has bass, brown trout and panfish.

The White Memorial Foundation owns much of the shoreline, with two rustic campgrounds including the 47-site Point Folly and 18-site Windmill Hill. Telephone reservations are not accepted. Interested vacationers may print an application off the Internet at WhitemorialCC.com or write to the White Memorial Foundation, Box 368, Litchfield, CT 06759.

Lake Waramaug, in Kent, Warren and Washington, offers 656 acres of family fishing fun. The Lake Waramaug State Park campground and beach are on the northwestern shore. Rental canoes are available.

Waramaug is stocked with brown trout and also has largemouth bass, big chain pickerel and plenty of panfish to keep the kids happy. There are concessions, hiking trails, nature programs and 78 campsites. For more information, call 1-860-868-2592.

For a taste of local cultural heritage, visit the Institute for American Indian Studies in Washington. On display are art and artifacts dating back 10,000 years.

For details, call 1-860-868-0518, or visit BirdStone.com.

In Danbury, the Military Museum of Southern New England has life-sized interior exhibits, World War II models, outdoor tank displays and heavy machinery. For more information, call (203) 790-9277.

Or in Brookfield, visit the Mother Earth Gallery and Mining Company where children can dig for gemstones and fossils. For additional details, visit MotherEarthCrystals.com, or call (203) 775-6272.

In Woodbury, learn more about Mother Nature at the Flanders Nature Center-Land Trust. The Van Vleck Farm, Hetzel and Whittemore sanctuaries have hiking trails, a nature center, seasonal farm and garden programs, as well as art and educational programs.

For details, call (203) 263-3711.