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 Alaska: Dolly Varden, Salmon, Rainbow Trout - A Good Year
Posted by kodiakcommando on January 08, 2006
Alaska's winters are long, dark and unforgiving. The biggest reason many people don't live here is probably the winter. But, there are those like me that have endured and continue to endure winters icy grip. Although there are still fish to be had this time of year it is nothing compared to tha summer action that passes all to quickly. Because of this I have lots of time to look back and ponder over past fly fishing adventures. How was the fishing? What did I learn and what do i need to improve on? These are all important questions that I ask myself.
In regards to the quality of fishing, as always, some areas were great and some were marginal. The year started out great as i was catching Dolly Varden at one of the major lakes from the first of the year to the end of april. 15 fish days were the norm and 30 fish days were sprinkled in with some 25 inch monster Dollies. Definately, the best fly fishing i have ever experienced up here during that time of year. During the summer season, the Salmon fish was average except for King Salmon. This was the first year we had a true run of King Salmon through the Kodiak road system and i took full advantage of the opportunity. I caught fish in the small stream but the highlight was casting big clouser minnows out of my pontoon boat in the ocean near the mouth of the river. They were small kings by Alaskan standards but they still fight hard! As for reds, pinks, chums and silvers, it was an average year but average in Alaska might be conidered world class by many. For that reason I try to stay humble and not be dissapointed because every year up here is much better for me than when i lived in Utah. I guess the real highlight of this past year was the Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden fly fishing. I caught more Kodiak lake rainbows than ever before and plenty of fish between 20 and 25 inches. And, of course I experienced the greatness of the Naknek River. I really enjoyed fishing dollies in the fall before they began their spawning rituals. I caught fish till i was bored and Dolly Varden as big as red salmon were not
uncommon.
I learned some interesting things this year. I learned how inconsistent Kodiak Rainbow Trout fishing can be and how to hit it right. It seems that sunny days with a little wind are the best and sudden changes in weather can spell doom. I figured out the best timing for fall Dolly Varden and of course i found some secret flies that worked some magic. I also learned what i need to work on. Mending is a top priority. I rarely need to mend while fly fishing on Kodiak and i found that my mending skills were a bit rusty on the Naknek River. I will try to mend more often even if it's not required. Second, I need to practice casting in the winter more so i am not slappin the water in May and June. Overall it was a great year as it usually is up here even though the winters can suck the life out of a person. But when the weather warms and the leaves turn green that life returns!
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Re: Alaska: Dolly Varden, Salmon, Rainbow Trout - A Good Year
by greg on January 08, 2006 http://www.fliesandfinsnorth.com | | I always like seeing species that I have never fished for or caught. Your article gives credibillity to winter fishing and gives hope to those wondering if it's as much fun or as much sport. I love to go when I can and as I write this I'm thinking about when I can get away. Thanks for the article . |
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Re: Alaska: Dolly Varden, Salmon, Rainbow Trout - A Good Year
by RickW on January 08, 2006 | | Kodiak, many thanks for the insight into what it is like to live and fish in fly fishing heaven. |
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Re: Alaska: Dolly Varden, Salmon, Rainbow Trout - A Good Year
by Shaq on January 09, 2006 http://www.theanglersnet.com | | Great Job Kodiak!! It's been 8 years and I can still see Alaska everytime I close my eyes. Are the Winters worth it? Maybe but As I say to everyone who asks about the fishing...You have to see it...you just gave to. |
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Re: Alaska: Dolly Varden, Salmon, Rainbow Trout - A Good Year
by LBC on January 19, 2006 | kodiak:
Your right, the Naknek is legendary! I have been up in Bristol Bay for the past six summers and finally had the chance to fish the Naknek. Rainbows up to 29" and plenty of them. We were only on the river for two days and caught plenty each day over 25". Wish I was still up there! |
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