We considered putting together a list of the best, but that started too many arguments. Instead, we offer a collection of our 10 favorite writers who always manage to translate the fly fishing experience into words that we really enjoy. The next time you’re stuck inside waiting for the weather to break, break out one of these authors. For easy reference and an end to friendly disagreements, we’ve alphabetized our list. 1. James Babb Editor Read more…
If you have ever been a guest at No-See-Um Lodge, then we hope you would consider it one of the best locations you have ever been for a fly fishing vacation. Well, we are happy to note that one fly fishing focused website, My Alaskan Fishing Trip, puts No-See-Um Lodge on their summary of the best fly fishing vacation spots in the world – that’s right…not just Alaska…in the WORLD. The article includes fly fishing Read more…
You wouldn’t be caught on the river without sharp nippers and sturdy hemostats. You respect the fish with rubber nets and baby your favorite flies with waterproof cases. Beyond the basics, it’s easy to get overloaded with gear and gadgets, so we recommend these 10 essential tools that every Alaskan fly fisherman should be using. 1. Save Your Eyes With a Fly Threader Changing out flies in a flash is a snap with a handy Read more…
In your imagination, you’ve been there so many times. Once visions of the Last Frontier start dancing in your head, there’s no denying that longing in your soul. If you have any doubts about those dreams tugging on your sleeve, here are 10 sure signs that you really need to plan a trip to Alaska soon. You Count Trout Instead of Sheep – When life gets too busy, getting to sleep at night takes a Read more…
By the time Europeans made it to Alaska in the mid-1700s, fly fishing was already an ancient sport. Flip the calendar forward about 100 years, and folks on the Continent considered it a pastime for the elite. Yes, while Alaskans were fly fishing to put food on the table, casting became an art form back in Europe. That’s not really bad when you think about it. All those lucky people with time on their hands Read more…
They might seem at odds with each other. An afternoon surfing the Internet can’t compare to time gladly lost in the magic of casting a line. Putting apples and oranges aside, the online world embraces everything on the planet including its very best outdoor sport and Alaska’s favorite pastime. Of course, we’re talking about fly fishing, and we know you’ll really enjoy these 10 sites that make our point. 1. Fish Alaska Magazine – You Read more…
We aren’t crazy. We’re just crazy about the sport. How else can you explain living in the same spot on the Kvichak River for more than 40 years? Sure, the scenery is incredible but it all revolves around the magic of that perfect cast on a perfect afternoon into the most perfect waters on the planet. We know why we love Alaskan fly fishing, and we really believe you should too. Because It’s Just So Read more…
In 1972 Jack Holman and his wife were teaching in a one room school and living in Levelock, a small native village on the edge of the Kvichak river in Southwest Alaska. Both had recently graduated from college and taken contracts to live in the village and teach for at least a year. Jack spent much of his free time traveling the river with locals, hunting and fishing. The lodge site was an occupied homestead Read more…
As the seasons change—winter melting into spring—fishing enthusiasts need to take changes in climate and weather into consideration when choosing the appropriate gear for their angling adventures. In the early summer, many areas surrounding rivers, lakes, and even the Alaskan coastline, are prone to high waters. This makes the beginning of each new season the ideal time to change up your fishing gear—especially your boots. What kinds of seasonally appropriate options for boots are available Read more…
2014 turned out a great summer. We saw excellent salmon returns in most drainages which produced great trout fishing. A few exceptions included the spawners in the Kvichak braids and lower numbers in the Upper American creek. The drainages upstream of the Kvichak were in great shape and the Lower American seemed to have plenty of fish. Water levels were good in most systems, a bit low in a few. The Copper River, while starting to Read more…