At Alaska West, we’re lucky to experience a run of anadramous (sea-run) dolly varden that’s nothing shy of remarkable. Towards the back half of our season, they undergo a stunning change in appearance from the bright silver garb of their time at sea to their fall spawning colors of fluorescent orange, red, yellow, and green. They’re easily some of the most handsome fish in our river but oddly enough, they rarely receive the same level of press as more sought after species like rainbow trout, king salmon, silver salmon, etc.. Today we right that wrong.
Last week, our good friend and Deneki regular, Pat Virnich, was fortunate to tie into one of the largest ‘clowned-up’ dollies we’ve seen to date on our river. Taping out at a whopping 29.5 inches in length, Pat was able to bring this fish of a lifetime to hand alongside Alaska West guide, Jason Whiting, and needless to say, we couldn’t be more happy for him.
We know you’re reading this, Pat. Congrats, pal. Let’s do it again soon!
Heck yeah! Solid work fellas!!