As our loyal readers know, we are big fans of swinging flies. We offer a range of different fishing styles at our lodges but if you ask any of our guides their favorite way to target fish, the answer is more than likely going to be, “with a swung fly!”
Friend of Deneki Outdoors and Kenai River fishing guide, David Lisi, put together a piece for us to share going over why he believes Alaska is the ideal place to learn how to fish with a spey rod. Take it away David!
“Alaska is the perfect destination to finally learn that two-handed casting or ‘Spey casting’ everyone is always talking about. Can you say Spey-curious?
Almost nowhere on earth matches the variety of spey fishing opportunities that the waters of Alaska offer. Whether swinging big intruders for King Salmon in the early summer, chasing Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden all season with a single hand spey, switch rod or full “spey rod,” or battling with feisty Coho Salmon skating topwater or subsurface, if you’ve got the itch to try Spey, there’s no reason not to give it a shot on your next Alaskan fishing adventure.
Every season I get the opportunity to turn hundreds of folks on to the world of two-handed fly rods and not many experiences can match “ah-ha” moments of understanding the cast, not to mention: the pulse-quickening, heart-stopping moment when the exact fish you’re chasing annihilates your swung fly on a two-hander.
In a short period of time, with the careful attention of a qualified guide, beginners and experts alike can learn how to effectively deliver a fly with a two-handed rod and get it swinging effectively – with a very good chance of locking horns with the fish of a lifetime.
Whether you’ve been fly fishing your whole life or are just starting out, learning how to Spey cast, especially in Alaska, will yield a lifetime of memories, not to mention a life-long skill.
Using two-handed rods also slows the day down as you find yourself immersed in the river environment. The methodical pace of casting and stepping down a run seems to make time stand still as you eagerly anticipate the tell-tale grab.
The next fishing trip to Alaska, do yourself a favor and plan a day or two or even a whole week of two-handed fishing. Not only will you scratch that Spey ‘itch,’ you just might never want to fly fish another way ever again!” –David Lisi
More On Fishing A Two Hander:
I’m in Anchorage. Bought a Spey rod this winter. No Spey clave this year. Have watched some YouTube. I know to base the shoulder on wind direction. I know it is built on a roll cast. But am looking for an intro. Not sure I want to flog the water solo the first day out. Just recently learned my streamers are different than Spey flies sooo? Where and how to get off the ground and start fishing. Thanks
Great write up by a great Guy! Looking forward to more of you tying and Spey fishing videos David!
Hi Dan. Go talk to Mike and Brian at Mossy’s Fly Shop. You can go in there and between the two of them and their experience, they can help you address the challenges you face with two-handed or Spey fishing. Also, our blog has a plethora of Spey fishing information. Fish on!