We’ve long been fans of the original Dry Creek Boat Bags from Simms. In fact, it’s safe to say that the majority of our guides have logged more days on the water with the original Dry Creek bags than any other boat bag on the market. Why? It’s simple. They can fits lots of gear, they keep that gear…
Read More
Deneki Blog
Bear Track
Contrary to popular belief, at Alaska West we don’t see too many bears over the course of the day. Unlike other parts of Alaska, bears in our neck of the woods are not very comfortable around people, so when we’re lucky to spot one, it’s usually a ways off. That’s not to say they’re not…
Read More
Trout Spey Techniques: The Hang Down Drop-Back
Rapids Camp Lodge head guide, Tom Provost, is no newbie to swinging flies for trout and today he fills us in on how he targets trout during the most neglected part of the swing, the hang down. Thanks Tom! Swinging for Trout – The Hang Down Drop-Back When swinging for trout or other aggressive species, the dirtiest…
Read More
Tube Fly Organization
At our lodges in Alaska and British Columbia, we really like fishing tube flies for a whole bunch of reasons. However, organizing tube flies is always a constant battle. After all, there’s no hook to nest in a traditional fly box, and larger ‘bushy’ patterns tend to fill up a simple plano box pretty fast….
Read More
Three Reasons We Like This Photo
We recently came across this photo of our buddy Chris Jordan with a nice silver salmon caught during his most recent stay at Alaska West. We’re really lucky to have an extremely impressive run of silvers each year, and in case you’ve never witnessed silver madness for yourself, we think this photo sums it up…
Read More
Get Your Swivel On
Today we’re coming at you with a great trout rigging tip courtesy of Alaska West guide, Larry McKurtis. If you’re planning on chucking big flies for big trout (especially in Alaska), you might want to read up on this one. Take it away Larry! Get Your Swivel On Here at Alaska West we’re always tinkering…
Read More
Kanektok King Salmon Doing Well
As many of you are aware, the king salmon fishery on the Kanektok River (home to our Alaska West operation) has been closed to sport fishing for the past two seasons. However, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game recently released the numbers for the first commercial salmon opener of the season and we’re happy…
Read More
Walter Sighting
Hog Johnson, Big Jerry, Jethro.. No matter what you call him, every river has that one fish that haunts all those who fish it. It’s the biggest, baddest fish in the river that many have encountered, but few have held. Here on the Kanektok, we call that fish Walter, and each season our guides and…
Read More
Sculpin Helmets
Throughout our season, one of the most consistent ways to target our big Alaskan rainbow trout is with sculpin patterns. While tossing mice or drifting flesh and egg patterns certainly have their place during parts of our season, a good sclupin imitation is usually a safe bet no matter what time of year. Our trout love gorging…
Read More
Top Posts on Chum Salmon
Our Alaska season is underway and right now and our rivers are starting to fill up with big, bright chum salmon. Chums are one of the most underrated game fish out there. We’re not exactly sure why.. Perhaps it’s the name. After all the word ‘chum’ is not overly endearing. Or perhaps it’s because in days…
Read More