There is no doubt Alaska holds an extraordinary place in our hearts. Both Rapids Camp Lodge and Alaska West Lodge were great successes during the 2021 season. In this series of photos, we show some of the successes from the 2021 Season. To all of our guests who joined us during the 2021 season at…
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Alaska West
Two-Hand Alaska
When it comes to fishing for King Salmon on the Kanektok in early June or tanker Rainbow Trout on the Naknek River in the fall, or anywhere where else in Alaska we like using Two-handed rods, otherwise known as Spey rods. These days, Two-handed or Spey rods and reels are super popular. Despite that, there…
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Deneki Chronicles: Spey Casting – The Lift
Many spey casting faults can be traced all the way back to the very beginning of the cast, that’s right, on the lift. It’s the lift that sets the stage for a well executed cast, yet it receives little attention from those looking to fine-tune their casting. However, we won’t waste time trying to convince you…
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Alaska West Fishing? Yes Please.
When the days are short and the nights are long, it’s easy to just sit back and watch a good classic movie…or dream about fishing at Alaska West. We’ll make it easier for you. Other Deneki Outdoor Posts: Deneki Outdoors: Where Legends are Made Swinging for Naknek Rainbows Spey Casting Videos
Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Short
Being comfortable can make all the difference between a good or bad outdoor experience. Everybody talks about the importance of keeping your body’s core warm in cold conditions. Underlayer clothing is designed to keep your “core” warm in colder temperatures. Last checked, your tushie and thighs are a part of your core, and a lot…
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Fly Tying: Dolly Llama
They say, “imitation is the best form of flattery.” There are a bunch of variations of the Dolly Llama demonstrated, but none exactly like the original. That being said, even this tie instruction is ever so slightly different. The Dolly Llama has taken over the Egg Sucking Leech as Alaska’s “all-around” fly pattern. This pattern…
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Deneki Chronicles: When to Set the Hook When Swinging Flies – North 40 Video
When swinging flies for salmon and steelhead, one of the most common faults we see on a regular basis from our anglers is setting the hook too early. In most avenues of fly fishing (trout, bass, bonefish, you name it), setting the hook quickly is critical in order to establish tension and ensure a solid…
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Scenes From Alaska 2021
Just a few scenes from both Rapids Camp in Bristol Bay and Alaska West. We already miss it. Deneki’s Family of Lodges – Alaska & The Bahamas: Alaska West Lodge Andros South Lodge Rapids Camp Lodge
Fly Tying: The One Sculpin Ultra Rigged
Deneki Friend and Alum Jerry French tied the original version of “The One Sculpin,” an articulated stinger style fly. Jerry came out with the Ultra Rig Kit last year, and we decided to tie his pattern using that system. We also changed the throat material as well. What is the “Ultra Rig” you ask? In short,…
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Aqua Flies: Ultra Rig Kit
Stinger-style flies are the way to go when it comes to fishing on the swing. Typically tied with wire or braid, both have their respective challenges. A wire is brittle, hard to work with, and you can’t change out flies very easily, especially in the cold. If you use braid, it is soft, so larger…
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