The “tug” might be the “drug,” but most anglers would agree that a tug that stays attached is ideal. Unfortunately, when swinging flies for salmon and steelhead, that’s not always the case. Quick strikes, followed by an unanswered swing, are common when spey fishing, and can be frustrating at the very least. So what do…
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Alaska West
Alaska West Lodge: 2021 Season Wrap-up and Thank You!
Well, there is. September has arrived, the closing of summer comes upon us on the calendar; It’s official…the Alaska West Lodge has completed its 2021 season, and what a season it has been for the Lodge. After the last group of guests departed the Lodge, our staff broke down the Lodge, packed everything up nice…
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Fall Fishing in Alaska or The Bahamas
Termination dust is on the mountains and the opportunities for big Rainbow Trout are upon us. Thing is…if you aren’t comfortable out on the water, you’re gonna be off your game, and we’re not just talking about the cold. The same goes for The Bahamas. No matter where you’re fishing. the right gear makes for…
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Save Bristol Bay: Update
Dear Bristol Bay Supporters, Today (September 9, 2021), the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it would move to vacate its 2019 decision to withdraw proposed protections for Bristol Bay. The EPA will reinstate the 2014 Proposed Determination for Bristol Bay, which, if finalized, will be a critical component of the effort to permanently safeguard…
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Tip: Long Leader Nymph Rig
The flesh and bead bite is on in Alaska, and we’re all excited. You have your rod and reel prepped, your bead box is ready, and your fly box is full of fleshy goodness. As for the leader setup, you’ve got your indicator locked securely in place. However, there are times you need a long…
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Fly Tying: Bow River Bugger
We realize it is Fall, and the flesh bite is starting. Regardless of the flesh bite, Sculpin is still a prime source of food for trout no matter the season. There are a lot of Sculpin flies out there. What makes the Bow River Bugger stand out is it is a Sculpin pattern that incorporates…
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Flies You Need to Tie Right Now!
Fly tying is to fly fishing as grilling is to barbeque. Right now, the Silver (Coho) Salmon are sizzling here in Alaska. Pound for pound one of, if not the best fighting fish, Silvers or Coho are a hoot to catch. Strip a leech, pop a popper, silvers are voracious and aggressive. Once you have…
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Alaska West 2021: Final Week, Already?
We’re headed into our final week here at Alaska West Lodge for 2021. We can’t believe it’s already our last week. A big “thank you” to all our guests, guides, and staff for the good times. We made friends, we had good times, and we caught fish. It’s amazing the bonds you can make among…
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Alaska West Loop Knot
It sure seems like there are as many knots as the number of fish species we use them for. Every once in a while, we run into a particular knot that is simple, super easy to tie, and is very effective. This knot is one of them, and we’re here to show you how to…
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Fly Tying: Marabou Ham & Eggs
Fall in Alaska is one of our favorite times of year to fish. The salmon have spawned and have gone into the final stage of their lifecycle to become a food resource for the river and its inhabitants, including Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden. That makes flesh flies extremely effective in the fall months here…
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