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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Alaska West
Wet Fly Swing Podcast
The Wet Fly Swing podcast by Dave Stewart is a comprehensive resource, covering a variety of fly fishing topics. The podcast covers all things fly fishing not only in the United States and across the world. With Eight Seasons and an array of topics, you’ll have plenty to listen to through the winter. Below are…
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Fly Tying: Hoh Bo Spey
Originated by Charles St, Pierre, the Hob Bo Spey is named after the famous Olympic Peninsula Steelhead rivers, the Hoh River, and the Bogachiel River. A great low water fly, with a solid profile and stinger hook, it is a versatile, easy casting fly, and the color combinations are almost endless. A proven effective fly…
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Deneki Chronicles: Spey Fishing – Pulsing the Swing (Video)
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 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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You have a Bunch of Salmon. What now?
You’ve fished a lot. You’ve caught a lot, and along the way, you decided to harvest some Salmon to eat and ended up with more than you anticipated, and you’re not sure what to do with it all. Or you caught what you wanted but are looking for new ways to prepare your salmon. Either…
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