The saying is, ‘everything is bigger in Alaska’. This also includes bugs. For example, the giant water bug (lethocerus americanus) found in Southeastern Alaska can grow up to 2.5 inches in length. That’s a big bug. From the Arctic tundra to the Southeastern panhandle, aquatic insects exist throughout Alaskan waters and play a large role in the ecosystem. As fly anglers, it’s prudent…
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Alaska West
Fly Tying: Mini Krystal Shrimp
Originator: Dave Stanley. Photos and Instruction by Mike Brown. Mike Brown is the owner of Mossy’s Fly Shop in Anchorage, AK. A lifelong Alaskan with a passion for family, fly fishing and fly tying. There is always going to be a huge debate amongst Sockeye fishermen whether Sockeye (Red) Salmon will eat a fly or…
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Deneki Chronicles: Spey Fishing – Finish Your Swing with Some Action
Here’s a scenario that most two-handed anglers can relate to; You’ve made a nice cast to the opposite bank, kicked over a big mend, and stepped down the run setting up your swing to perfection. Your fly tracks through the gut of the run at that magical speed at what you’re confident in the perfect…
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Mousin’ with Stuart Foxall
It’s pretty well known that one of the most exciting and fun ways to catch fish at Alaska West or fly outs from Rapids Camp Lodge is mouse fishing. It really does get the heart racing. One of the issues with mouse fishing is “bumping” fish. Bumping fish is when a fish want’s your mouse…
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Fly Tying: Golden Stone
When it comes to trout fishing in Alaska; egg patterns, flesh and big streamers are the typical soup de jour commonly associated with Alaska fishing. But, we are targeting trout and salmon aren’t present all the time. So, what are they feeding on, yes mice of course, but they also feed on bugs just like…
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Alaska West Netting Tips
If you are a fishing guide there might be no quicker way to go from hero to zero than messing up a net job on a client’s fish. But if you fish enough and you have to use a net to land fish you are bound to screw it up now and then, no matter…
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Gear Review: Vedavoo Rod Quiver
Destination fishing for fly anglers is awesome. If you have never fished waters where you have to fly to get there, you should do it. It’s a hoot. For those of us who have done it once, twice, or multiple times, you know packing correctly is a burden. You spend a lot of time debating…
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Save Bristol Bay Guide Ambassadors
Save Bristol Bay Guide Ambassadors share season recaps with Trout Unlimited The team at Deneki Outdoors is committed to conservation, especially in the places where we operate and take you fishing. For our lodges in southwest Alaska, that commitment is personal and we’ve consistently partnered with groups like Trout Unlimited who have been working with local businesses and communities to fight the…
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Visualizing Sink Tips
In the world of Spey casting making sure you’re using the right sink tip, let’s be honest is confusing. There are a variety of lengths, sink rates, density, and style of sink tip, and trying to match the right sink tip, to the river your fishing and your own preference can be a daunting task….
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Guide Speak Glossary: Alaska West Edition
In our second edition of Guide Speak we visit Alaska West on the Kanektok. The Kanektok is many a fly fisherman’s mecca, or summit, so to speak. It’s also a place that makes coming up with new fishing oriented words and phrases quite easy due to the intense focus on fishing and lodge life. With…
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