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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Alaska West
Net Bender
Today we present you with nothing more than one of our favorite photos from this past summer season courtesy of Alaska West guide, Lucas Young. Net shot. Spey rod. And fish so big that it buckles the fiberglass handle and aluminum frame of a gargantuan landing net.. What’s not to like? Want to swing flies…
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Guide Poll: Most Common Advice Given on the Water
We’re back with another installment of our ‘guide poll‘ series of posts where our team of professional guides answer common questions asked by our readers. Today’s question; As a fly fishing guide, what’s the most common piece of advice you find yourself giving to anglers on a daily basis? Check out their answers below! Guide Poll:…
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Carrying Fly Rods Through the Brush
Today we present you with a quick tip for all of you out there who like to strike off of the beaten path whenever possible (with fly rods in hand, of course). When bushwhacking (aka ‘crittering’ around our camp) with fly rods, there are few things more frustrating than your rod tip and/or leader hanging…
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Trout Eating Your Indicator? Fish Neutral Colors
Whether dead drifting traditional nymphs along the bottom of your local trout stream or bouncing salmon flesh/egg imitations down a run in Western Alaska, the technique of nymphing (i.e. dead-drifting subsurface flies to feeding fish) is without a doubt one of the most effective methods for catching trout in moving water. Moreover, when nymphing for…
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Buzzer Beater!
Last week we informed you that we were wrapping up the last fishing day of our 2018 season at Alaska West, mostly to say thanks to all of you who made it such a memorable season. In case you missed it, and joined us on the Kanektok this season, well, thanks! We may have jumped…
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Aqua Flies Intruder Eyes
When it comes to commercial spey/swing style fly patterns (i.e. those that you can pick up at your local fly shop), one manufacturer in particular has been standing out amongst the crowd; Aqua Flies. We’ve been pointing anglers bound for our lodges in Alaska and British Columbia towards Aqua Flies for years. Why? Aside from…
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Set Towards the Tail
Today we address one of the most common mistakes we see made on the river; setting the hook in the wrong direction. When fishing in moving water, the direction in which your rod tip moves when lifting the rod to set the hook can be the difference between a fish that makes it to the…
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Best Fly Lines for Trout Spey – North 40 Video
Last week we shared a video from our friends over at North 40 Fly Shop featuring George Cook on the particulars of choosing a proper spey rod for trout. If you missed it, be sure to give it a watch by clicking right here. A few days ago, they released another great from their latest…
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Timeless Tips: Fly Fishing for Fussy Silver Salmon
At Alaska West, we have the pleasure of closing out our season with truly prolific runs of silver salmon. Silvers get under the skin of many of our guests due to their strength, acrobatics, and willingness to grab a fly. However, contrary to popular belief, there are times when silver salmon are reluctant to eat…
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