As most effective trout anglers know, a well executed drift is far more important than a perfect cast. Whether we want our fly to drift naturally in the current, or swing through the water column at a particular depth, this is best achieved by mending – That is, repositioning the line on the water after the…
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Alaska West
2016 Spey-O-Rama Reminder
Just a reminder that in less than a week the 2016 Spey-O-Rama World Spey Casting Championships kick off at the Golden Gate Angling and Casting Club in San Francisco, California. The event will be held between April 22nd – 24th and will feature casting demonstrations, product exhibits, and some of the best spey casters in the world….
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7-Weights for Alaskan Trout
Ask any group anglers, “what’s your favorite trout rod,” and odds are you’ll hear of a wealth of different makes and models, somewhere in the 3 – 6 weight range. That’s because rods in the 3 – 6 weight range cover a whole bunch of trouty applications from presenting tiny flies on spooky spring creeks to banging…
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7 Reasons We Like To Fish Flesh
Our Alaskan season is just around the corner (71 days in fact, but who’s counting?), and that means it won’t be long before we’re chucking big flies for even bigger Alaskan rainbow trout. We’re really lucky to be able to target trout effectively using a whole bunch techniques from stripping and swinging streamers, to skating…
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Patagonia Stormfront Sling Pack – Why We Like It
Like most anglers, we’re constantly looking around for the best way to carry around our gear. In search of a solution for our gear addiction, we recently picked up the Patagonia Stormfront Sling Pack. We think its pretty slick and today we thought we’d tell you why. What’s a Sling Pack? Aptly named, sling packs are packs…
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What’s the Best Time to Go Fishing in Alaska?
Today’s post falls into the ‘questions we get asked all the time’ category. When talking to folks about fly fishing in Alaska, inevitably we get asked the question, “what’s the best time to go fishing in Alaska?” It’s a great question! However, to answer that question takes much more than a simple one line answer. So, today…
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Prime King Salmon Spots at Alaska West
As far as we’re concerned, when it comes to fly fishing, swinging flies for big, bright, sea-lice ridden king salmon is as good as it gets. At Alaska West, we’re extremely fortunate to be located on arguably one of the best rivers to target king salmon on the fly in the entire world – and…
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Stu’s Kicking Templedog – Tying Instructions
Tube fly guru, Stuart Foxall, is back today with another great fly tying step by step! Today’s pattern? A modern variation of the timeless Templedog tube fly for salmon and steelhead. Happy Tying! Stu’s Kicking Templedog – Tying Instructions Earlier this month we showed you how to tie a Scandinavian influenced Templedog tube fly for steelhead….
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Trout and Steelhead Art by Ben West
Those of you who have visited us at Alaska West in recent years likely recognize the name Ben West (also known as ‘Big Country’ in our neck of the woods). Not only is Ben a great guide (and shore-lunch connoisseur), but he’s also one heck of an artist as well.. Just check out his latest work…
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Family Time in Alaska
At Alaska West, our motto has always been; “Alaska West – For the Serious Angler.” However, while we love catering to the hardcore angler, we really love taking families fishing too! In fact, we’re really lucky to fish with many returning families each season at our lodges. Fishing with family is a pretty special thing,…
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