We consider ourselves very fortunate to operate lodges in some very unique places in the world. While our main focus might be on the fishing, every now and then we take our eyes off the water and are often humbled by the diversity of wildlife around us. The wildlife of Western Alaska is no exception, and today we present…
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Alaska West
Our Trout Like Big Flies
The trout in our neck of the woods typically don’t pay much attention to ‘traditionally sized’ trout flies. A size 12 elk hair caddis would be the equivalent of eating the parsley garnish on the side of your steak dinner.. A short growing season, and constant supply of large high calorie food items (i.e. mice, sculpin, salmon flesh, and eggs), causes our…
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Keep ’em Close!
We recently came across this cool shot of a silver salmon caught on the swing by Alaska West guest, Craig Kopcyzk. It reminded us of a great piece of advice from Deneki alum Cameron Miller on taking good fish photos.. Leave the fish close to the water! Not only is it much, much better on the…
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New Study: How Often Do Trout and Grayling Eat Mice?
In our neck of the woods, trout eat mice (well, shrews to be exact). It’s no secret, we write about it a lot.. Why? Because it’s awesome! However, did you know that grayling have also been known to take down their share of mammals as well? Its true, during certain times of year, particularly early…
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Sage Evoke Reel Review
Last summer, the good folks at Sage released a new ‘specialty’ series of reels called the Evoke. According to Sage, the Evoke was the answer to the question, ‘what would many of the most hardcore fly fishers who take on big anadromous fish and powerful saltwater species want in a fly reel.’ Well, that was…
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The Pets
While filleting salmon for our guests, the resident trout around our camp at Alaska West grow pretty fond of the hand that feeds them. Its not uncommon to witness dozens of trophy rainbow trout in the 20 to 30 inch range, patiently waiting for the next salmon scrap to fall off of the fillet table….
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Why They’re Called Leopard Rainbows
Our rainbow trout in western Alaska look a little different than in the rest of the world. We call them leopard rainbows, and for good reason.. They look like this! Thanks to Alaska West regular, James Hambrick Jr. for tying into this beauty. We’re still trying to find an area on this trout that’s not…
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Popper Fishing for Salmon – 5 Tips
We may be winding down towards the end of the season at our Alaska operations, but chances are if you live near a river that is inhabited by silver salmon, the cohos are still pushing! We’re fortunate to live on a river that has an extremely productive silver salmon fishery (from late July through early…
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Alaska West Mini Gallery – Shore Lunch Style
Today we’re coming at you with a gallery of photos highlighting one of the most underrated parts of any fishing trip.. Lunch time! Fresh Alaskan salmon is amazing anywhere in the world, but it doesn’t get better than when cooked riverside over a wood fire. Add good friends, great fishing, and maybe a mid-day nap,…
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Stu’s Red Shrimp Intruder – Fly Tying Video
Our good friend and Deneki host Stuart Foxall just teemed up with Loop Tackle to put together an awesome video on how to tie Stu’s Red Shrimp Intruder, an awesome pattern anywhere steelhead or salmon can be found. Watch closely for some slick tips that can be used not only when tying intruder style patterns,…
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