We’ve posted a fair amount of photos in the past of dolly varden (or, Arctic Char? Click here for an explanation) in full spawning colors at Alaska West. Why? Because frankly, we think they’re one of the coolest looking fish around. From late July through the end of August, many of our guests love spending part…
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Fish
Nice Fish, Benny
Congrats to Alaska West guide, Ben Beatty, for landing this double-digit bonefish alongside Andros South guide Josie Sands. Nice work guys! More on Bonefishing The Advanced Ready Position How Far Do You Have to Cast Selecting Bonefish Flies
Sculpin
Sculpins are an important food source for our resident rainbow trout at Alaska West. We spend a great deal of time at the tying bench trying to imitate the appearance of these fat headed bait fish as closely as possible. Why? Because the trout love ’em! Particularly during the beginning and end of the season….
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Clown
Just a cool underwater perspective of one of the prettiest fish in Alaska.. Clowned up dolly varden. More on Dolly Varden Swinging Flies for Dolly Varden All about Dolly Varden at Alaska West 4 Reasons to Fish for Dollies
Fish Facts: Bonefish Related to Eels?
We’re fortunate to work around a pretty knowledgeable staff at our lodges. In fact, a surprising number of our team members hail from pretty scientific backgrounds with degrees in fisheries biology, environmental science, geology and so on.. That makes for some pretty wild fish facts thrown around the camp fire from time to time. Every…
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The Tool Every Angler Should Have On Them (But Probably Doesn’t)
For the most part, fly fisherman are gear heads.. and we’re certainly no exception! The amount of gadgets and gizmos on the market for today’s techie fly fisherman are endless. However, we are always surprised with the number of guests we fish with who have everything imaginable in their vest or pack EXCEPT a hook…
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Nice Fish, Barry
Congratulations to Andros South guest, Barry Read, for landing the first bonefish of the season with a little help from guide Charlie Sweeting! Great work guys, and awesome fish! More Nice Fish from Our Lodges Nice Bonefish, Ralph Nice Trout, David Nice King, Eric
Chum Love
We haven’t thrown any love towards the underdogs (pun intended) of the Northwest in a while. So, today we’re coming at you with nothing more than a cool photo of our good friend, John Wilkin, releasing a swung up chum salmon from Alaska West. Thanks to Dr. Oncorhynchus keta for the aggression and willingness to eat that…
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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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Don’t Stress
Most fly anglers today would agree that catch and release practices are important in promoting healthy fisheries. Not only is it beneficial to the well being of our sport, but having the opportunity to release a fish back to the wild to fight another day, is an event most of us would agree adds to the…
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