When it comes to fishing for King Salmon on the Kanektok in early June or tanker Rainbow Trout on the Naknek River in the fall, or anywhere where else in Alaska we like using Two-handed rods, otherwise known as Spey rods. These days, Two-handed or Spey rods and reels are super popular. Despite that, there…
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Rapids Camp
Deneki Chronicles: Spey Casting – The Lift
Many spey casting faults can be traced all the way back to the very beginning of the cast, that’s right, on the lift. It’s the lift that sets the stage for a well executed cast, yet it receives little attention from those looking to fine-tune their casting. However, we won’t waste time trying to convince you…
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Rapids Camp Lodge 2021: It’s Done…Finito
With another awesome season in the books, Rapids Camp Lodge is done for the 2021 Season. We’d like to thank all our Guests, Guides, In-House staff, Kitchen staff, and operations team for another great time out in Bristol Bay. You all made this particular season great. From flyouts to tundra creeks seeking Rainbow Trout, Lakers,…
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Gear Review: Mountain Hardwear Ghost Whisperer Short
Being comfortable can make all the difference between a good or bad outdoor experience. Everybody talks about the importance of keeping your body’s core warm in cold conditions. Underlayer clothing is designed to keep your “core” warm in colder temperatures. Last checked, your tushie and thighs are a part of your core, and a lot…
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Fly Tying: Dolly Llama
They say, “imitation is the best form of flattery.” There are a bunch of variations of the Dolly Llama demonstrated, but none exactly like the original. That being said, even this tie instruction is ever so slightly different. The Dolly Llama has taken over the Egg Sucking Leech as Alaska’s “all-around” fly pattern. This pattern…
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Deneki Chronicles: When to Set the Hook When Swinging Flies – North 40 Video
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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Football Season in Alaska
It’s football season, but here in Alaska we catch different kinds of footballs; big, Naknek River Rainbows. Truthfully, the Rainbow Trout in the Naknek River are huge, hard-hitting, beasts that will take you into overtime. It’s Big Rainbow Season, and we couldn’t be happier. More about Alaska Rainbow Trout: Alaskan Trout – Why They’re different…
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Scenes From Alaska 2021
Just a few scenes from both Rapids Camp in Bristol Bay and Alaska West. We already miss it. Deneki’s Family of Lodges – Alaska & The Bahamas: Alaska West Lodge Andros South Lodge Rapids Camp Lodge
Fly Tying: The One Sculpin Ultra Rigged
Deneki Friend and Alum Jerry French tied the original version of “The One Sculpin,” an articulated stinger style fly. Jerry came out with the Ultra Rig Kit last year, and we decided to tie his pattern using that system. We also changed the throat material as well. What is the “Ultra Rig” you ask? In short,…
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Fly Tying: Hoh Bo Spey
Originated by Charles St, Pierre, the Hob Bo Spey is named after the famous Olympic Peninsula Steelhead rivers, the Hoh River, and the Bogachiel River. A great low water fly, with a solid profile and stinger hook, it is a versatile, easy casting fly, and the color combinations are almost endless. A proven effective fly…
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