Trailer hook style flies have become extremely popular for salmon and steelhead for a number of reasons. They allow dull hooks to be changed, reduce the the number of ‘short’ strikes, and allow large profile flies (i.e. intruders, leeches, and so on) to be tied with shorter shanked hooks for better holding power. However, when tying…
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Search Results for: King Salmon
We Love Our Trout
It’s been a while since we showed some love for our leopard rainbow trout, so today we’re coming at you with nothing but a cool photo of one of our favorite fish from Alaska West. Go ahead, try to count the spots. More on Trout Fishing Fishing Techniques for Western Alaska Trout How to Fish…
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Tying Traditional Hairwings – The Colburn Special
A few of you have asked us to put together some step by step tying posts for some more ‘classic’ fly patterns for salmon and steelhead. So, today we present you with a classic hair wing style pattern called the Colburn Special. Enjoy! The Colburn Special – Tying Instructions Originally designed for Atlantic salmon (by…
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Tube Flies for Bonefish?
If you’ve been following our blog for some time, you’re probably well aware that we really dig tube flies. Tube flies have become common place in the world of salmon and steelhead, and for good reason.. They work really well! We’ve also had great success fishing tubes for other species from trout to barracuda, so…
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Help NFS Protect Native Fish From Strip Mining
The good folks at The Native Fish Society (NFS) have issued a call for action, and they need your help! According to the NFS, several watersheds home to wild, native salmon and steelhead in southwest Oregon are being threatened by proposed nickel strip mines. The headwaters of concern include three National Wild and Scenic Rivers, some of…
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Stone Beads
In our neck of the woods, trout like eggs. Therefore, we tend to do a lot of bead fishing for trout at our lodges. Salmon eggs are a primary food source for our trout, and there isn’t a better imitation than a single bead. Most beads made specifically for trout fishing are made of plastic, usually…
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6 Tips for Tying Better Knots
It’s true that the weakest connection in any line or leader is a knot. However, it’s also true that experienced anglers rarely lose fish to knot failure. Break-offs are a bummer.. Here are 6 tips to tying better, stronger knots. Lubricate EACH Step. Most anglers know that its always a good idea to lubricate your knots….
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Swinging for Trout – The Tumble Rig
We really enjoy swinging flies for trout on small spey or switch rods. Here at Alaska West, that usually means swinging large sculpin or flesh flies on or near the bottom. In other words, getting your fly down is often the name of the game. Earlier this year, we were fortunate to spend a week…
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The Miles Davis Leech – Tying Instructions
Our buddy Stuart Foxall is back again with yet another great step by step fly tying post. Today’s pattern? The Miles Davis Leech, a super effective fly for steelhead, salmon, or even big trout. Thanks Stu! The Miles Davis Leech – Tying Instructions The Miles Davis black leech pattern is an amazingly simple but effective…
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The Strip Set – Not Just for Bonefish
“Don’t trout set,” are words nearly every saltwater angler has heard at one time or another. That’s because when it comes to hard mouthed species like bonefish it’s crucial to set the hook by stripping the fly as opposed to raising the rod in typical ‘trout’ fashion. Raising the rod does a great job at…
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