Over the last ten years or so, the notion of ‘trout spey’ has become one of the fastest growing sectors of fly fishing. We love targeting trout on swung flies with small spey/switch rods and we do a decent amount of it at both of our lodges in Alaska. Nonetheless, with more trout-appropriate spey rods…
Read More
Search Results for: rainbow alaska
Rigging Beads for Trout – Mind Your Peg
Like it or not, no Alaska fly box is complete without a selection of egg patterns. Rainbow trout throughout Western Alaska rely heavily on salmon eggs throughout the back half of our season and those who choose not to imitate this natural occurrence are ignoring one of the most important food sources for Alaskan trout…
Read More
The Kanektok Slam – Congrats Steve!
A while back, we told you about our new friends and Deneki guests, Rob Johnson and Jeremy Libby, who nabbed the first two Alaskan Grand Slams of our 2018 season on consecutive days alongside Alaska West guide, Caleb Hanna. In case you’re unaware, that’s all five species of Pacific salmon, all caught on a fly,…
Read More
Now, That’s a Dolly
At Alaska West, we’re lucky to experience a run of anadramous (sea-run) dolly varden that’s nothing shy of remarkable. Towards the back half of our season, they undergo a stunning change in appearance from the bright silver garb of their time at sea to their fall spawning colors of fluorescent orange, red, yellow, and green….
Read More
Slam Season!
One of our favorite things about the middle of our season at Alaska West is the very real possibility to nab the Alaskan Grand Slam; landing all five species of Pacific salmon, all on a fly, all within the same fishing day.. There aren’t many rivers in the world where you can do that! With…
Read More
Maxima Sharktooth Line Management System
Whether we’re swinging flies for salmon and steelhead or skating mouse patterns for resident rainbow trout, when it comes to leader material plain ol’ Maxima Ultragreen has become a staple at our lodges in Alaska and British Columbia. Why? It’s super strong, abrasion resistant, relatively stiff for nylon monofilament, and pretty inexpensive compared to most…
Read More
Timeless Tips: 3 Slack-Line Presentations Every Trout Angler Should Know
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…
Read More
Extended Trip Special at Rapids Camp Lodge
Ever feel like a week of fishing just isn’t enough? You’re not alone. That’s why we’re pleased to announce that we are offering an extended trip special during two incredible weeks of our 2018 season at Rapids Camp Lodge; our full service fly-out lodge located on the banks of the world-renowned Naknek River in Bristol…
Read More
There’s Only One Bristol Bay
Our good friend and Sportman’s Alliance for Alaska director, Scott Hed, recently passed along a great writeup sharing a personal experience while stomping around Bristol Bay at our own Rapids Camp Lodge. For those interested in the true power of the Bristol Bay region itself, along with the current status of the proposed Pebble Mine…
Read More
Nate Karnes Fly Fishing Art & Apparel
Last summer at Alaska West, a decal toted by one of our guests caught our eye – a rainbow trout, in the shape of a pig. Brilliant. The level of excitement that brought to your humble editor shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone who understands his affinity (some would say obsession) with big, gluttonous,…
Read More