There’s no denying the effectiveness of bead fishing for trout in Alaska. As the prolific runs of salmon in Western Alaska approach the end of their migration, thousands of eggs are released by each female salmon providing millions (if not billions) of protein-rich morsels for our resident rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, and dolly varden. The…
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Dolly Varden
Chrome Dollies
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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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
Spey Fishing – The ‘Engaged Fly’
Ever wondered whether your fly is swinging at the right depth, at the right speed, or even in the right water for the quarry at hand? We receive comments all the time about how or where the fly should be traveling when swinging for anadramous species, and for good reason.. It’s tough! Thanks to long-time spey-guru…
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Grand Salami
We want to extend big Kudos to Alaska West guest Kasey Halcro. Kasey started his morning yesterday planning to target silver salmon early in the morning and hoping to find the clowned up dolly varden of his dreams in the afternoon. Pretty typical day at Alaska West in August. What Kasey did not expect is that…
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Swinging Flies for Dolly Varden
If you have spent much time fishing in Alaska, odds are you have seen your share of Dolly flats. During the second half of our season at Alaska West, we see an impressive push of Dolly Varden. Once the season’s first wave of salmon begin dropping eggs, these Dollies as well as rainbow trout congregate…
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Bring the Kids Along
If you have followed our blog much, you know we love having families with kids join us at Alaska West. The Kanektok River is a great place to get kids excited about fishing due to the fact that it’s so darn productive. Although typical of a younger beginning angler, “I’m bored” or “I wish there…
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Three Random Fishing Tips
Today’s post is…just what it says. Three Random Fishing Tips Try swinging your bead for dollies. Eggs don’t swing in real life, but for some reason dolly varden can be attracted to egg patterns tearing across the current. The next time you’re on a dolly flat, try a combination of dead drift and swung presentations…
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What We Catch at Alaska West
At Alaska West our fishery is not only incredibly productive – it’s got so much variety you couldn’t hope to sample it all in one trip. Here’s a handy guide to the species we catch at Alaska West, in very rough order of when you might catch them, except for the oddballs thrown in at…
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Dolly.
Just a cool picture of a funny-faced dolly varden in the clear water at Alaska West! More on Alaska West Frequently Asked Questions Our Fishery Catching Giant Rainbow Trout