We know, it’s way past March Madness, and everyone’s brackets were busted (Thanks, Duke). Let’s shift our focus to a different kind of final four, one that swims rather than dribbles. We asked, and you’ve spoken like the NCAA selection committee. We’ll Kind of. Here are the Final Rankings of the Alaska Freshwater Fish Fish-Tastic Four:…
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Steelhead
Fly Tying: Suskwa Poacher
Well, it’s fall here in Alaska. The leaves are starting to turn and fall, as is the temperature (currently 34° F as of this write). Fall also signals fall fishing for big steelhead and trout for many anglers. As the leaves change their colors and the air becomes nippy, the rivers come alive with big,…
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Fishing Etiquette: Spey Edition
We’re calling today’s post ‘Spey fishing etiquette’ just because that’s a more manageable title than ‘swinging flies on foot working down a run etiquette.’ Our suggestions apply to any situation that matches that description – single or double-handed rod chasing any anadromous fish. And, in case it isn’t obvious, these rules apply to conditions in…
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Fly Tying: Pot Bellied Pig
What seems many years ago now, I booked my first steelhead trip in British Columbia. Having asked my good friend Brian Niska what sort of patterns I would need for the trip, he gave me several colour combinations rather than patterns. So I decided to do those colour combinations in an Atlantic Salmon pattern style…
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Deneki Chronicles: The Importance of the ‘Engagement Range’ When Swinging Flies
This week’s Deneki Chronicles features a friend of Deneki Outdoors, George Cook. In this post, George gives us some quality insight into the importance of the ‘Engagement Range.’ We like the “time on the water” portion of the post. Our good friend and legendary rep for some of the most respected brands in the biz,…
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Fly Tying: Polar Shrimp
When it comes to Steelhead in Alaska, there are a lot of effective fly patterns. The Polar Shrimp is a “classic” pattern that is a favorite among Alaska Steelheaders and other anadromous fish. Originally designed by Polly Rosborough for Oregon Coast Steelhead, this pattern is deceiving in the eyes of Steelhead as it imitates a…
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Deneki Chronicles: 5 Ways to Control the Speed of Your Swing
When swinging for anadramous species like king salmon or steelhead, more often than not, the slower the swing the better. As long as it is moving just enough to suggest life in your fly, odds are you are in the game. However, from time to time, increasing the speed of your swing can be just…
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It’s Time to Fight for Wild Steelhead
The Wild Steelhead Coalition has kicked off the NOW or Never campaign to bring to light an in-depth look at the current state of wild Steelhead and the challenges these precious fish have had to endure over the last several decades in the Pacific Northwest. Click Below to Learn More about the NOW or NEVER…
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Deneki Chronicles: Spey Fishing – The ‘Engaged Fly’
This episode of Deneki Chronicles comes to use from our friend George Cook. George has forgotten more about fly fishing than a lot of people think they know. This post about the ‘Engaged Fly’ gives pertinent things go consider and strategy while Spey fishing. Ever wondered whether your fly is swinging at the right depth,…
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Deneki Chronicles: Top 5 Mistakes Fighting Big Fish
At Alaska West and Rapids Camp we see a lot of big fish fought by our guests – we’re talking steelhead and king salmon here. Sometimes our anglers do a great job fighting the big ones. Other times…not so much. Fight hard, fight smart, and get it over fast! Top 5 Mistakes Made Fighting Big…
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