A while back we told you that our friends at Aqua Flies had begun producing a commercial version of the ‘Kriller‘ – a salmon/steelhead fly developed by Alaska West guide, Greg Houska, that certainly proved itself last season on our Kanektok king, chum, and silver salmon populations. We’re happy to report that the good folks…
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Steelhead
Swing Season – The Slowdown
In case you missed it, our good friends from SAGE just released a great video for all you fellow spey-nerds out there. The ‘Slowdown’ digs past the fun-factor of swinging flies and sheds light on how the two-hander can actually be a great tool for conservation as well. If you like swinging flies for steelhead…
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Trout Unlimited on How Summer and Winter Steelhead are Genetically Different
Years ago we presented you with a brief post on the major difference between summer and winter steelhead – a distinction still widely misunderstood by even the most hardcore steelhead anglers. It’s a gray topic indeed, and one that continues to spark debate amongst anglers and biologists alike. However, our pal, steelhead aficionado, and Alaska…
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Greg Houska’s ‘Kriller’ Available at a Fly Shop Near You
We’re proud of the number of popular commercial fly patterns that have been developed over the years from our guides at Alaska West. We think its a testament to not only our incredible fishery, but also a long-standing fraternity of great (and incomparably nerdy) fishing guides. Well, we’re happy to report that another one of…
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“Signs of Life” – Photo Essay and Video from the Flyfish Journal
In case you haven’t seen it, our friends from the Flyfish Journal just released a stunning online essay highlighting the steelheading culture surrounding the infamous Skagit River – Regarded by many as the birthplace of modern steelheading as we know it today. The essay digs deep into the past, present, and future of the Skagit with some…
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Prime-Time Steelhead Spots for Single Anglers
Our prime steelhead weeks on the Dean River at BC West tend to sell out well in advance. We’re not sure, but we think it has something to do with the opportunity to swing flies for some of the hottest steelhead in the world, amongst some of the most picturesque scenery an angler could ask…
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Wild Steelheaders United on Understanding Steelhead Hatcheries
Our good friends from Wild Steelheaders United have been putting out some seriously informative content of late as part of their ‘Science Friday‘ series of posts, where each Friday they share the latest in steelhead science. As part of TU’s ‘Wild Steelhead Initiative,’ Wild Steelheaders United’s mission statement is beautifully simple – to educate steelhead anglers…
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Swinging Flies in Low and Clear Water – Fish Further Away
We’ve said it many times before, but when swinging flies for salmon and steelhead a common mistake made by many spey anglers is actually casting too far – often missing out on the good fishy water right in front of them. However, casting far is fun! And today our own Jason Whiting lends a tip…
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Steelhead Biology for Anglers
To outsmart any quarry, you must first understand it, and steelhead are arguably one of the least understood, and thus elusive, species out there. However, today we present to you a killer article written by Alaska West alum, and TU’s Wild Steelhead Initiative Organizer, Nick Chambers, on the biology of steelhead and how it relates to, well, catching…
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Finish Your Swing with Some Action
Here’s a scenario that most two handed anglers can relate to; You’ve made a nice cast to the opposite bank, kicked over a big mend, and stepped down the run setting up your swing to perfection. Your fly tracks through the gut of the run at that magical speed at what you’re confident is the…
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