We’ve had Tom Larimer stop by our blog from time to time to give us things like a 6-minute master class on spey casting anchor placement, and a 1-minute diatribe (well, for Tom it was a diatribe) on fishing your fly actively. Today we hear Tom’s thoughts on picking which steelhead fly to fish – especially which…
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Steelhead
The Undertaker – Tying Instructions
Yesterday marked the first official day of winter, and for many that means it’s officially fly tying season. To celebrate, today we present you with a great step by step by legendary fly tyer, Stuart Foxall, on how to tie a classic salmon/steelhead pattern, the Undertaker. Not only is the Undertaker an effective fly for…
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Greg Houska’s ‘Kriller’ at the Fly Fishing Shop
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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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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Timeless Tips: Top 5 Mistakes Made Fighting Big Fish
At Alaska West and BC West 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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More on Steelhead Genetics from Wild Steelheaders United
Last week we shared with you part one of a fascinating article courtesy of Trout Unlimited’s Wild Steelhead Initiative’s ‘Science Friday’ series of posts on the genetic differences between summer and winter steelhead. The article shed light on how some recent research just might pave the way for better protection of wild steelhead populations in…
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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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Timeless Tips: 6 Ways to Catch More Steelhead
Fishing for steelhead is fun. Catching steelhead is even more fun. Here are 6 ways you can can more steelhead on flies. Let us know how you catch more! 6 Ways to Catch More Steelhead Fish the near water first. Steelhead can hold in really shallow water, really close to the bank. Always fish the…
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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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