BridgeGate20.com

Recreation is an important aspect in the life of human beings. Anglers represent the major group of leisure seekers, and have a determined advantage over the other groups who make use of nature’s wonderful creatures and elements for food.

Consequently, the popularity of fishing in many areas had continuously dominated the society. That is why along with its series of activities, people now realize the need for fishing lodges especially in places where fishing activities seem to never end.

Among all fishing lodges available in the industry today, the Alaska Fishing Lodges are among the most treasured and most popular fishing lodges in the United States.

The Alaska Fishing Lodge provides its customers full customer service satisfaction with their wide array of fishing activities and endless strings of fishing fun.

Normally, Alaska Fishing Lodges are made up of logs; sturdily build to provide each angler optimum convenience and comfort. It is known for its spacious interiors, creatively decorated with the right embellishments, thereby, setting the mood for fishing and wilderness.

In addition, because it carries the true Alaskan heritage, Alaska Fishing Lodges offer services and products that can be afforded by anyone. With its affordable rates, the place is inhabited by people, who mostly want to enjoy life and fishing but cannot afford to buy the pleasures in expensive beaches and lodges.

Best of all, Alaska Fishing Lodges are perfectly located in areas where the waters are abundant with the different species of fish. Usually, these lodges are situated in a place where trout, northern pike, and grayling mostly inhabit the waters.

On the other hand, most Alaska Fishing Lodges are built big enough to occupy 16 guests, in which each guest can avail of personal and individualized services.

Moreover, this type of lodge also houses a place where king salmon are abundant especially during the months of June and early part of July. Most lodges also provide a wide variety of fishing equipment, from rods to tackles and lines.

With all these beautiful features present in every Alaska Fishing Lodge, there is no better place to enjoy fishing and the wilderness like what this particular lodge can offer.

Staying in an Alaska Fishing Lodge is, indeed, an ultimate fishing experience.

Travis Clemens is a life time fisherman and he knows the ins and outs of gettinem on the hook! You too can gettem on the hook wiht Travis as your guide! www.push-button-online-income.com/fishing/blog.html

Sometimes bass fishing in a big lake can be overwhelming. Do you fish deep? Fish the banks? Are they out in open water? What?

This will depend on the lake, the time of year, the time of day and many other factors such as air and water temperature. There is no short answer; no hard and fast rule. But mostly, to put yourself on fish, you are going to be looking for cover and structure.

Cover is vegetation and things like that where bass can hide. Structure is things like drop offs, road beds, creeks, stumps and such.

There is a good way to combine these and that is to look for points on the lake; especially points near quick drop offs and creek channels.

Points are areas of the shore that come to a ‘point’ in the lake. Often these will be on the outside of, or the entrance to, coves, but not always. That’s just to give you an idea of how one might look. It simply sticks out from the rest of the shoreline.

Quick drop offs are important because bass will hang around these points and depend on the drop offs as an escape route in case trouble comes calling. So if you see a point in just a few feet of water, and see that not too far from the point the water quickly gets deep, this point might be a good prospect for holding fish.

The point itself should be fished thoroughly, but you should also seek bass along the sides of points, especially if there is cover like grass, weeds, reeds, etc. If the point is off of a cove, very early morning or the evening might be a good time to fish the cove. But, as the day progresses hit the points.

If you don’t find the bass on the point, try the deeper water next to the point. They may have retreated to it as the daylight and the heat came. Bass try to avoid sunlight because it hurts their eyes.

I prefer to use plastics on points; worms, crawfish and lizards. I like to Texas Rig these to be weedless. I also like to use a Carolina Rig which helps to keep the bait in the strike zone longer and gives it a little more action. You could also do well using a spinnerbait or crankbait.

So, very early in the morning hit the coves. As the bite slows, you will want to move out to the points where the fish have gone. Then, as that bite slows, try fishing plastics in the deeper waters next to the points. As evening comes on, you will reverse this process, heading back to the points, then into the coves.

It’s important to understand the movement of the fish and keep up with them. Certainly, you will find a lone drifter now and then, but using this method you will be much more likely to be consistent in your catch.

After all, you are out there to catch bass, right? Good luck.

Michael Russell
Bass Fishing at MgrCentral.com
Established 2001
Home Business Training and Information Guides

Christmas is a wonderful time of the year unless you’re having problems coming up with gift ideas. Here are a few fly fishing gift ideas.

Okay, I’ll be the first one to admit publicly that buying gifts for the holidays can be a pain in derriere. When it comes right down to it, how well do you know someone and how do you know what he or she likes? Buying for kids is great because you can always peak at the letter to Santa. Unfortunately, most adults have given up writing to Santa and you really don’t want to read through there other letters. Fortunately, this isn’t a problem if you are buying for a fly fishing enthusiast.

Fly Fishing Gifts

Fly fishing is an extremely popular sport and a good way to become one with nature. Of course, you probably don’t care about any of that. Instead, you want to know what you should buy for guy or gal in your life that loves to go fly fishing. Well, here are a few ideas.

1. Flies - You lucky dog, the top gift you can give a fly fisherman is a fly. Flies are the “bait” that go on the end of the line and are used to attract fish. Flies come in a variety of types and forms. The most basic are Nymphs and Mayflies, which mimic a type of bug that lives in rivers and is considered fine dining by bass and other fish. You can expect to pay a couple of bucks per fly, so feel free to buy more than one.

2. Local Specialty Fly - Okay, this will take a bit of effort on your part. Every fishing area has a specialty fly that is known to have fish leaping out of the water before casting even begins. Since the exact fly varies from location to location, you need to stop by a local fishing store and ask for advice. Try to pick a beat up looking shop with gentlemen of an older persuasion. They’ll talk your ear off, but you’ll get something unique.

3. Fly Station - Okay, this is going to be a more costly item. A fly station looks like a small desk and for a good reason. The fly station is where your beloved angler will sit and create his or her own flies. Part of the allure of fly fishing is tying your own flies and fly stations are built for this purpose. You can expect to pay as low as $75 and as high as anyone has the never to charge.

4. Nomad Fly Fishing Journals - A little self-promotion here. Nomad Fly Fishing Journals are compact writing journals that let anglers keep notes on their efforts. They can note the fishing conditions, which flies worked the best, who the fished with and notes on what they should do differently next time. You can click the link at the bottom of this article to see the journals and expect to pay $25 for the journal and waterproof case.

If you’re looking for fly fishing gifts, consider yourself lucky. The equipment tends to be inexpensive and last a very long time.

Rick Chapo is with www.nomadjournals.com - makers of writing journals. Fly fishing journals are great fly fishing gifts for anglers and fly fishing trips and vacations. Visit www.nomadjournaltrips.com for more fly fishing articles and stories.

Here is a case of bad news and more bad news for salmon fishermen.

Federal fish managers, based on a recommendation of the National Marine Fisheries Service, are considering closing down ocean salmon fishing from Point Falcon in Oregon to Point Sur in California.

The closure- which is scheduled to have a final vote in April-would basically decimate coastal salmon fishing operations, and despite federal disaster aid, essentially would put a fair number of salmon fishermen out of business.

The “canary in the mine” here, is the Klamath River and it’s resident salmon which have found it hard to spawn in yet another screwed up river system.

I’m not a scientist-but there appears to be a direct corelation to the massive die-off of Klamath Salmon back in 2002. (For those who do not remember, back in the water tight year of 2002, precious Klamath Basin water was diverted to southern Oregon and northern California ranches and farms to protect their interests.) I also do not claim to be a water management expert-although I did stay at a Holiday Inn Express once- but it appears that inland water managers might want to shake hands with marine fishery managers, especially when inland rivers drain directly into oceans. The fact that a river born, sea raised salmon, sometimes has to travel hundreds of miles to spawn their young, tells me there is some cause and effect as to what takes place “upstream”.

So why would an alfalfa grower, rancher or any water user for that matter, think that their blatant disregard for those that are “downstream”, won’t have an effect at some point?

Hmmmm?

I’ll let you come up with the answer.

All I know, is that if nothing is done, we will have another ruined river.

The double dose of bad news here is, if the closure takes place, guess what?

Fishermen will head north.

Washington and Alaska will get some folks who will be suddenly interested in relocation.

And of course with more boats and fishermen and pressure on the salmon(despite quotas) the next place you will be hearing about closures and angry fishermen-will be Washington and Alaska.

The good news, if there is any, is that salmon fishing in any river in the affected area, such as the Rogue & Chetco should be phenomenal this year. Without any competition from commercial ocean fishermen and ocean sport fishermen, river salmon fishermen will have the fish all too themselves.

So stay tuned to April 2nd and the decisions that will be made.

The future of both Klamath River Salmon and California commercial fishermen, may hang in the balance.

A.J. Klott is the author of “the Fish wRap” the first official fishing blog to become a book.He is also the inventor of fly tacks. The most important invention since the iruncible spoon…
visit him at:
http://www.twoguyswithflys.com

The sun is about to rise and the weather is crisp. You pack your tackle box, grab your pole and buy some worms. You make your way to the fishing dock dreaming you had the perfect fishing boat so you were landlocked no more. Now that dream can become reality with these 4 easy tips for finding and purchasing the perfect fishing boat!

Have a clear understanding of the purpose of the fishing boat. Obviously the boat is going to be used for fishing, but is it going to be used on oceans or in lakes? For day time trips or overnight stays? If you play to stay in your boat overnight, be sure to choose a boat with a hull which will allow you to ride the waves much better than a boat without one.

Make sure to have a clear understanding of your budget. Boats are very expensive items. You should be well acquainted with your finances before you take on the extra burden of a boat purchase. Boats with hulls for overnight stays and rough waters are obviously more expensive than small boats for small lakes. Know your limitations.

Read and understand the warranties fully before making a purchase. A warranty can be your best friend. Make sure the dealer you buy the boat from offers you the proper coverage in case there is any defect or problem with your boat. You don’t want to end up having to pay huge amounts to fix your boat because you forgot to check out the warranties!

Make sure the boat has proper certification .The NMMA, or the National Marine Manufacturer’s Association is an organization that tests boats that are manufactured by different companies. They only certify those boats that pass their rigorous testing. Any boat certified by the NMMA is one that you would feel safe owning.

Also, just like cars, boats must be registered. Be prepared to register your boat just like your vehicle (i.e. paying money). On top of that expense, you must now stock your boat with life jackets, brand new fishing gear, food and a cooler so you can get fishing!

Dana Goldberg is the owner of The Boats Blog. On her blog you will find tips and advice on buying or selling a boat.

Fly fishing, in all it’s variations and sub-areas (casting, fly tying, etc), centres around a single goal - To successfully tempt a fish (Most commonly a trout) to take an artificial fly as a food item. Sighting, hooking, playing and landing the fish are also important parts of the successful fishing experience, not to mention being able to get the fly to the fish in the first place, by the unique casting methods utilized solely in fly fishing.

However, along with all that work, and the practice of the skills involved in bringing it all together at that crucial moment, comes that pivotal element of convincing the fish that what they are considering is indeed food-like in nature. Without this key element, we can forget the rest, and this is the one step of the exercise which is dependant upon the decision of the fish, rather than ourselves.

In this, fly fishermen spend untold amounts of time researching, studying, and imitating countless insect types in aid of presenting a believable decoy to their quarry. We tie our flies, the fish takes it, our efforts paid off, right?

But is everything as it seems? Did we deceive the fish for exactly the reasons we thought?

Although there are many factors involved in getting that fly to a timid fish, and fly fishing itself was obviously designed around overcoming all of those obstacles, considering it’s significance, understanding the ‘Feeding behaviour’ of the trout has probably taken somewhat of a back seat, compared to some of the other areas or skills of fly fishing, we fishermen often seem to focus our efforts on.

The feeding behaviour of trout is the sum of two main factors:

Firstly, through the fry and fingerling stages of development, the identification of specific ‘Food Recognition Keys’ are ingrained resulting from the repetitive feeding pattern of their natural survival instincts.

Secondly, as they get larger, they can manage larger diet articles. Supplementary behaviour is then learned out of a reactive response to the local fauna they find in the area where they are hatched or released. Local knowledge is naturally beneficial here and this is normally what we focus on when fly fishing.

The behavioural patterns of trout vary significantly between the species, the size and the circumstances in which they are found. Trout habits also change through different times of the day, and again depending on weather conditions. Feeding habits and behaviours also change between faster and slower waters, and so on.

As in most types of fishing, there is not just one single or simple answer. If there was, it would have been made common knowledge, a long time ago. What this does tell us, is that to increase our odds of convincing the trout of the validity of our fly, it’s going to be far more beneficial to concentrate on presenting specific ‘Recognition keys’, which remain consistent, rather than the far more subjective; ‘Circumstance-specific learned behaviour’ which will often vary greatly from fish to fish, and particularly from place to place.

There are many pieces to this puzzle. The more pieces you can find, understand and put together, the more it multiplies your fly fishing results. What this methodology does do for us especially, is simplify and sharpen our learning curve by quite an incredible degree.

Therefore, instead of studying dozens, even hundreds or more, of insects and the flies designed to imitate them, I’ve found that in nearly all circumstances, you need only a few fly patterns, each designed to do a specific job in the varying circumstances found on the stretch of water you’re fishing.

Trout Flies then induce fish ‘Takes’ by the use of food ‘Recognition Keys,’ rather than by intended imitation. For this method then, local knowledge becomes relatively irrelevant.

This means flies do not need to imitate anything to catch trout. What!?! Say that again.- Flies do not need to imitate anything to catch trout. Certainly nothing specific anyway.

Flies can then be tied to counter stream or water conditions, or to counter, and or take advantage of, various aspects of trout behaviour. This, then (Not being restricted by specific imitation), opens up possibilities for us to incorporate the use of innovative strategies, tactics and trout fly construction, to give ourselves a far greater edge than previously thought possible.

The more time we have spent fishing with incorrect or insufficient knowledge, the more time you have spent developing the mindset that the trout is a vastly superior, cunning and unpredictable adversary, and results like mine become seemingly unattainable, and without such knowledge becoming available, the practical reality remains precisely that.

Normally it takes years of studying these fish, trial and error with different fly patterns, different fishing techniques, different innovative designs and methods with the right focus to get to a place where you understand these creatures adequately for the outstanding results we normally only see the Pro’s achieving.

Fortunately, with the right focus, we can now be achieving much greater success in much shorter time frames by understanding and taking advantage of these ‘Recognition keys’, combined with other behavioural patterns of the trout species we are targeting and just some basic skills of fly fishing.

Wayne Smith, author of the acclaimed ‘Fly Fishing For Trout - A Quiet Revolution’ which can be found here:

Fly Fishing

Find Great Resources here:

Fly Fishing

Appropriate gear is important in fly fishing. Most experts believe that for you to be able to fly fish properly, you must have a complete set of gear. Thus, every fly fisher, novice or expert, has different fly fishing gear that are meant for different fishing locations. And if you’re a beginning fly fisherman and need to buy gear for your sport, there are a variety of choices available. But, it will do you better to find reviews of fly fishing gear first before heading out to buy them. Fly fishing gear reviews will give insights about the different gear that is available in most angling supply stores and dealers. You will learn the pros and cons about the different kinds of fly fishing gear you can purchase.

As fly fishing experts write most reviews, you can rely on the information. Angling magazines and other printed material about fly fishing offer reviews and articles on where to go, what gear to use and what to catch. You’ll even find great deals on fly fishing gear. columns; you might as well try reading some of their advices on how to find great deals on gears and equipment.By reading as many reviews as you can, you’d be able to compare the products they mention and decide what gear is best suited to you.

Most reviews about fly fishing gears will help you The Internet offers lots of sites containing reviews of different angling and fly fishing gear as well. They mostly offer information on the technologies and characteristics of a certain brand of gears.

1. Open Communication matters. It is important that you provide the guide all the information they need so that they will figure out what kind of fishing trip is best for you. Be sure to be honest in telling the guide how much experience you have regarding fishing. This will help them to know what advice and tips to give you so that you can make the most out of your time.

2. Seek the help of friends and relatives. Ask your friends and relatives who have fished and if not they may be able to provide you with some referrals. It is better to ask them about their experiences, the things that you need to do and things that you have to look for in a guide. They may be also to provide you referrals of the guides they have tried and found effective for them. This will be a chance for you to ask if the guide they are referring you to has enough knowledge or is accommodating to clients.

3. Browse the Internet. The Internet can provide a lot of websites where you can find the best guides in a certain location. You can also post messages and questions regarding the website and they may be able to find the information you need.

4. Determine if your prospective guide is licensed. It is better that you know that the person you are working with is working according to the law. A licensed guide is also sure to be relied on especially with the matters of integrity and trust. Ask the guide of their name and phone numbers including the state-licensing bureau. A guide who is not willing to provide you the information you are asking for is not worth your time.

5. Find out exactly what you are paying for and how long the amount would cover. You need to know this information for you to be able to manage your schedule before the fishing trip and plan the things that you need to bring which are not covered by the payment you made. Some include the price for lodging in the package while other guides may charge extra for that. Asking the coverage of your fees will also help you assess if the services you will get is worth the money you will be spending.

6. Get to know the guide. Evaluate if the guide that you will be working with can get along with you. If not, you will just be wasting your time and money. Fishing is a time to learn and enjoy but if the two of you will not get along well, the whole trip might just be ruined. Get to know the guide first before you set foot on the boat. Exert a little effort to call the guide and make a small chat to break the ice and make the two of you comfortable on the day of the actual fishing.

7. Also make time to find out how long the prospective guide has been on his job. This will make it easier for you to assess the level of experience the guide has earned in that field. It is better that you choose a guide that has been in fishing for many years. They are the ones who usually have the skills and teaching techniques that will be of great help to you.

Travis Clemens is a life time fisherman and he knows the ins and outs of gettinem on the hook! You too can gettem on the hook with Travis as your guide! www.best-fishing-tips.com

One of the first things you must do to plan a great fishing trip is to identify your priorities. You need to be more specific than just saying you want great fishing. Great fishing may mean different things to each person in your fishing party.

One person might be happy with catching 20 fish per day, while another might be expecting 30 fish per hour. So, you need to decide this up front.

Let’s take a look at some of the most important things to consider when deciding where to go on your fishing trip.

What type of fish do you want to catch?

While this may seem obvious, it is something that needs to be discussed. One person may want to fish for walleye and northern pike, while others may want to go bass fishing. Since many northern lakes have water too cold for bass, you may end up at a lake that would really disappoint the bass fisherman.

Do you want tons of action? Or trophy fish?

Some anglers simply enjoy catching lots of fish (most any size) with the hope of getting a few big ones. Other fishermen would rather give up catching a large quantity of fish for a better chance at catching the biggest fish they can find. You need to decide which is more important to your fishing group… lots of fish that maybe aren’t the biggest or fewer fish but a greater chance of a really big one.

It should be noted that there are many places where you can do both… catch lots of fish and get some big ones. But, these tend to be at the more remote and pricey lodges and are not always feasible for many fishing groups.

How are you going to catch your fish?

Do you like to troll? Or drift? Fish in streams? Deep water fish?

We’ve seen people trolling in 60 feet of water thinking the fish were only a few feet from the surface. Not much chance of catching anything this way. Be sure you know the type of fishing your group prefers and that the lake will offer it.

What do you want to spend for this fishing trip?

The price you’re willing to pay will have a great impact on the type of fishing trip you’ll have.

Be realistic. How much do you really want to spend? Are you comfortable in a tent or tar-paper shack on a lake with great fishing?

Or would you prefer staying at a more upscale fishing lodge?

Do you want to cook for yourself… or do you want the fishing camp to do the cooking?

And what about shower facilities? Are you willing to use a community shower or do you want a private shower and bath in your own cabin. Gentlemen, if you’re taking your spouse on this trip, make absolutely sure you consider this one! If you don’t, it could spoil an otherwise great trip.

Other considerations are how long the trip will be and the type of fish you are looking to catch. A trip to a fishing lodge on a lake with pan fish and bass will likely be much cheaper that a trip to Alaska or Northern Canada for arctic char.

So, if you really want a great fishing trip, start by planning just exactly what you want out of the trip and how much you are willing to spend. Do it right and you can have the fishing trip of a lifetime.

Visit www.fishingyarns.com with host, Sintilia Miecevole, a site which reveals the thrills of outdoors and the pleasure of fishing. Information from Alaska fishing, deep sea, tackle, boats and trips to ice fishing, gear, lake fishing and more. Visit www.fishingyarns.com for great resource material on fishing.

I just recently returned from my first fishing trip to Alaska.

If you have ever dreamed of heading to the last frontier, but have continuously put it off because of this reason or that—STOP PUTTING IT OFF!!

I myself, found reason after reason to delay one of my “dream trips” until I could no longer stand it any longer.

“Damn the time constraints and load up the Visa card boys–were headin’ to Alaska!!”

What I expected was a : ‘you should have been here in the seventies’, “spawned out” fishing destination–but what I found was a place I can’t wait to return to.

The Kenai peninsula-which to a lot of fishermen is a place that is overfished and to easily accesible-was just fine to me. Eleven different types of fish, from fourteen inch Grayling to seventy pound Halibut found it’s way on to my fishing rod, and considering I only had one week to fish in Alaska, I would say the only way I could have experienced more fish …would be to order the Alaskan sampler plate at the Red Lobster!!

Each and every day seemed to get better and better.

Lets take a look at my own personal Alaskan Sampler Plate….

We started with a nice little three mile hike complete with float tube “necklace” and blister inducing wading boots to Fuller Lakes. We were after Grayling, which would serve as a nice little appetizer of fourteen inch “dancers” on our five weight fly rods. The three mile hike would also help to take a little of the “starch” out my overly stimulated fishing gland-which was “swollen” with anticipation of fish filled waters.Evidently,they don’t believe in switchbacks in Alaska, because the trail seemed to go straight up,and when we got to the end of the trail-the sweat I wrung out of my shirt made me wonder why I even bothered to bring waders!!

When we got to the lake, a small five acre lake, it was shrouded in fog and I could only trust that Clayton- our friend, pseudo-guide,and part time mountain goat- had led us to a five acre lake, since you could only see about twenty five yards in front of you.

Nonetheless, tubes were filled and we set off into the fog like ghost ships disappearing into the great unknown.It might as well have been the start of a trans-Atlantic journey for all I knew, because as soon as Clayton paddled thirty yards out–Greg and I were on our own with nothing but the occasional splash of a hooked Grayling to act as a sound beacon to guide our way.

Eventually, after kicking around in my float tube for a half hour,I found a nice twelve inch Grayling. Then another and another…until I giggled happily as the hooked Grayling danced around me. My “giggles in the mist” attracted Greg and Clayton and after twenty or thirty fish ,we decided to leave Fuller lake. Thank goodness Clayton and Greg knew how to get back to the starting point on the lake,otherwise I might still be up at Fuller Lake, living on Grayling sushi.

I never did actually see that lake-and I hope it wasn’t an abirition–cause I sure had fun!!

Fuller lake was the perfect warm up, so to speak, and after a brief rest at Camp Yuppie Fisher,
we were ready for a little “Sockeye Swinging”.

Now, before you think that this is some sort of kinky Alaskan male-female-fish menage -a - trois, or the latest winter solstice- blues busting dance craze, understand that the Sockeye Swing is a technique of catching Sockeye Salmon on a fly.

Or- snagging them in the mouth -as the local guides like to refer to the techniques rather unique use of fly, 3/8 oz weight, and nervous “shoulder twitch”!!

Boy–it sure catches a lotta fish.

Keep in mind, in Alaska–snagging a Salmon anywhere in front of the gill plate is considered a fair hooked fish– and before you get on your purist high horse–also consider that over a million and one-half Sockeye will return on the Kenai alone this year!!

Viva la Sockeye Swing!

As with most Salmon, the Sockeye really isn’t interested in eating when it hits the river,so the only way to really catch them is to drift something into there mouths. (Although a friend of mine tells me that later in the spawn they will get angry and hit just about anything.)

The only downside was the continuous fighting of six to ten pound fish on fly rods, which is not much of a downside as far as I am concerned.

We also released all but three Salmon, and they were not sporting the bright red color yet.

I could have quit fishing now and been satisfied with the trip, but we were just getting started.

The next day was one of the best- and most underrated trips- on the Kenai peninsula.

The upper Kenai for trout.

Allen, a first year Alaskan fishing guide, and the son of Clayton, was going to be our guide that day.

The first thing I noticed about Allen was that he was walking around with nail polish. It was the evening before our trip and Allen slipped into the “guides fish hut”, where they tie flies and ready their gear for the following days floats and trips. Now, the fact that Allen was carrying a bottle of Revlon “creamsicle shaded” teflon coated “nail enhancement” might not be of concern to you–but all I could think was that it must be tough being a first year guide in Alaska!! I had already heard the term”fish- bitch” bandied about in guide circles, and thought the worst for poor Allen.

If he showed up in stilletto heels and mascara in the morning–I WAS OUT!!

My curiosity got the best of me and I took a peak into the fish hut,(O.K. -so I’m a sicko!) and was releaved to see Allen painting “fishbeads” with the nail polish. In fact, the whole bench was covered with various shades and colors of choice-and each guide had their own personal favorite shade that they used to seduce FISH!

Whew, what a relief!!

Early morning found us on the upper Kenai, floating in 20 foot Willie Drift boats(Made right here in my hometown.) with four fishermen, and Allen at the helm. I checked out Allens fingernails-just to be sure- and felt comfortable that the beads were the only things being painted! The fishbeads are supposed to simulate single Salmon eggs floating downstream,and the nail polish gives them a “milky” look-much like real eggs look like as they float downstream.

We put in above the Russian River, and the plan was to drift down through “The Canyon” all the way to Skilak Lake. I guess the theory is that the big trout in Skilak see the Salmon heading through the lake, and follow them like kids follow an ice cream truck in summer. Whatever the reason- there are some big Rainbows and Dolly Vardens in the river. Although we could have used several different methods-we used the single egg on seven weight fly rods and it didn’t take long before all of us were catching 20 inch -or better- trout. None of us caught any of the “mythical” 36 inch monsters, but everyone caught quality fish–and plenty of them.Greg landed a nice 25 inch Rainbow and I had landed a beautiful 24 inch Dolly.

The canyon was a blast and even though we didn’t catch as many fish as we had caught in the morning, the fish were all quality. Of course, the real thrill came when we were false charged(if you can call it false) by a big sow Brown bear(see Grizzly) who was protecting her cub. All this happened while I had a nice 23 inch rainbow on.(see brown spots in waders!!)

We also each caught a few more Sockeye as we took a break from trout fishing and did some more “swinging”. In fact, Greg started catching so many Sockeye-even with his fly gear- that we started to call him “Sockeye Greg”! We also chided him that he was cutting into our trout time, everytime it took him more than five minutes to land his fish!!

The trip ended with a motoring across Skilak lake-which is a “wide spot in the road” on the Kenai river. Skilak, along with Kenai lake help to make the Kenai river what it is–an incredible fishery.

The trip was all catch and release–so when we returned to “Camp Yuppie Fisher” the only thing we had take with us was our bear story and any hygenic fall out from the experience.

So, if you are keeping score-that’s four differnet species of fish in two days!!

That trip ended Allens’ work week, and like any overworked - underpaid guide, he started his “days off” by…going fishing!!We all went to Quartz creek that evening and fished for more BIG Dolly Vardens on a little spawning tributary of the upper Kenai. I was fishing a new technique-called “cast and look back over your shoulder”, which I had just developed since seeing more Brown Bear tracks on the sand bar I was fishing on. After this mornings encounter, I was happy to move further downstream and let any bears in the vicinity have this sand bar for there watering and feeding hole. Clayton also mentioned that he saw some wolf tracks, which was beginning to make me feel like a buffet item at the “all you can eat” Wildlife Diner.

At this point, something should be said about the famed “long days” of the Alaskan summers. Even in mid August the summer days are still very long with dark not coming until after 10:00 p.m- so it is not uncommon to fish until dark. This makes for a lot of red eyed fishermen and guides, and might have something to do with the “crankiness” of some of the sleep deprived fishermen–and the endless string of espresso stands that you almost could jump from roof to roof and never touch ground in Alaska.

That might be a slight exaggeration–but there are ALOT of espresso stands.

Day three on the Alaskan sampler, required a drive and another semi- short hike.I could tell you where-but then I would have to send you to Afghanistan and place you in an underground tunnel where you would never be found or seen again.

It was a special place and actually can be figured out if you do some research, but we had the whole place to ourselves, and I am not quite ready to give up the name of this “sanctuary”!!We wound up waist deep in saltwater fishing for Pink Salmon–lovingly referred to as “humpys” in Alaska. You can quickly understand where they get their nickname after seeing the “quasimodo” hump(speaking of sanctuary) that bulges from their back as they ready themselves for the spawning run up creeks and rivers.I’m not exactly sure why they get all grotesque like that–I’m just glad our spawning rituals don’t result in such an obvious display of transformation!!

This day was truly a saltwater fly fishing dream. Seven weight rods, and a fly we cleverly named “Pink Floyd”, which might give you a hint as to which color it was, and fish stacked up like cord wood waiting to head up out of the saltwater into freshwater. You could see the fins protruding up out of the water and this was the closest thing to “bonefishing” that I have ever done.

Moving into the “herd” and casting out about forty to fifty feet, then stripping slowly back would yield fish after fish after fish….until we were actually exhausted from hooking and landing “humpys”. AND these fellars would take the fly!!!Then the “humpys” would move and you would follow their dorsals until you were casting into group again.

There were more Pinks then “extras” in a remake of Ben Hur!!

Numerous times all three of us(Greg,Clayton and I) would have “triples” on and we literally quit because our arms were getting sore!

Bummer.

We even had our own “Pink Floyd” parody by the end as we sang: “all in all.. it’s just a ..nother fish on the pole…” do do do do…..

On our way out of saltwater flyfishing nirvana, we stopped to view the Pinks and Chum Salmon that had already made it into freshwater and were beginning to bury eggs. We even spotted a wayward Sockeye which looked about as out of place as a “Jay-Z” fan at a “Yanni” concert. I hoped at least one more wayward Sockeye of the opposite sex would wander up that stream, otherwise the big moment in that Salmons existence was going to go unfulfilled.

We headed back for “Camp Yuppie Fisher” and decided to take the evening off from fishing.

Instead, we hiked to the Russian River Falls, where we watched another “fisherman” catching fish in a more native Alaskan way. Actually, it was a “fisherwomen” and she would just swim back and forth at the falls picking out Sockeye like an informed consumer at a local fish market.

Finally selecting her “catch o’ the day” by burying her head in the water and pulling out a nice “catch” by her teeth. Then she would sit back and eat her catch like a giant sushi popsicle, tossing it aside half eaten while a watchful sea gull waited like a hungry bus boy about to swoop up some leftovers.

This time we were viewing the Brown bear from a safe distance on top of an overlook and didn’t really feel any danger since Salmon probably taste better than Sal-MAN.

I think??

So, day three results–five different fish species, three different bear experiences, and three sore shoulders!!

End of part 1

A.J. Klott
Author, writer of fishing humor,and “fly tack” peddler. A.J. writes about the people, characters and modern day events that surround the fishing world. His first book is due out in December of 2005.

If you need a laugh or a fun gift, visit his website at:
http://www.twoguyswithflys.com