Fly Fishing

If you’re thinking of fishing in Alaska, you should recognize the fish species in the area, understand their preferred flies and know what to expect. So, read on for a general overview of the fish species during your next fishing vacation in Alaska.

Pacific Salmon

There are four major species of Pacific salmon in Alaska: Chinook salmon (also known as king salmon), pink salmon, silver salmon and sockeye salmon or reds. They’re a great game fish, but usually less popular with cold water fly fishers than, say, trout or Arctic char.

It’s important to note that while Pacific salmon won’t eat after returning to fresh waters, they will still strike subsurface and surface flies. However, fly fishers need to be ready to take in what are a large and aggressive fish species. The king salmon in Alaska can weigh close to or over one hundred pounds.

Steelhead Trout

The steelhead trout is a unique rainbow trout that can swim in the open sea or large lake environment, but does spawn in connecting rivers. After their spawning, they’ll return to a large lake or ocean.

Because the steelhead is rare, fast and hard to catch, it’s a prized fish and a respected catch. On average, the steelhead will weigh between 4 and 12 pounds, but can go much larger in size in the Alaskan waters. To catch the steelhead, fly fishers need to be patient and persevere.

The Grayling (Trout Family)

The graying is a unique fish, easily identifiable by its high and broad dorsal fin and almost neon blue color on its body and fins. For fly fishing, Alaska graylings are both prized and easy to catch. The fish aren’t very discriminating and tend to go for almost any fly.

That said, Alaska graylings do have a few preferences. They tend to like active, moving insects, smaller insects and also dry flies. The fish will also feed on minnows and crustaceans, though traditional light flies seem to be the most effective.

An Alaskan grayling will typically grow to about 4 pounds, but they’re a tasty catch and well suited to the dinner table.

Alaskan Arctic Char

The Arctic char is a member of the trout family that prefers clean, clear and cold lakes or streams to survive. They are strong, active and aggressive, but also a fantastic catch. They predominantly feed on insects, minnows, aquatic worms, fish eggs and crustaceans. Most fly fishers agree that the Arctic char is generally more gullible than its trout cousins. For fly fishing, Alaska arctic char are plentiful and easy on any fishing trip.

For an exciting overview of some of Alaska’s most popular lodges and fishing tours, read on.

Ultima Thule Lodge (ultimathulelodge.com)

Featured in the National Geographic’s Ultimate Alaska issue, Ultima Thule Lodge is renowned for its luxury service, knowledgeable staff and experienced bush pilots. The lodge is fly-in only and located in the expansive Wrangell-St. Elias National Park.

Their bush pilots can arrange any type of guided fishing experiences, including fly fishing in Moose Valley, an area known for its fantastic fishing.

By offering alternative day trips and other activities, Ultima Thule Lodge has set itself apart from the competition. Whether it’s a corporate retreat or family fishing trip, guests can choose between hiking remote glaciers, rafting the rapids or spending the day fishing.

However, if you and your group want a more rustic or self-catered experience, you may want to look elsewhere. Ultima Thule is known for luxury, not wilderness expeditions.

Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge (sadiecove.com)

Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge is situated right in the middle of the beautiful Kachemak Bay, an area known for its fishing. The eco-lodge uses wind, hydro and solar power, and prides itself on being one of the greenest hotels in the country. Its amazing systems and accommodations have been featured in National Geographic, Forbes’ Traveler, the Discovery Channel, ESPN, the Fishing Network and more.

They arrange everything from photo safaris to fully customized Alaska fly fishing trips, while pampering guests with an in-house chef, on-site sauna and incredible scenery. Despite the amenities and commitment to sustainability, the rates at Sadie Cove are fairly reasonable. They start at about $400 per night per adult for an all-inclusive stay - meaning three meals a day, use of lodge facilities, a private cabin, and fishing equipment. However, private fishing charters or fly-ins do cost extra.

Drifter’s Lodge on the Kenai River (907-595-5555)

If you’re looking for a more rustic experience that centers it attention almost exclusively on fly fishing, Drifter’s Lodge is a great choice. The lodge offers a more down-to-earth Alaskan experience and has been featured in National Geographic, the Lonely Planet and Time magazine. For fly fishing, their draw is on the fall season when the trout are at their peak.

The lodge has on-staff guides who know the Kenai River, know the fish patterns and are able to assist you to find great fishing locations and choose the best flies and casting techniques to catch your fish. They focus on techniques for rainbow trout, Dolly Varden trout and Alaska salmon, and are able to plan some of the best Alaska fly fishing trips available.

Are you searching for crappie jigs that can enhance your fishing experience? Then you should give some of the Kalin’s crappie jigs s try. They can greatly improve your fishing experience and help turn a good day into a great one.

Crappie jigs are designed to draw the fish in your direction so they will be enticed by your bait. And when using in combination with the evening secret fishing weapon, you’ll have swarms of crappie in your spot very quickly.

You can see a video of the Evening Secret here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZBUCpZRe3q0

Kalin’s crappie jigs are economical because you can continue to use them over and over again. They offer a wide variety of colors and sizes so there will always be something for every occasion. If one type doesn’t seem to be working very well you can switch off and try a different one until you find what does work.

Below you will find reviews on a few of the most popular Kalin’s crappie jigs.

The Kalin’s Lunker Grub Fishing Jig - This jig is great for catching crappie because it is the perfect size for this species of fish. They come in a variety of actions and colors that have been proven to attract crappie so you can change jigs depending on when and where you are fishing. However, the 2inch is the best size to use when crappie fishing.

Kalin’s Crappie/Bass Scrub Jig - This is one of the newest jigs to hit the market and it is quickly becoming very popular. It is designed with “Triple Threat Colors” and a double-paddle tail that produces action to tease and attract the crappie. You will notice the difference right away when you start using this excellent product for crappie fishing.

Kalin’s Tube Jigs - Tube jigs are fast becoming one of the most popular types of lures used for crappie fishing and for good reason. They make it possible for the angler to fish in almost any condition and environment. Plus it is easier to reel in the crappie with these jigs.

The Kalin’s Ultimate Swim Bait Jighead - This is an excellent choice that is designed with precision balance that gives the angle superb action. The black nickel hooks are durable and will not corrode in saltwater so they can be used anywhere.

Using jigs for crappie fishing is popular because they give you a variety of options that will help to increase the number of crappie you can catch on any given fishing trip. Here are a few suggestions on how you can use Kalin’s crappie jigs. These will help you to get the most out of every fishing trip that you take. Before long you will be reeling in the crappie like never before.

One technique is using a single jig to fish with. This is the most common method used. It is a simple technique that requires you tie the jig directly onto the bottom of the line. Next, you need to tie a small weight about a foot above the jig. It should be heavier than the jig itself. The weight will let you get closer to the bottom of the water while the jig floats just above it. This method will attract the crappie and draw them in your direction. It can be used effectively with slow or fast retrieval.