Ok, I'm pretty new at this but I'm going to Alaska next August, to the Kenai and Russian Rivers. Salmon should be running. Will be floating and wading with a couple days wading the tributaries. Guide says, bring two rods range 6-8. I have a 6wt Loomis that's my rod of choice. I have a Winston 9 that I think it too big. Thinking about buying a 7 or 8 backup rod but can' spend much more money. Leaning towards a 7, seen a lot of Winston IBIS on resale going cheap. Heard they're discontinued but still, its Winston. Don't have an opportunity to cast one. Anyone have thoughts on what I should be looking for in weight & brand? Also, I assume that we will be casting a lot of flesh flies and egg patterns in the big water but hope to get into some smaller streams as well. Anyone who's fished up there in August know what other patterns work for the trout?
I'd go with a 8wt if you want to buy another. It's seems like the perfect all around Alaskan weight for many. You don't need to spend a ton of cash. My second trip up there I chased silvers and rainbows on a $80 8wt. St. Croix Premier. The trout didn't seem to hold it against me and it performed great. You can get a 4pc now for around $110.
I'd reccomend bringing a fast full sinking line and some good streamers like purple or black egg sucking leeches with some good flash on them(size 6). Even though eggs and flesh patterns work great I've often had better luck chucking streamers. Bring some smaller streamers as well in case you find yourself where grayling are saving the day.
My first trip up there was a road access only trip like yours and it was a learning experience. I'm sure your guide will be able to take you to less hammered areas but prepare yourself for Alaskan Combat Fishing. Since that trip I've always spent the extra money on one more commercial flight from Anchorage to various roadless towns and a bush flight to some solitude. 100 people nailing the same hole just isn't what fly fishing is about to me. Just a heads up. Enjoy your trip! I'll be up there too this August/Sept chasing Charr way out in the middle of nowhere.
I agree with the advise posted Previously going with the 8wt. it should give you a little more flexabity especially if your useing a sinking line and or wieghted flies. I've caught fresh silvers on my 5 and 6 but my 7 casts the flies easier especially
the wieghted bunny flies.
I 've never fished the Kenai but have heard stories about the crowds. It May be a little lest croweded in August then earlier in the year. I was in central Alaska around the 17th last year and heard the Kenai got a great second run of reds and almost no one was there to fish it. As far as trout it's my experiance that when the Trout are keying on eggs thats about all they will look at pure protien. If there are no eggs standard trout flies will do along with ESL's and buggers. Do some searching on the internet there is alot of info out there.
Good luck those silvers are FUN!!! hope you hit them
Thanks a lot you guys. Sounds like you have a lot of experience up there. I think I really lucked out. I was searching ebay for rods and got a St. Croix Premier 8wt for $85 including a decent reel with disk drag and all lined up. Haven't got it yet but its supposed to be brand new. That should do the trick.
Thanks for advice on patterns. We are staying real close to Coopers Landing so I doubt that we'll have trouble getting flies but I like to bring a good supply. If I start tying now, I should have some done by August!
If you were going up in June for King salmon season near Wasilla and Anchorage, what sort of equipment would be recommended?
I'm working on a 12 wt rod but I'm having some difficulty picking out a reasonably priced reel. Can anyone vouch for the Pflueger products... Trion or President? I'm trying to stay under $150 for the reel.
Thanks,
Carl III
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