There is a tributary in the vast watershed of the Nushugak River where the Rainbows are what I call “Old-Growth Rainbows.” They are relics that have been fished by exactly five Fly-fishers in history. These are fish which die of old age & predation, not from hook mortality.

The tributary is lovely. A good caster can double haul cast across the entire width in the upper waters but it becomes a “proper river” lower down. It is a Taiga stream with woody debris providing terrific cover for Leopard Rainbow Trout. I will not tell you the name of this tributary or whether it has a name, so don’t ask. There are plenty of Salmon.

If you have fished more than 2 seasons with me we might discuss the tributary. But (and this is the big caveat) one must be extraordinarily fit to fish this tributary. How fit? A marathon runner will not have problems. A competitive swimmer should be fine. Hard corps back country backpackers etc.

Why even mention such a place if the physical fitness caveat will prevent most from ever seeing it? Good question. I have no interest in seeing this tributary (nor others I won’t mention) from ever being “discovered”. I offer this tributary and a few others because they are “frosting on the cake” for some hardy and loyal guests of mine.

Would you like to fish a creek like the Unnamed Tributary with me? If yes, call me at (877) 628-6796 or email me at mark@wildriverfish.com.