August Fly Patterns for Bristol Bay, Alaska

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Mark Rutherford

August days hold the potential to catch the largest wild rainbow trout of your life on a mouse pattern in the morning, Char on the flats at mid day, followed by absolute mayhem with Coho in the afternoon. August is defined by the absurdly aggressive Coho / Silver Salmon sharing the river with Leopard Spotted Rainbows and shoals of Dolly Varden Char in their full pre spawn coloration. There can be a brief window in early August where all 5 Salmon are present yielding the Pacific salmon “Grand Slam” for those who keep track of that sort of thing. When the factors of run timing and fair weather align themselves well, then the fishing experience in the Bristol Bay in August is properly regarded as among the greatest experiences of a fly fishers life. You should join me on a trip! Meanwhile read on.

Here is a multi species list of flies for 1 person for 1 week, with an emphasis on resident Rainbow Trout, pre-spawn Dolly Varden Char, Arctic Grayling, a strong focus on Coho / Silver Salmon, plus incidental Salmon, Arctic Char, and Lake Trout. The list was developed for my fully guided trips down the longer and wilder and more remote rivers of the western Bristol Bay but seems equally well suited to the Katmai / Naknek region and the Alaska Peninsula. I enjoy feedback and I’m curious what works for you. Continue reading →

July Fly Patterns for Bristol Bay, Alaska.

Posted on April 3, 2012 by Mark Rutherford

It is so much more complex to stock your Alaska fly box for July than for June or August! A great deal more total feed is available to resident fish in July than in June including fry of salmon, trout, char, and Grayling. There are Caddis, stone, & mayfly nymphs, plus salmon spawn and a bit of flesh late in July. While I have not seen stickleback in July, occasionally small Lamprey are present and Sculpin are pounced upon with enthusiasm. In July forage diversity is at the seasonal apex.

In mid July, adult sea run Dolly Varden Char begin to return to the rivers. In the last week of July a weather transition can begin bringing autumn storms. Finally you need Coho / Silver fly patterns in late July. All 5 Salmon can be present after Coho arrive yielding the Pacific salmon “Grand Slam”. Continue reading →

A Fly Selection for the greatest Trout and Salmon fishery in the world, Bristol Bay, Alaska.

Posted on February 13, 2012 by Mark Rutherford

Flies for 1 person for 1 week on a float trip or fishing with the region’s best lodges.

This is a multi species list, with an emphasis on June Rainbow Trout and Arctic Grayling, plus all of the other sport-fish in the Bristol Bay watersheds including Arctic Char, Lake Trout, early Kings, Sockeye, and Northern Pike. A short discussion follows.

First, don’t leave home without these 5 items in your carry on luggage.

Your best Polaroid glasses.
Your Rx medications.
Your favorite waterproof/breathable wading or fully waterproof rain jacket with retractors for hemostat and line nipper and 2 large pockets for fly boxes.
Waders you completely trust which will get the equivalent of a full year of normal use during your AK trip.
Wading boots that fit. Felt soles were outlawed in AK in 2012. The sticky rubber soles are now quite good. No “cleated, nailed, or studded” boots in rafts or cabins.

Why? In case Alaska Airlines loses you’re checked bags with your clothing, rods, reels, and flies. You came a long way! Improvise and go fish! Continue reading →