January 2018

Description

January 2018

2018 Angling Agenda

Departments  

Fish Alaska Creel 6 

Fish Alaska Gear Bag 8

Fish Alaska Online 10

Fishing for a Compliment 12

Salmon Sense 14

Fish Alaska Conservation 16

Fish Alaska Fly 18

Fish Alaska Boats 20

Fish Alaska Saltwater 30

Fish Alaska Stillwater 32 

Fish Alaska Recipe 78

Advertiser Index 81

Fish Alaska Final Drift 82 

COVER / Erik Salitan of Talarik Creek Lodge with a 36-pound lake trout from Lake Clark last summer. © Gary Stewart/Talarik Creek Lodge

The Kanektok River,
At Long Last
by Pudge Kleinkauf 34

The Kanektok River is 90 miles of pure, unadulterated, fabulous fly fishing in southwest Alaska, and anglers who time it right can enjoy incredible opportunities for all five species of Pacific salmon as well as rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and Arctic grayling. Our writer partook in the fishing festivities of this Alaska gem from the bankside luxury of Reel Action Alaska Lodge.

Naknek Rainbows
by George Krumm 40

Perhaps the most consistent producer of trophy rainbow trout in Alaska, the Naknek is a siren call to adventurous trout anglers the world over, and our staff is no different. Here George Krumm visits Naknek River Camp and offers his insights on planning your own DIY Naknek trip. 

The Kings of Kachemak Bay
by Gary Lewis 46

Regardless of the time of year, the feeder kings of Kachemak Bay are available, as our writer found when making an autumn trip to Homer. Originating from rivers up and down the Pacific coast, these Chinook are worth the price of admission. 

Iliamna Excursion at Talarik Creek Lodge
by Melissa Norris 52

A visit to the gorgeous wilderness of the Iliamna region provides all the variety one could want in an adventure, as Publisher Melissa Norris noted during her trip to Talarik Creek Lodge. Rainbows, Dollies, lake trout and salmon are all on offer in the area’s many famous fisheries, and almost always, anglers can pursue several species in a single day. 

The Silver Lining of Alaska’s Lost Coast
by John Cleveland 58

Fishing from the Tsiu River Lodge, John Cleveland goes in search of the world-renowned coho of Alaska’s Lost Coast, finding the numbers (and size) of fish everything he’d dreamed—and more.

Destination Valdez
by Troy Letherman 62

One of Alaska’s most vibrant and beautiful port cities, Valdez is where anglers go to fish one of the fishiest and most accessible harbors in Alaska. Here we detail all the opportunities available to traveling anglers.

DIY Adventuring Around Prince of Wales
by Marcus Weiner 70

Enlisting for a week of DIY exploring and angling around Prince of Wales Island offers a range of opportunities. The island boasts an extensive road system that allows anglers to remain mobile, taking it all in. Here Publisher Marcus Weiner explains the when and how.