Tuesday, July 26, 2011

Coho on the Fly

I woke up at 4 a.m. on the last day of my trip intent on landing a Silver (Coho) Salmon.

Friday, July 22, 2011

The Ultimate Alaskan Rainbow

I'm about half-way through my trip back home to Southeast Alaska, and it's been amazing!  I've fished a couple of lakes, a number of small streams, and one beautiful river.  I've caught plenty of rainbows and cutthroats, including a number in the 14-15 inch range yesterday. One 14 inch bow fought so hard I thought I hooked a salmon.  In fact, I hooked a Coho (Silver) salmon at the mouth of a small creek in George inlet earlier this week and thought I was going to break my rod.  Thankfully, he spit the hook.  I must admit, I've never wanted to catch salmon on the fly, but the thrill of that Coho (12-15 pounds) striking my fly is unlike anything I've ever experienced.  Yesterday, my dad and I caught over 50 rainbows in about two hours.  It didn't matter what we put on our line, the fish everywhere.  No real pigs yet, but maybe we'll get into one before heading backing home. Regardless, these wild Alaskan trout fight like fish twice their size. I've gone barbless on this trip because the fish are so aggressive that they often swallow the hook.  I'm still hoping for a pig and I would like to catch a Dolly or two as well.  I may also test my rod and try to once again hook a Coho salmon, but this time, on purpose!

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Jacks River - Cohutta: Scouting Trip

I hiked in to the Jacks River with my son primarily to enjoy a good hike, but also, to scout out a location for a future camping/fishing trip.  It has been about 3 years since I last hiked the Jacks.  This time, instead of hiking up to the Falls, I took a trail that put me at the river a short distance above the falls.  I think the hike was about 3 miles one-way, and relatively flat.  It was extremely crowded due to 4th of July weekend.  I saw quite a few trout; though none of any size.  The river was crystal clear, and beautiful.  I didn't have time to fish, but I can't wait to come back in the Fall for an overnight trip.  Years ago, the Jacks River held some very large trout, including brown trout over 5 lbs.  Apparently, the last decade has hurt the river substantially, but from my observations, there are still plenty of wild trout, and very little pressure from anglers.