Techniques for Alaska Fly Fishing at Lake Creek

June/July
Fly Fishing for King Salmon

King salmon is probably the most exciting Alaskan salmon species that can be taken on the fly.  These fish will run from 15 to 60#s and can tax even the best equipment to the limit.  We usually fish from shore or wade from gravel bars to pursue these large fish.  Casting a heavy fly to kings requires proper technique and  gear.  Early Kings arrive when river flows are usually high . These conditions require heavy shooting heads and large weighted flies for proper presentation.  Later in June and early July water levels are usually much lower and less turbid and kings have been taken effectively on 8 weight rods although ten to twelve-weight rods are normally used.

We like to use

• Two-handed spey  rods can save a lot of effort when fishing for king salmon, especially in areas where back casting is limited.

• Fly reels for king salmon should be large (3.5-4.5 spools) and should have a  good durable  drag system.

• Leaders are typically 3-4 long in 15 to 30# mono, depending on water clarity and 100 yards plus of 20 to 30# backing is necessary.

Once a fish is hook, boats can sometimes be used to follow downstream. We have found it best to fight these fish with very light pressure once hooked.  All salmon want to go upsteam unless something disturbs them. 

Once a King turns downstream, if you continue to apply heavy pressure, they will normally continue that way. Ideally you want to position yourself downstream of the fish and apply just enough pressure to tire them out without turning them downstream. (Easier said than done)

Fly Fishing July/August  Sockeye,Pink , Chum and Silver salmon

These species can provide incredibly fast fly rod action.  Silvers usually are very willing biters and give lots of aerial action and are strong fighters.  Silvers are generally stacked up in sloughs or backwater pools just off the main river current so long casts are not necessary. One of our favorite flys for Silvers is a purple Egg-sucking leech variation tied on a 1 to 1/0 hook.    Chums are very receptive to Chartreuse coloration. Sockeyes are fished with very sparsely tied flys or a bare Red hook.

• Sockeyes and chums are extremely hard fighters for their size.    

• Seven and 8-weight rods with floating or sink tip lines are ideal for the silvers and chums and Sockeyes.

• Pinks can be fished effectively with 5 or 6-weight rods. Use a floating line and a sparsely tied and lightly weighted fly pattern, for sometimes almost nonstop action.

• Silvers or chums that are found in good numbers in very shallow water will often take a large dry fly or a popper on the surface.  One fly that can be very effective top water later in the season is a Pink Polliwog.

Fly Fishing Alaska Rainbow Trout & Arctic Grayling

Early season rainbows & Grayling can be effectively taken with Nymphs, Sculpins, Smolt patterns and usually even Egg & Flesh patterns. Sunny afternoons in June can produce large hatches of May and Caddis flys.                                                                                                                  

• Later in July and early August King salmon begin to spawn  and Nymphs and Egg patterns are used.

• From mid-August to mid- September  Egg and Flesh Flys are used almost exclusively, however a Mouse or Shrew pattern, fished late in the afternoon can provide some savage strikes.   

• Grayling are migratory and move through our waters in early spring and late fall. The largest Grayling and Rainbows are taken in the fall at the end of the Salmon run.

• 5 to 8 weight rods work well for this fishery.

Northern Pike Fly action

Northern Pike are found in the upstream lakes of our home waters and provide some exciting Fly rod action.          

• 8-9 wt rods are ideal for casting the larger Streamers, Smolt imitations, Bass poppers, Mouse ,Frog and Leech patterns.

• Short 15 to 20# leaders with a short heavy 40-50# mono tippet or a wire leader work best.

• Early season provides the largest Pike 10-25 lbs but great action is usually had all season

Northwoods Lodge has a fully equipped fly tying table, and our guides are all proficient in the art of tying and fly fishing and are always eager to introduce a novice to the sport.

Check availability and book your Alaska Fishing Trip today!