THE ULTIMATE ALASKA FISHING BLOG

Thoughts on the Lady of the River February 2nd, 2012

Nigel Barrow, Guide at Alaska Rainbow Lodge

Guide Confessions: Thoughts on the Lady of the River

Izaak Walton’s “Observations of the Umber or Grayling, and directions how to fish for them”:

PISC. The Umber and Grayling are thought by some to differ as the Herring and Pilcher do: But though they may do so in other Nations, I think those in England differ nothing but in their names. Aldrovandas sayes, they be of a Trout kind: and Gesner sayes, that in his Countrey (which is Swisserland) he is accounted the choicest Fish. And in Italy, he is in the month of May so highly valued, that he is sold then at a much higher rate than any other Fish. The French (which call the Chub Un Villain) call the Umber of the Lake Lemon, Un Umble Chevaliere; and they value the Umber or Grayling so highly, that they say he feeds on Gold, and that many have been caught out of their famous River of Loyre, out of whose bellies grains of gold have been often taken. And some think that he feeds on Water-time, and smells so at his first taking out of the water; and they may think so with as good reason as we do, that our Smelts smell like Violets at their being first caught; which I think is a truth. Aldrovandus sayes, the Salmon, the Grayling, and Trout, and all Fish that live in clear and sharp streams, are made by their mother Nature of such exact shape and pleasant colours, purposely to invite us to a joy and contentednesse in feasting with her. Whether this is a truth or not, is not my purpose to dispute; but ’tis certain, all that write of the Umber declare him to be very medicinable. And Gesner sayes, that the fat of a Grayling being set with a little Honey a day or two in the Sun in a little glass, is very excellent against redness, or any thing that breeds in the eyes. Salvian takes him to be called Umber from his swift swimming or gliding out of sight, more like a shadow or a ghost than a fish. Much more might be said both of the smell and taste, but I shall only tell you, that S. Ambrose the glorious Bishop of Milan (who liv’d when the Church kept Fasting days) calls him the flowre fish, or flowre of fishes, and that he was so far in love with him, that he would not let him pass without the honour of a long Discourse; but I must; and pass on to tell you how to take this dainty fish.

First, Note, That he grows not to the bigness of a Trout; for the biggest of them do not usually exceed eighteen inches, he lives in such Rivers as the Trout does, and is usually taken with the same baits as the Trout is, and after the same manner; for he will bite both at the Minnow, or Worm, or Fly, (though he bites not often at the Minnow) and is very gamesome at the Fly, and much simpler, and therefore bolder than a Trout; for he will rise twenty times at a fly, if you miss him, and yet rise again. He has been taken with a fly made of the red feathers of a Parraketa, a strange outlandish bird, and he will rise at a fly not unlike a gnat or a small moth, or indeed, at most flies that are not too big. He is a Fish that lurks close all winter, but is very pleasant and jolly after mid-April, and in May, and in the hot months: he is of a fine shape, his flesh is white, his teeth, those little ones that he has are in his throat, yet he has so tender a mouth, that he is oftner lost after an Angler has hooked him than any other Fish. Though there be many of these Fishes in Trent, and some other smaller rivers, as that which runs by Salisbury, yet he is not so general a Fish as the Trout, nor to me so good to eat or to Angle for. And so I shall take my leave of him, and come to some Observations of the Salmon, and how to catch him.

- From Chapter 6 of “The Compleat Angler, Or the Contemplative Man’s Recreation” by Izaak Walton.



The above script is an excerpt from the writings of Izaak Walton, the father of fresh water fishing in the UK. It is about the grayling, as I am sure you have already surmised. As far as the salmon and how to catch him, you will have to read The Compleat Angler.

But anyway, I digress.

The grayling is a much-sought-after fish in European circles, and in some countries, like Poland, prized more than the brown trout! Although the Arctic Grayling is not as revered in North America as I and a few other anglers would like, the fact is that Alaska has the largest grayling in the world — and plenty of them!

They are a very forgiving fish and take the dry fly and nymph enthusiastically. Mind you, on some days and some rivers they will be as challenging as the rainbow trout that you all seek on your visits to the Northwest. Many a guiding day has been saved with their appearance and eagerness to take a fly when the trout are hard to find. For the novice fly caster or for the complete neophyte, she is the perfect quarry to introduce you to the joys of dry fly fishing.

I call the grayling a “she” because in the old country we call her the “Lady of the River”.
If one looks at the myriad of colours on her dorsal fin, you will understand. To see the mating dance of a pair circling one another down the river like a couple of sailfish rounding up bait fish is a sight to see and remember!

Grayling are found in just about all the rivers that Alaska Rainbow Lodge fishes, one in particular is the Featherly, which flows into Lake Becharof about a one-hour flight from the lodge. Here there be monsters!!! I have seen grayling that I thought were char! And the char get up to 28 inches.

This river is one of my favourites. I have never taken a client fishing there that has not loved it. The terrain is flat, so no uphill hikes and plane is always on hand. The fish are not easy!! The best way to fish for them is to walk the river watching for a rise. If you can get an accurate cast into its feeding lane she will take readily. Miss that opportunity and you will have to wait for a few more minutes for another showing.

Some years ago we spotted a very large fish steadily rising. The client cast and cast but never got his fly into the feeding lane. Got it into the trees a few times, bushes behind him, back of his head!!!! I was filming the whole episode and the rest of the group were in hysterics!

Finally he got his fly into the lane, the fish took and at that exact moment the memory on my SD card ran out! AAAARRHHGG!!! So no record of the piscatorial finale was recorded. But at least we had great footage to that final moment. When the fish was landed it measured out to 20 inches.

My biggest fish caught by a client from the Featherly was 22 inches: a monster by any standards. But the fish was so distressed after measuring we needed to get her back into the water, and any photos would have distressed her more.

Sometimes the grayling are so aggressive they have taken a large Thingamebobber indicator while we were fishing beads for the char!

One time casting a mouse pattern for the char we took a very nice fish.

Grayling might not be everyone’s cup of tea. Some of my colleague guides like to mock my passion for this lady, but Alaska is the only place in the world—and especially the Featherly, Ugashik river systems—you could confidently try to break all the fly line tackle records in one day. If you could land them, that is. Incidentally, the world record comes from the Ugashik river: 23 inches and 4 pounds, 13 ounces! The grayling is protected here so all fish are returned.

I am sure that if we took you grayling fishing you would be surprised and amazed at the sport they can give.

Rest my case your honour!!!

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A Few Short Weeks Every Year February 2nd, 2012

Michael Bales,
Head Guide at Alaska Rainbow Lodge

Guide Confessions: A Few Short Weeks Every Year – the magic of late June and early July in Bristol Bay

Late June and early July is probably my favorite time in Alaska. The days are long and sunny, and just about everything is in bloom. The King Salmon runs are in full swing, the big Leopard Rainbows are chasing salmon smolt and starting to hit dry-flies. It’s a pretty special time here in Alaska. The truth is that we’re not known for dry-fly fishing. But for a few short weeks every year, we will chase Rainbows, Grayling, Arctic Char and Pike on a few special rivers with dry flies.

The Featherly River is one such special place. Here, the water is teaming with huge (up to 21 inch) Grayling. These Grayling are quick to take your fly and put up a great fight. Mixed in with the Grayling are some hefty Arctic Char. And you know how they will fight.

Imagine this perfect week: On one day, we’ll fly to Brooks or Featherly River and dry-fly fish for the day. Then the next day, we’ll fly to the mouth if the Alagnak River and chase the monster King Salmon. Then another day, we’ll fish with streamers and nymphs for Rainbows, Char and Pike. It’s really your choice. But the only time we can do all this is during this special three-week window of late June and early July.

The American, Nushagak, Moose, Moraine, Featherly and Brooks rivers—our home rivers—in Alaska are legendary for quality fishing. Come fish with me this year. I’ll show you something you’ll remember and talk about forever.

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Booking Season. Dry Fly Season. King Salmon Season. February 2nd, 2012

Message from Ron Hayes: Booking Season. Dry Fly Season. King Salmon Season.

This time of year is when we book all the trips for the entire fishing season at the Alaska Rainbow Lodge.

If you’ve been thinking about this trip, let me encourage you to call us today. We still have open spots, but those openings are being filled daily, especially those in August. Late June and early July is magic hour to visit our lodge for dry fly fishing and King Salmon fishing.

Think about this: On one day, you’ll be chasing our legendary Leopard Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, Pike and Grayling — all on dry flies. The next day, you’ll be testing your mettle on those hard fighting King Salmon. It all takes place on a few very special rivers accessible only by our floatplanes. Plus, the weather is typically the best of the entire year.

We can accommodate up to 16 guests per week, but no more. So if you really enjoy dry fly fishing and King Salmon fishing, you need to call immediately to book the last two weeks of June or the first week of July.

As always, thanks for your business. We look forward to seeing you this year at the Alaska Rainbow Lodge.

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Which flight to take from Anchorage to King Salmon, Alaska January 18th, 2012

Message from Ron: How to pick your flight from Anchorage to King Salmon

Now that you’ve picked the week you want to fish ARL, travel logistics are probably your next area of focus. The Alaska Rainbow Lodge website is a great resource for travel planning, schedules and contact information. But here’s an extra tip we’ve learned that can help make your travel to and from the lodge a bit easier.

Most of our guests fly into Anchorage and spend the night the day before their trip begins. The next day, they fly to King Salmon to meet our lodge float planes. Alaska Airlines has one flight daily arriving in King Salmon about mid-day, whereas smaller commuter airlines such as Penn Air have several flights arriving and departing daily.

Here’s the big difference: Alaska Airlines jets can fly when smaller airlines such as Penn Air can’t. That means if you book your flight on Alaska Airlines, it’s a good bet you and your luggage will arrive on schedule. The smaller commuter airlines are at the mercy of the weather, and if the plane is full of passengers, your luggage may not make the flight. It will probably make the next flight, but you’ll be sitting in King Salmon waiting for your bags and my guess is, you’d rather be fishing.

There is a small cost difference. Alaska Airlines is a bit more expensive, but it could be worth every penny to make sure you don’t miss a single, precious, fishing minute.

Take a look at what happens after you land in King Salmon:



Ready to book your trip? Fill out our online reservation form, and Sharon or I will give you a call to confirm and answer any questions you have. We’ll see you when you get here.

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Guest Angler Story: Does This Fish Make Me Look Fat? January 18th, 2012

Guest Angler Stories: Fish This. Not That.

by Stuart Balcom, Alaska Rainbow Lodge guest

We’re fishing the Moraine Creek for the Big Rainbows. Dragon, our guide, is splitting time between me and my buddy Mac who is 40 yards downstream. At the moment, we’re both fishing imitation salmon eggs. Mac keeps hooking up on fish after fish, but I’m not. I can’t help it but I’m insanely jealous. I watch him cast, watch his drift, watch his hook-set and watch him get a picture of another huge bow. After 30 minutes, this is driving me crazy. I smile and yell “great job Mac, two thumbs up and a high-five” but the truth is, I’m about to lose my mind. I want to catch every fish on this river. I want a world record. I want to kick Mac’s ass. Dragon, seeing all this, slides up beside me and points to a section of river and tells me to go over there. But first, he wants to re-rig my line.

We’re standing in water that’s 18 inches deep, not too fast and perfectly clear. Dragon reaches down into the water and scoops up a salmon egg in a small glass vile. He studies the color of the egg for a moment, then reaches into his fly box and selects a perfect imitation color match. He told me that he’d fished these waters a few days earlier and had painted a few special beads to match the color of the real salmon eggs.

Now I’m re-rigged and ready. First cast, pow! A huge bow that runs 30 yards downstream, then 60 yards upstream. All my dreams are coming true. We slipped over to the bank and released the monster. Next cast, a huge deep red sockeye takes the bait. Dragon yells “don’t lose that egg!” but it’s too late. Everything disappears into the rapids downstream. We re-rig with a “special color” bead egg, and next cast—whamo—another fantastic rainbow. I’m on a roll cause it’s fish after fish. The afternoon becomes the stuff of legend. Toward the early evening, I break-off again. Dragon tells me this bead is his last special bead and “don’t lose it.” Next cast, huge fish, it’s gone.

Feeling pretty sorry for myself, I wandered over to the bank, sat on the ground, opened a beer and tried to plan out how I was going to steal Mac’s salmon egg bead. Lacking the imagination to actually accomplish all this, I just drank another beer, rigged up another bead and headed back to make a few final casts for the day. My guess is we each landed and photographed over 25 fish that day.

That evening, back at the lodge, over cocktails, I asked Dragon about the special painted eggs. He told me that the first bead egg he gave me was actually a pretty close match. But the second, third, fourth and all the other “special” beads were just random beads out of the fly box. So I asked Dragon if I was the first guy to fall for this and he said, “you’re not the first and you’re not the last. But they all believe.”

These guides are good. They make you a better fly fisherman without using a rod or reel. These guys are just good.

Do you have a story from your visit to Alaska Rainbow Lodge?
We want to hear about it! Share your adventure!

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4 Steps to the Perfect Fish Photo Every Time January 18th, 2012

by Michael Bales
Head Guide at Alaska Rainbow Lodge

Guide Confessions: How to get the Perfect Fish Photo – Every Time

What’s wrong with me? My screen saver is a picture of a fish. My desk and walls hold dozens of photos of me grinning with fish. My iPhoto library has a few shots of friends and family members and about a zillion pictures of fish—all types, from every possible angle, in some crazy great locations. On a recent fishing trip with seven friends, we collectively took about 1800 photos—but there were only about 100 truly great photos; you know, the frameable kind. In all the others, there was something just wrong—sun glare, partial image, blurry image, people moving, shadows covering the subject—you know what I’m talking about.





I’m the head guide at Alaska Rainbow Lodge, and I’m not a professional or technically gifted photographer. But after taking and appearing in tens of thousands of photos, I’ve picked up a couple of simple rules that will help you take better fish pictures every time.

1. Get your lighting right. Do not take a photo looking into the sun; no matter how good you think it’s going to look, it’s going to suck. Move so the sun is at your back.

2. Frame, back away and zoom. Now put the person with the fish in the middle of the camera frame. The next thing is to back away from the subject so that your shadow won’t be in the shot. You can zoom in to cover the distance.

3. Get creative. From this point you have dozens of options for a great shot. You can kneel down to get an upward angle, have the subject point the nose of the fish toward the camera, zoom way in or zoom way out, turn the fish to get a side or profile shot, kiss the fish, move to the side, have the fisherman smile, get the fish to smile. All of this take a few precious seconds but the photos and their memories will last a lifetime.

4. Respect the fish. Let me also take a few moments to talk about the fish that’s in your pictures. These are amazingly beautiful and fragile creatures. Keep the fish in the water while you’re composing the photo. Be gentle if you’re the guy holding the fish. And please, get that fish back into the water as quickly and as gently as possible. Our trout can only take being out of the water for about as long as you can hold your breath without sustaining injury or death. So think about that when you’re preparing to take that photo. Thanks.

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Reel in a Rod Sweepstakes from Alaska Rainbow Lodge! January 6th, 2012

Yes, it’s that easy! Simply join our email list by filling out the form below for the chance to win a Sage TCX six-weight fly rod and your choice of a Hatch or Abel Reel! Already on our list? You can join in the fun, too. Just update your profile to be entered.

Be sure to share this with your friends! They may even let you borrow the fly rod if they win. Happy fishing from your friends at Alaska Rainbow Lodge!

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A Message from Ron Hayes January 6th, 2012

2012 marks a new beginning for the Alaska Rainbow Lodge. Welcome to our first electronic newsletter! My goal with this newsletter is to capture your imagination and help you recall your favorite fishing memories—to make you feel as close to the Alaska Rainbow Lodge as you can get without actually being here.

I hope you’ll take the time to explore each section, learn something new, remember that perfect drift on that beautiful Alaskan day when you were with your favorite friends, hooking some incredible fish, in the most awe-inspiring place on this planet.

As you know, or will come to know, there’s nothing quite like the Alaska Rainbow Lodge. From the location, to the rivers, to the wildlife, guides, pilots and staff, we are in the business of great memories. This newsletter is designed to bring you back — or introduce you — to those moments and help you prepare for your next visit to our home waters.

I look forward to seeing you at the Alaska Rainbow Lodge.
 

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4 Simple Steps to Perfecting Your Drift and Catching More Fish January 5th, 2012

by Michael Bales
Head Guide at Alaska Rainbow Lodge

Guide Confessions: Cast and mend, mend again, mend again. Set the hook!

The Alaska Rainbow Lodge guides are legendary for putting clients on the fish. We guide many of the best fly fishermen in the world as well as first-timers. So why do some fisherman (pros and novices) tend to catch more fish than others? In our home waters, it’s all about the drift. The perfect drift is almost impossible for a hungry Leopard Rainbow or Salmon to resist. On the other hand, a poorly presented offering will be ignored again and again, even though you’re standing in the river with hundreds of fish literally at your feet! This is absolutely a fact whether you’re dry fly fishing or fishing sub surface with nymphs. So let’s get sharp on the cast, mend and hook-set techniques you’ll want to practice, or just think about, before you come to the Alaska Rainbow Lodge.

Making a long spectacular cast is rarely required. (It’s fun, I know, but rarely required) So cast your fly 45 degrees upstream. Mend the fly line upstream immediately. Wait a moment, now mend the line again upstream. If needed, because of fast water, mend the line again. We’re looking to create a nice s-curve in the fly line above the fly. This will accomplish two things: a totally natural drift of the fly and minimal slack in the line for a quick hook set.

This process of casting and mending to create an s-curve above the fly is 99% of the technique we use on our home waters. Our guides are experts in this technique and will help you perfect this, if you ask. The bottom line is that you’ll catch a lot more fish by getting this drift dialed-in correctly. Just ask your guide. He will help.

One last thing on the hook set. Set the hook downstream and toward the bank. Think about it…the fish are swimming upstream into the current, you don’t want to jerk the hook out of the mouth by setting the hook upstream. This is the single most common mistake we see in anglers day after day, year after year. Set the hook downstream folks– you’ll catch a lot more fish. And you’ll have a lot more great Fish Pictures! The subject of my next newsletter report.

Posted in: Alaska Fishing, Guide Confessions | 2 Comments »

Ron Hayes’ Alaska Rainbow Lodge January 3rd, 2012

We’ve got a fresh new look for Alaska Rainbow Lodge – Alaska’s best fly fishing lodge!
 

“Ron Hayes” is back in our logo to highlight his legacy in the Alaska fishing business! Ron Hayes and his wife, Sharon, built Alaska Rainbow Lodge in 1982 right on the Kvichak River in the famed Bristol Bay region of Alaska. We are the original Rainbow Lodge. Through Alaska Rainbow Lodge, Ron and Sharon have created a truly unique fly fishing experience in Alaska.

Ron Hayes has been flying Bush planes in the wilderness of Alaska since the mid 50s; he knows the river systems of Alaska like few others have the privilege of doing. Since the start of Alaska Rainbow Lodge, Ron has enlisted the help of experienced, coast-guard licensed fishing guides at the top of their fields to make your fly-out fishing trip one you’ll never forget.

Want to hear more about our fly out fly fishing trips or stories from happy customers? Join our Alaska Rainbow Lodge fly fishing community on Facebook or check out our Youtube page for action-packed videos!

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