Archive for July 2, 2011
Finally – Fishing in Alaska
Fishing in Alaska was in the cards. We 
stopped by the local sporting goods store for gear and advice. Sportsman’ Warehouse is like a Dick’s / Sports Authority and Bass Pro all rolled in to one. This store was enormous. Your could find gear for all types of fishing and hunting and probably a little of something else. Wow, what a place.
My first question: What can I catch in one outing? The salesperson told me that “Graylings” were running in the Chena River. I was sold – What do I need. ( A Grayling is a fresh water fish in the Salmon family but very small)
I picked up a small 5-1/2 Diawa spinning reel and had it loaded with 6# mono-filament line. No leaders are recommended here. Several small Mepps spinners and believe it or not, they also use small flies suspended under ball floats. Obviously, and out-of-state license was needed.
The best place to catch Graylings was in the Chena River. It was a 45 minute drive northeast of Fairbanks. With no time to spare, we were off.
We arrived at the recommended spots and found them to be absolutely beautiful. Clean, fresh and very cold water.
I tied on a Mepps gold spinner and after several casts, we hooked up with some nice fish. But the enjoyment was short-lived.
The misquitoes were unbelieveable. They would swarm you and soon as you got out of the car. The only saving grace was the occasional breeze.
We fished for several hours that evening. The sun set was scheduled at 1230 am and rise and again at 0335. Actually it would be dusk for three hours then sun rise. My flight was scheduled for 0630, so our time was very limited that evening.
Memories of that beautiful area will be with me forever. If you ever get a chance to fish Alaska, just do it. Just don’t forget your bug spray.
And if you were wandering what an Alaska fishing area looked like, well you are in luck.
Here is my secret spot.
Until next time,
Tightlines.
NCsaltaire 