So You Want to Go Fly Fishing…

I’ve personally found that one of the most relaxable and enjoyable hobbies that a man can have is fly fishing. If you like the outdoors and need a little solitude, I call it ‘thinking time,’ then give fly fishing a try! It is not an expensive recreation to get into and it is a hobby that a person at most any age will enjoy.

West Wickham

Fly fishing requires more patience then the usual worm or live bait fishing. First of all learn what the fish are feeding on, this will give you more effective results. Try to use the fishing fly that most resembles the snack of your prey. I like to fly fish in deep, calm pools where salmon and trout are apt to be laying. A great tip is not cast your shadow, this will prevent you from getting lots of bites. From experience I have learned that fish are not stupid or blind especially in West Wickham. No matter where you are fishing from, a boat or wading down a shallow stream, always try to cast your line into the fast moving water. Fish such as salmon and trout like staying in swift water where oxygen is plenty. Fly fishing using a ‘wet fly’ will allow you’re fishing fly to partly sink down in the water coming in visual contact with the fish. If a fish is interested in the fly you are using, it could take hold and you may be in for a fun battle. A ‘dry fly’ will float on top of the water, so a fish will have to rise up for it. This is called a ‘role’ for the fly. The most important pieces to go fly fishing with are a graphite rod and reel along with some different flys.

There are several things that you will want to keep in mind if you want to tie good fly fishing equipment knots. First, the quality of your fly fishing knots will directly affect how well you can fish. The knots used are typically the weakest point of a rod and line assembly. This is due to the fact that the line is usually weakened when it is tied, and is often responsible for line breaks and the loss of fish. The first step in making certain your fly fishing gear knots are secure is to make sure you lubricate the knot as it is being tied. Using a liquid to lubricate the knot will lower the amount of friction heat generated when you are tying your knot. When heat is generated during the typing of the knot, the line is weakened and can snap under strain.

Next, once you have lubricated and tied your fishing boats knots, you need to test the knot. This is done by pulling on the leader and the line and seeing if the knot holds. It is best to do this because you want to ensure there is a good amount of strength in the knot before you cast your line and discover the knot was incorrectly tied, resulting in the loss of your fish. If you notice that your fishing tackle knots seem to slip, you will want to make certain that you are tying your knots correctly. A properly seated knot will not slip or move when put under strain. It is always suggested that you trim your fly fishing knots prior to casting your line. The trim should be done as close to the knot as possible without nicking or otherwise damaging the knot or line. This can be tricky at first, but once you have practiced, you will be able to trim the knot cleanly.

If your knot is lose and you did not properly seat or test the knot but trimmed it, you will notice that your knot is much more likely to come loose. This is due to the fact that the knot is not tied tightly enough, allowing movement within the knot. This is something that you will want to avoid in trout fishing knots, as it can result in the loss of the leader and your fish. When you tie fly fishing nets knots, make certain that you are careful in how you grasp your lure and leader. It is extremely easy to cut your finger on a lure if you are not careful when you are typing these knots.

For an exciting overview of some of Alaska’s most popular lodges and fishing tours, read on.

The Ultima Thule Lodge in Wrangell-St. Elias (ultimathulelodge.com)

Remote and pristine, the Ultima Thule Lodge is situated in the middle of the Wrangell-St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the country’s largest, and has been listed by National Geographic as the area’s premiere luxury Alaska fly fishing trips company.

The lodge can arrange almost any type of day trip, but a lot of their focus is on fly fishing in Moose Valley. However, if your interest is fishing experiences, make sure you book in advance to get there during the peak salmon migration period.

The company sets itself apart from other fishing lodges by offering a range of activities, making it a great choice for an extended stay, family fishing trip or corporate adventure. Side trips include glacier stops, white water rafting, skiing, or wilderness hikes.

However, if you and your group want a more rustic or self-catered experience, you may want to look elsewhere. Ultima Thule is known for luxury, not wilderness expeditions.

Sadie Cove Wilderness Lodge (sadiecove.com)

Featured on ESPN, the Discovery Channel, the Environmental Magazine, “E”, The Travel Channel, National Geographic and Forbes’ magazine, Sadie Cove is widely known as one of the continent’s best eco-lodges. The lodge is run completely off the grid on a non-polluting wind, solar and hydro energy system.

Rates are fairly reasonable at Sadie Cove, however they do charge extra for privately chartered or fly-in Alaska fly fishing trips. That said, their peak summer rate of four hundred dollars per day includes all your daily meals, use of all the lodge facilities (like the sauna), fishing equipment, housekeeping, wireless Internet and even an on-site pool.

Drifter’s Lodge on the Kenai River (907-595-5555)

If you’re looking for a more rustic experience that centers it attention almost exclusively on fly fishing, Drifter’s Lodge is a great choice. The lodge offers a more down-to-earth Alaskan experience and has been featured in National Geographic, the Lonely Planet and Time magazine. For fly fishing, their draw is on the fall season when the trout are at their peak.

The lodge employs expert, local guides who know the best spots on the Kenai River and the perfect flies and casting techniques. Their catches and trips include Alaska salmon, Dolly Varden trout and, of course, rainbow trout. With on-site lessons and guided expeditions, some of the best Alaska fly fishing trips can be found right here.