The Northern California Fly Fishing Board

I was lucky enough to make it back to Alaska this year. As some of you might remember, a little bad luck, at the start of the trip last year. With a great ending. This year I actually got to fly in the Army beaver from Papa Bear Adventures. There was only three of us this year the others backed out. Too bad for them, we had a great trip. Got out there about a week earlier this year and went to a different river. The Kwethluk a smaller river with a portage in the beginning from the lake to the river. Eight days of nobody else but us was in order. After day two boy did the fishing pick up. I rowed all but four hour of the whole trip. The four days of the middle of the trip there was not 5 minutes that went by and not have a fish on. Singles and doubles all day long. Most of the trout were in the 20 inch size with larger ones here and there. The kings were still on the reds and the trout were right behind. Beads, bo river buggers and pink clousers were the ticket. Silvers on the second half of the trip were fresh and full of fight. Lost three rods on these guys this year. I would call it rookie mistakes, but I lost one also. Had a great trip. Steve, Robin & Carl wish all of you their best. After the trip Robin invited us to their house for Steve B-day party. Steak, salads, appetizers & cake. Just like we had on the trip...minus the steaks, salads, appetizers & cake. Hospitality at Papa Bears is #1. Hope you all have a chance to do a trip like this at least once in your life. Out there you really depend on the people you take to take care of you as you take care of them.





The '08 Kwethluk trio.

The view we didn't see last year.

One of many, many, many, etc.

El "aka" Mr. Bow jangles with our rig in the backround.

Fresh, fresh silvers.

Hey Ed, the clouser killed them just like last year.

I need to get out more often.

What a cool trip...it's already on the "list".
Nice pics.

Anglernut

Nice report. I'll be wetting my line up there on Monday. Can't wait! Clousers, huh? I'm bringin up a few, but was only going to try them in the salt. I'll give 'em a shot in the rivers, too.

Hi Frank,

Couple of questions for you....what weight of rod did you primarily use
for those beastly trout?

Secondly...approximately, what would a trip like that set someone back
in terms of dollars....approximately.

Lastly, as far as logistics...was it a pretty easy trip to set up?

Jealous Anglernut

Thanks for the report Frank, sounds like it was a great trip.
That rainbow is awesome, and when I finally get up to Alaska, that will be my primary quarry.

Take care,

Buzz

We took 6 & 8 wt rods with us. In the upper river we stuck to the 6 wt. When the silvers showed up we changed to 8 wt. We actually broke 2 9 wt rods on the first silvers we ran into. Mine exploded on the first silver I hooked. The other was a mistake of trying to land a silver in too deep of water. The fish swam between his legs and that was the end of that rod. We shared the last 8 wt the rest of the trip.

Going through Papa Bears you are probably looking at 1500.00ea. which will get you (a party of 3), the plane ride out, the boat pick up and raft rental. Of course the rest of the equipment is up to you. They have rental equipment available if you need. They are really there to make this enjoyable for you and your group. Airfare is not included. This year I told my group it was going to cost about 2500.00 each. We figured out a way to take our own boat. That saved a lot. This is not a place to bring your 20.00 tent or your leaky waders. The more dry you stay the more you will enjoy your trip.

As far as set up for the trip, if you use a reputable outfitter they are there to help you.

Hey Bruce, Ed wasn't jerking your chain when you asked for fly suggestions a while back. I was on the trip last year when he was catching them on the pink clouser. This year I tied up a couple dozen and they worked, great. It is nice to have a good sturdy hook for those silvers. I know you don't tie but if you want some get a hold of me, I'll send you some. ASAP

I was with Frank on this Alaska trip. Thanks to Frank, it was a perfect trip with no problems. The weather gods were smiling on us. For those of you thinking about making this trip. beware that conditions can get real nasty if they get prolonged heavy rains. Some have experienced "the float from hell." Unfortunately, Frank would not trust a river novice rowing his rig, but on the positive side, he lost more weight than we did. I caught so many rainbows that they started calling me Mr. Bojangles. I guess it could be my new handle if I want to be like some of the "cool posters on this board.
Thank you again Frank for being such a great friend.

Great info Frank.

Muchos Gracias! Man, what nice fish!!!!!

Eric