Long Live the King is a story of hope and resurgence for Alaska's great King Salmon fishery. Returning numbers of the fish have been dropping steadily, and both 2012 and 2013 hit especially hard - with multiple rivers and regions across the state seeing some of the lowest returns ever, forcing Alaska Fish and Game officials to close or severely limit salmon fishing around the state, including on some of Alaska's most iconic rivers. In addition, what is starting to seem like an all out war on salmon – mining, dams, hatcheries and the state government are all marching forward in opposition of Alaska treasure salmon resource. For many, this is an attack on religion, not just a fish.
This film seeks to ignite an angler's passion - showing why salmon are worth fighting for from a fly fishing perspective. By showcasing some of Alaska's world class adventures - a team of Alaska's best guides and anglers explore the state's rivers, fly fishing for King Salmon, while practicing "catch and release" for the benefit of greater escapement and future salmon spawn. Through interviews and candid conversation, we will hear from long-time Alaska guides, lodge owners, Native elders, political figures, conservation leaders, and wilderness pioneers who have an abundance of untapped folk information on the state's great King Salmon lore. In these virtually untold stories, lies the spirit of Alaska - the dream of its wild lands and freedoms that can hardly be imagined in our current time.
King Salmon are an icon for Alaska, and a treasured sport fish for the entire world. Long Live the King celebrates the great homecoming of salmon to the Last Frontier, while promoting a re-energized culture of sustainability among salmon fishermen and women worldwide. Through inspiring imagery, explosive fishing, emotional testimony and a tone of sustainability, respect, and stewardship, the film breathes new life into the hearts of anglers. One goal of this film is to boost the grassroots efforts of our conservation partners to defend the land, waters, cultural heritage, and invaluable resources of Alaska, including the mighty King Salmon of the Last Frontier.
Everybody's been waiting anxiously to see the World Premiere of Confluence Films new production - Waypoints. They've been releasing short segments from the film, showing a glimpse of each destination featured in the film - Sponsored by The Drake Magazine.
This short is from the Alaska steelhead segment, starring one of our heroes - Rooster Leavens. You can find the tour dates for your state HERE
Alaska bush pilot Willy Fulton is known for his experience in flying to remote locations, and his direct, likable personality.
Fulton is also known as the pilot who last flew Timothy Treadwell, and ultimately came upon Treadwell's remains in Katmai National Park.
While that story and the Werner Herzog film "Grizzly Man" brought attention to the pilot, Fulton is a character in his own right - with many more stories to tell.
Fly Out Ambassador, Camille Egdorf steps it up a notch with a new film showcasing the Alaska bush life on her family's Upper Nushagak Camp - titled Unbroken. This time, her film will be featured on the big screen with the International Fly Fishing Film Festival (IF4).
From the filmmaker:
"Unbroken", a Camille Egdorf film, captures the wildlife, fishing and a way of life that has been carried on in Alaska for over thirty years. A story about a fly fishing family who's summers are spent in remote Alaska, sharing and experiencing the wilds of the North. This is their story.
A fantastic look at the life cycle and nutrient cycle of Alaska's wild salmon. These fish give us so much, it is our responsible to protect the best we have left.
From the Filmaker:
Once they enter fresh water chum salmon stop feeding and morph into an aggressive creature intent only on mating. After spawning, they die and their bodies become a source of nutrients for everything in the forest and sea.
Very special thanks to Lynn Schooler, who without I could not have made this short. Special thanks to Richard Nelson, Hank Lentfer, Riley Woodford and Henk Meeuwsen for providing additional sounds. To Lynn & Michio, whose stories and adventures inspired me to come to Alaska.
UPDATE - Shot over the course of three weeks with a Canon 5d and a GoPro. Music: Smetana - Má Vlast (The Moldau) and Górecki - Symphony No. 3: Il Lento E Largo
Here is a complilation from video content entered in the 2012 Alaska Adventure film festival held in Anchorage, Alaska. From pack rafting to bush flying to snow machines to surfing, this video shows the spirit of AK adventure. Alaska is Awesome!
A made for TV episode filmed at Alaska Sportsman's Lodge on the Kvichak. It's not my favorite music selection, but there is some worthy footage from a world class lodge in Bristol Bay.
Fly-out Alaska flyfishing for big Rainbows and Salmon at it's best Hepler photography, Scott Hepler, filmed and edited flyfishing in Alaska for The American Outdoorsman TV. Lots of Bears and fishing at Alaska's premier fly out lodge, Alaska's Sportsman Lodge in the Katmai National Park on the Kenai peninsula.
From the Filmmaker: A week in the land of the midnight sun,on the Innoko chasing true monsters.Theses pikes are awesome,great fight,beautiful,and in great numbers.Day four was the highlight with 87 pikes landed and 22 over 40inch,best 49 and 48.
The Bristol Bay River Academy (formerly the Bristol Bay Fly Fishing & Guide Academy) merges salmon and river education, with recreation and conservation principles to educate, engage and inspire Bristol Bay young adults to become local leaders in salmon stewardship and prepared for jobs based on healthy salmon in their home rivers. The river-side course prepares young local leaders by equipping them with the knowledge, values and skills necessary to be conservation advocates in their communities and link visitors to the salmon and trout conservation issues in the region. The Academy accomplishes this in two primary ways.