Join Redoubt Mountain Lodge for a BEAR adventure only they can take you on.

Pioneered through multiple years of research, this tour is unlike anything offered throughout Alaska. Redoubt Mountain Lodge holds exclusive rights for access into this area during this limited window of intense bear activity. They will not be sharing this location with anyone except the bears! The location has been closely watched for several years documenting the abundance of Alaskan coastal brown bears, their behavior and migratory patterns. Finally they have the logistics arranged, transportation in place and the approval granted and are ready to begin taking adventurous enthusiasts on a bear viewing experience truly unique to anything offered around the world.

This is a coastal area rich in sedge grass, vibrant salt marches and tidal flats littered with clams. Watch enormous boars (males), adolescences, sows with cubs and solitary bears as they go about their daily lives foraging, breeding and being bears.

This tour has it all! Your day will begin with a short helicopter flight from the lodge with an amazing aerial tour viewing numerous bears from the air. Typical flight see tours see 30 or more bears. Helicopter transportation and aerial tour will be followed by a mix of walking and boating throughout a beautiful untouched landscape. The ability to walk 2-3 miles (minimum) is required for all interested guests. Terrain in relatively flat; however, there will be small creeks and muddy areas to traverse. A Redoubt Mountain Lodge guide will be with you the entire day. Daily group sizes are small at only 2 - 4 guests per trip.

Intricate Bay Lodge is offering a limited time discount for kids at 50% off for all weeks in July. See the following package details: 

Fly Out Package - $7750 Per Person All-Inclusive

Included: 6 nights lodging and 7 days guided fishing including 5 days of fly out fishing and 2 half days local fishing (half day = 6 hours on the water).

Combo Package - $5750 Per Person All-Inclusive

Included: 6 nights lodging and 6 days guided fishing 3 full days fly out fishing 2 full days local fishing and 1 half day local fishing (half day = 6 hours on the water). A perfect combination of fly out and local fishing.

Land Package - $3750 Per Person All-Inclusive

Included: 6 nights lodging and 5 days guided fishing. Access the world renowned Copper and Gibraltar rivers and many smaller stream in the Iliamna drainage by jet boats and our 23 foot cabin cruiser.

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Katie and I had the opportunity to visit the Royal Coachman Lodge this past June for a full week of fishing and filming. Royal Coachman Lodge is located on the Nuyukuk River inside the Wood-Tikchik State Park - our nation's largest state park. They are an intimately sized Alaska lodge, hosting 10-12 guests per week. They operate a fly out fishing program with two De Havilland beavers, accessing fisheries as far as 200 miles away.

There are certain combinations in this world that just seem destined to go together. Take peanut butter and jelly for example. Standing alone both parts are individually great, but put them together and you will find a synthesis that simply cannot be duplicated. For the Alaska fly fishermen, this same spectacular fusion can be found between the Leopard Rainbow Trout and mouse specific fly patterns. Believe us, once you experience the taste of it, the fly fishing portion of life as you know it will be forever tainted.

The Fish
The term "Leopard Rainbow" is said to have been coined in attempts to categorize the uniquely cryptic complexion that some Alaskan Rainbow Trout exhibit. With a seemingly endless array of spotting that is well beyond that of your everyday Rainbow Trout, the "Leopard" variety, is one of the most beautiful and highly coveted of all the resident Alaska gamefish.

The Range
Any stream in Alaska that supports a healthy trout population has the capacity to produce Leopards. While there really is no specific way to target them solely, an angler can increase their odds by simply placing their fishing efforts in waters that have a reputation for supporting large numbers of them. Western clear water tributaries of the Kuskokwim, Bristol Bay, Katmai National Park, and the Wood-Tikchik regions are known for consistently producing these spectacular Leopard Rainbow Trout.

The Timing
Timing your visit for this Leopard/Mouse combo has less to with the fish and more to do with the prey. During the spring the mice begin to materialize, emerging from their winter slumber to forage heavily, always cognizant of the winters to come. Throughout the late spring and summer, mice, voles, and other little bite-sized, furry critters can be seen scurrying around all over the forest floor, finding it necessary to take a swim on occasion. When this happens, trout cannot help themselves from engaging in a full-throttle assault, devouring the unfortunate, protein rich fuzz ball with pleasure.

The Techniques
The most difficult thing about fishing with a mouse pattern is regulating your desire to fish it all the time. Mousing is hands down one of the most addicting ways to fly fish on earth, and it just so happens to shine here in Alaska. Unlike their delicate, tea and crumpet eating cousins in the lower 48, these Alaskan trout attack large patterns violently, and are not startled by a splashy presentation.

Focusing efforts near large snags, drop-offs, and undercut banks, anglers should present their mouse patterns upstream of the targeted area in an attention grabbing manner. The goal here is to let the trout know that there is blood in the water, instinctively putting them on-point, focusing on locating the meal that is about to come skittering above.

When it comes to the retrieve, anglers have multiple variations that produce similar results. Our favorite is accomplished by elevating your rod tip and feverishly waving it from side to side. The skittering action that is produced is simply irresistible to any trout close enough to begin pursuit, and an epic explosion will follow soon.

The Lodges
If you are looking at chasing Leopard Rainbow Trout on mice patterns, here are a few lodges and outfitters that we highly recommend.

Aniak River Lodge - Enchanted Lake Lodge - Wild River Guides

 

It is said that some fish only live in beautiful places. No species in Alaska represents this dictum more than the iconic Arctic Grayling. The clean, cold water that tumbles from glacial peaks sprawls throughout Alaska's immense wilderness, providing both the ideal habitat that Grayling require, and an incredibly picturesque background for the pursuing angler.

Unfortunately, Alaska's spectacular Grayling fishery is often overshadowed by larger, hard fighting species like salmon, char, and rainbow trout. Sure, Artic Grayling are not huge or overly powerful, but what they lack in size they more than make up for in simple beauty, and eagerness to take a dry fly with reckless abandon. For these reasons, we simply had to list them on our Top 10 list of fishing goals to accomplish in Alaska.

The Fish
The "Arctic Grayling" or Thymallus arcticus, is notably one of the most beautiful fish that can be found in Alaska. They are most commonly known for their large dorsal fin, which resembles that of a Sailfish. This large telltale appendage is often fringed in red and covered in a mosaic of iridescent orange, blue, or purple spots. Individual body coloration can vary from stream to stream, but typically Grayling are shrouded in indigo blue or deep purple. This is especially true of the males during the spawning season, as their complexions intensify in order to attract females.

Surprisingly enough, these fish can live up to 32 years, with most falling into the 8-18 inch size category. Any fish over 18 inches is generally considered trophy in most areas, with 24 inches and 5.1 pounds setting the mark as the largest Grayling ever being recorded in Alaska.

When
Because Grayling are such opportunistic and agressive feeders, they can be caught throughout the entire season. As the summer progresses, so do their movements throughout the watershed. The large, mature fish tend to occupy the cooler reaches of the headwaters, while the sub-adults are exiled into the lower sections of the river.

The Range
In Alaska, Grayling have the largest natural range of any sport fish, occupying nearly the entire state. In fact, the only place that they are not found is on the Aleutian chain, Kodiak, and the islands of Southeast Alaska.

The Techniques
Because Grayling are such voracious predators, the style of fishing is really up to the angler. The majority of fishermen choose to employ dry flies, often times finding non-stop action. Elk Hair Caddis, Adams, and various terrestrial patterns are among some the favorites that can be found in the fly boxes of many Alaskan fishing guides. A perfect dead drift is not always necessary, and often times a skated fly can make for some very exciting fishing. Grayling have even been known to take down mice and voles at times in an effort to pack on the pounds before the long winter.

Recommended Lodges

Intricate Bay Lodge - Tikchik Narrows Lodge - Royal Wolf Lodge - Anvik River Lodge

Known as the Super Bowl of freshwater fly-fishing, successfully landing a King Salmon on the fly is no easy task. These leviathans tout many characteristics that make them one of the most difficult sport fish to chase with a fly rod.

The challenge in successfully hooking and landing a King Salmon is two fold. First, the deep fast runs that Kings are most comfortable in often make the actual fishing and casting tasks more difficult than normal. Couple this with their sheer size and power, and you have a fish that deserves the respect they are given.

The Fish

Generally, Alaska King Salmon range anywhere from 15-90 lbs., with each river offering its own set of averages. Any fish in the 25-45 lb. range is considered a great fish anywhere you go. Using body size to their advantage, these fish will often times hunkering down in deep fast pools, leveraging their mass with the current. Anglers can expect long, hard fought battles, challenging their strength and stamina both mentally, and physically.

When

Each river system has it's own distinct peaks in which anglers have the best shot at hooking and landing King Salmon. As a general rule of thumb, you can plan on peak runs happening in the months of June and July.

The Range

The range of Alaskan King Salmon reaches all the way from the southern tip of Alaska, North to the rivers near Nome and Kotzebue, with occasional reports of Kings being caught at even higher latitudes. Impressively, some of the Yukon River King Salmon in particular have been known to migrate over 1,840 river miles to reach their spawning grounds.

The Techniques

Because chasing King Salmon often requires the use of heavy sink tips, spey anglers frequently have an advantage over their single-handed counterparts. This does not mean that traditional fly rods will not work, but that anglers utilizing them should plan on plenty of casting with heavy outfits. Rods in the 8-12 weight categories are the standards, with the heavier of the bunch giving the angler a little more leverage when going head to head with a trophy.

When selecting fly patterns, make sure you have ones with larger profiles as they tend to work well in most conditions. Intruders, rabbitstrip leeches, and other large patterns are almost always staples in the King Salmon fly boxes of Alaskan guides. When the water is low and clear, however, utilizing a smaller, less intrusive fly often can bring more success than larger patterns.

For fly colors, look towards chartreuses, whites, and greens when fishing for fresh King Salmon found close to the salt. As the fish begin to move upriver, patterns in black, purple, pink, and blue will begin to shine.

The River and Lodges

When heading up to chase King Salmon on the fly, there are many lodges to choose from that have high success. Here are a few of the lodges that we would recommend for your next King Salmon expedition.

Talaheim Lodge - Bristol Bay Lodge - Riversong Lodge

Every year thousands of anglers flock to the 49th state to take part in one the most amazing natural phenomenons left on the planet. Strong runs of Pacific salmon support numerous different ecosystems and resident species, providing countless opportunities for expert and novice anglers alike. Every region has it's own set of specialties. Some are known for the salmon, some for the trout, and some for the less known species Alaska can provide. Deciding where to go, when to go, what species to chase, and where to stay can be a difficult task. With all that there is to see and do, where do you start?

With this in mind, we compiled a "Top Ten" feats to accomplish when trying to see and experience all that Alaska has to offer. Over the next month we will be highlighting each of these individually, giving you the who, what, where, when, and how to start checking them off of your list. Trust us, once you have accomplished all of these, you will be well on your way to realizing the true scope of what Alaska has to offer the angler.

Alaska Fly Fishers Top Ten

1. Land a King Salmon on the fly rod

2. Fish Arctic Grayling with dry flies

3. Catch a Leopard Rainbow Trout on a mouse pattern

4. Land the mystical Sheefish - The Tarpon of the North

5. Catch a Silver Salmon on a top water fly

6. Fly Out and fish one of Alaska's remote rivers in Bristol Bay

7. Go on a multiple night rafting / fishing adventure

8. Land a colorful Arctic Char

9. Enjoy a fresh caught salmon shore lunch

10. Feel the tug of an Alaskan Steelhead in Southeast 

You will encounter many challenges when working towards becoming a proficient spey caster. Breaking down the casting steps into small, manageable pieces, will simplify the learning process. Progressing in this manner is the quickest way to become a great caster and a productive angler.

Start your understanding with the "lift and set." During this step, your goal is to place the fly in a location that will allow for the most efficient use of your line speed. Ideally, your D-Loop should roll out directly over the top of your fly's initial placement. Touching your rod tip to the water, just a little mid river of your body, will show you where your fly needs to be.

Continue on with the remainder of your cast, focusing on your fly's position. If your D-Loop rolls out directly over the top, you have accomplished step one. There are other circumstances that still may account for a bad cast, but mastering your initial fly placement is a major step in the right direction.

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Lee Kuepper is professional guide now calling the Kenai River home, spending his time chasing the Kenai's fabled Rainbow Trout on a regular basis. He is a Pro-Ambassador for Loop USA and is a Certified Fly Casting Instructor through the FFF.

If you have ever invested time into researching the numerous different methods of presenting a fly with a spey rod, you may have found yourself overwhelmed with options. Each separate cast requires a certain degree of technical difficulty and has it's own situational value. When it comes down to choosing the right cast, you should first consider the wind direction.

Choosing the right cast when faced with windy conditions can mean the difference between a good day, and one that may result in a trip to the hospital. Make sure you're choosing the correct cast that presents the D-Loop on the upwind side of your body.

Remember, the vast majority of casting situations can be productively fished with two simple casts. Proficiency with the snap-T and double spey over both shoulders will keep you fishing in nearly all situations, regardless of wind conditions. Learn and practice them both. It will be time well spent.

Becoming more productive on the water is the goal of nearly every spey angler. Compared to single hand casting techniques, perfecting both the cast and the accompanying drift with a spey rod can be the most technically and mentally difficult challenge any angler can face. During times when fish are stubborn, it is very easy to switch gears back to other proven and familiar methods. This can be especially true when you see other anglers hooking fish all around you. Here are a few tips to step up your spey fishing game and build the confidence to fish productively anytime, anywhere.

Dissect The River....

The best way to dissect a run is by breaking it down into smaller pieces. Experienced anglers know this and understand exactly where their fly begins to actually "fish." Depending on your casting angle and targeted depth, your fly can start to "fish" immediately, or when faced with fast or deep water scenarios, it may reach the targeted zone late into the drift. Divide the river into manageable pieces, and make sure you are covering the entire area thoroughly.

Consistently Adjust....

Because all river situations are not created equally, you cannot rely on one particular spey tip and fly combination to effectively fish all situations. While it may not seem like it, time spent adjusting and not fishing, is usually time well spent. Slow down your progression through the run, always making sure you are confident in the swing speed and depth. If at any time you get the feeling that your fly is not in front of the fish, stop and adjust. During tough times many fish will not go out of their way to strike an imperfect presentation. So, keep your fly in the zone, and find more fish will come to hand.

Fish Every Cast....

The only way to catch fish is by keeping your fly wet. Spey casting aficionado and renowned guide, Kate Taylor, said it perfectly at a recent spey-clave in Anchorage. She told participants that she always makes sure to have her clients fish out every cast. It does not matter if the cast is imperfect, because each cast has the potential to connect you with the fish of a lifetime. When out on the water, spend your time actually fishing, as opposed to working on your cast. If casting perfection is your goal, get out and practice aside from your fishing time. This simple bit of advice has proved its weight in gold time and time again for many anglers. 

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Lee Kuepper is professional guide now calling the Kenai River home, spending his time chasing the Kenai's fabled Rainbow Trout on a regular basis. He is a Pro-Ambassador for Loop USA and is a Certified Fly Casting Instructor through the FFF.