The Fly Out Team had an opportunity to visit Talaheim Lodge this past July for a week of fishing, filming, and enjoying the home style hospitality and family atmosphere of a genuine Alaska bush lodge. Owner Mark Miller has been operationg the lodge on the Talachulitna River in Alaska since 1976. Much has changed since Talaheim's humble beginnings, as the lodge has expanded their adventures to what Mark has coined, "Heli-Fish Alaska, New Zealand Style!" The helicopters open up the doors for anglers to access the small streams that are inaccessible by boat or float plane. These unfished waters are the cornerstone for Talaheim's fishing program, and it really is an experience you cannot find many other places in Alaska. The fish are wild, there are no crowds, and the experience is genuine to the spirit of the Last Frontier.
What really impacted me about Talaheim Lodge, was the surrounding area. Located in the foothills of the Tordrillo Mountains, the clear salmon streams and rivers collide with the giant peaks and glaciers that Alaska is famous for. The flightseeing alone is worth the price of admission - utterly jaw dropping. This is not a 1-dimensional fishery. There are many things to see and do that the lodge takes advantage of. I have to rank Talaheim among the top most scenic lodge locations I have visited in Alaska.
Here's a great demonstration of the "Reach Cast" - an aerial mend that is subtle and quite useful. For me, I used this technique before I ever knew it had a name. This is a very useful mend for many types of fishing situations.
This is a good exercise in reflection and self examination. I think all anglers should write or at least contemplate their own personal fly fishing poetry, as it allows us to put the sport in perspective. A very nice example here.
From the filmmaker:
A fragment of Mel Krieger's "Patagonia - 40 years fly fishing in ARGENTINA - this is for us the most emotional and beautiful few thoughts about fly fishing describing the very essence of being a fly fisherman... Rest in peace Mel...
The team at Fly Out has been so lucky to work with the Claus' family at Ultima Thule Lodge to tell their incredible story of wilderness, adventure, family, and the genuine Alaska experience. Today we are launching the teaser of a new web series - Beyond. The video series will explore the specialities and uniqueness of Ultima Thule Lodge, the flying culture, and the truly vast wilderness it's located in. It won't take you long to realize this is a truly special place that stands out as one of the world's great adventure lodges.
This video showcases Iliamna Lake and briefly shows some of the 2013 research of the Alaska Salmon Program's Iliamna Lake research station, one of four main facilities in Southwest Alaska . The program was established by the University of Washington in the 1940's and the majority of it's research is focused on ecology and fisheries management relating primarily to salmon and the environment in Bristol Bay, Alaska. Check out our program at: fish.washington.edu/research/alaska/
I am very grateful to be a part of such a long standing, and prominent program that allows me to work in the field in such an incredible setting with fantastic folks. This video was often shot between, or during field sampling events so thanks to all those who supported me by continuing to work while I fiddled with camera gear.
Filmed and edited by Jason Ching Additional footage provided by Cyril Michel
Trust me - it would be much easier to make floatants, line cleaners, fishing tools, and other niche fly fishing products without thinking of the environment. Loon Outdoors does it the hard way, by making a enviro-friendly product that also is effective in the field. Loon Outdoors is a fantastic brand, with an ethos that is truly admirable among fly fishing companies.
In Alaska, the fresh water that feeds the rivers is snowmelt from North America's highest mountains and most active volcanoes. Time and again, they erupt and poison the rivers. Scientists have only just begun to piece together what might have happened nearly 2,000 years ago, when one race of salmon faced the death of their natal river and were forced back to the open ocean.
Another great video shot and edited by Lee Kuepper of Alaska Angling Addiction. I love the tone of this video - reverence for the fish, the environment, and the experience.
We had the pleaser to spend a few evenings with Paul and Lee from Alaska's Angling Addiction, shooting some video for our newest film. These guys are first class, and they are extremely good at what they do. The two of them have great energy, and you can feel that when you're on the water with them. They have the right mindset about stewardship toward the Kenai fishery, and their values toward conservation are admirable. Both Paul and Lee are too humble to come out and say it, but when it comes to giant Kenai River Rainbows - they're the best. This is their story.
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.