If you've ever been fly fishing in Alaska, you have most likely encountered Arctic Grayling. They are abundant in many of Alaska's remote rivers. In some areas, they can grow to be over 20-inches in length. Their iridescent colors and feisty demeanor really make them unique. If you like throwing dry flies, it's hard to beat the action you'll see with Arctic Grayling.
While shooting Mighty Mouse II in Western AK, we captured dozens of Grayling takes on camera. And, since we felt like waltzing, we thought we'd put together a short reel. Watch in HD - Comment, Share, Enjoy!
Variety is the spice of life they say. There's very few places on planet Earth where you can find the type of fish variety that you can in Alaska. We've counted 12 different freshwater species that you can catch on the fly - King Salmon, Chum Salmon, Silver Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, Pink Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Arctic Char, Dolly Varden, Northern Pike, Sheefish, Lake Trout, and Arctic Grayling. Did we miss any? The Alaska Grand Slam is all of these species in a single fishing season. Or even better, a single week. Comment if you've achieved the Alaska Grand Slam!
Filmed on the Copper River with Copper River Lodge
The sheer volume of salmon that return to Bristol Bay each year is truly astounding. For those who haven't visited Alaska, it's really hard to conceptualize 32 million fish - the average sockeye return in Bristol Bay. This video gives a glimpse of the bio mass that enter the rivers and streams that make up the Bristol Bay watershed. Filmed exclusively in 2015 on the Copper River with Copper River Lodge.
It's round two for Mighty Mouse and our fishing adventures in Western Alaska on the Aniak River. We were welcomed once again by accommodating guides at Aniak River Lodge, and an incredible Alaska fishery. Mousing really offers the best in trout fishing. You have amazing top water takes that vary from "dry fly" sips to voracious explosions. With barbless hooks, you really have to be on your toes to keep these Leopard Rainbows on. A head shake and the wrong angle can easily result in that sinking feeling when the line goes limp. Then ten minutes later, the elation rises again with another mouse take. It's the best kind of emotional roller coaster. Watch in HD, share, comment, and enjoy!
It's not all glory for Alaska fishing guides and lodge staff who work the short summer season. Most of the time, they really bust their tails off. Just ask any fishing guide if they get to fish a lot. We got the rare opportunity to spend a few days with guide staff at Royal Coachman Lodge during their pre-season. Let's just say most everyone got a chance to cut away from work and have a day off!
“How do you describe something as majestic as what we flew through? That’s the thing. I don’t really have the words for it.” Join Alaskan bush pilot*, Lynn Ellis in breathtaking Wrangell St. Elias National Park and Preserve, the largest protected wilderness in America.
Flying is essential for most of Alaska. Bush planes and other aircraft allow the AK fishing lodges, guides and outfitters to access the most remote and wild fisheries. And, along the way, you get to see some of the most spectacular scenery on planet Earth. Flying is part of the experience in Alaska. This short reel shows the allure of our namesake "Fly Out".
In this video you can see many of our recommended lodges and air taxis - Ultima Thule Lodge, Royal Coachman Lodge, Iliamna Air Taxi, Crystal Creek Lodge, Regal Air, Tordrillo Mountain Lodge, Talaheim Lodge, Mission Lodge, Tikchik Narrows Lodge, and Sportsman's Air Service.
We had a fantastic opportunity to fish and film at the Copper River Lodge this past August. We really enjoyed the intimate setting with the close knit and friendly guides and staff. A big thank you to Joe Hyde (Lodge Manager) for taking good care of us throughout the week. The trout fishing was exceptional, with the bead/egg drop really hitting it's peak during the week. I can't begin to count how many large Alaska rainbows were caught, but I can say, it was impressive even for AK standards. If you're looking for a small lodge (8 guests per week) whose focus is on world-class trout fishing and first rate service, look no further than the Copper River Lodge.
Another aerial video from Chrome Magnum Productions. This video was apparently shot during the summer solstice 1 year ago. You gotta love Alaska and the land of the midnight sun!