Chum Salmon Fishing Guides

A deluxe 7-day trip to the best trophy rainbow river in Alaska is now available for under $7000 per person! Come experience the smolt migrations in June, the huge runs of salmon in July, the acrobatic silvers in August and the incredible trophy rainbow fishing in September. No longer will a trip to Alaska have to be ‘once in a lifetime’, because, according to Jim, a onetime shot of Alaska just isn’t going to get it done. No, for the true big fish junkie, once in a lifetime just isn’t enough. That is why the crew at Naknek River Camp has gone the extra mile to make Alaska affordable. If you're wondering why Jim gets away with listing this trip for half of most Alaska lodging/fishing trips, ret assured there is no catch; Jim keeps costs down by maintaining a family-run camp. His wife is head of housekeeping, the chef and a full time licensed guide. His older son, an avid fisherman and 4 time Michigan State Casting Champion, is Jim's right hand man around camp. His daughter has also been the Michigan State Casting Champion. She is the official camp photographer and the desert chef. And his youngest son is just starting his career as a fishing guide. His specialty is netting big salmon. Here are the several exciting species of fish you can expect to target depending on the time of year: **Early Season Fishing – June & July:** Smolting Rainbows on the Naknek: The best rainbow fishing is close to camp. The rainbows concentrate on salmon smolt and leeches migrating downstream to the ocean. The best offerings include large rabbit strip and marabou leeches in black, olive and dark brown. NOT egg sucking leeches. Minnow imitations are also deadly in small to medium sizes. Rainbows at Brooks: Brooks is flies only. In June, July and early August, rainbows will eagerly take mice, dead drifted small dries, sculpins and leeches. Recommended Tackle: an 8 ½ to 10 foot fly rod for a 5-6 weight line. The WF floater is the most popular choice, although sink-tips (130 grain to 200 grain) will work as well. 3x to 5x tippets. Grayling at Idavain: This fishing starts out with a 1 mile hike to the better fishing grounds. Grayling are best fished with light tackle. I would use a 4 or 5 weight fly rod with a floating line. #12 and #14 adams, caddis and stoneflies (dry), small beadhead nymphs, leeches, woolybuggers and deer hair mice will all work here. Kings: These begin showing up mid-June, building throughout the month. Most of the fishing is down in the lower Naknek, where tide is important and the water is deep. Treble hooks are legal. By late July, they will begin moving into the rapids to prepare for spawning. Single Hook Only. Recommended Tackle: We have a lot of heavy rods and reels – spinning, revolving spool and fly – that guests can use. If you want to bring some, I would recommend a 7 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting, a 9 foot spinning or casting rod with 30 pound braid for back-trolling and a 9’ for a 10 or 11 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line. Sockeye: Chrome sockeye begin their trip from the ocean around June 20th. This migration continues until late July (timing varies, of course, depending on weather). Until the spawn in mid- August, sockeye will hold in slow pools and side channels. They are usually turning red by early August. Recommended Tackle: A 6-8 weight fly rod in 9’ to 11’ lengths with a Climax Zip Line is by far the best choice. A floating line with either a strike indicator or a few split shot will also work well. **Late Season Fishing – August & September:** Rainbows on the Naknek: The best rainbow fishing is close to camp and in the rapids. The rainbows will still take salmon smolt and leeches migrating downstream to the ocean, but by far the biggest food source is salmon eggs. Sockeye eggs are 6mm, silvers and pinks are 8mm and kings are 10mm. Sometimes, oversize imitations work better. I like trout beads mottled beads in orange, dark roe and pinks in sizes 6mm – 12mm. Don’t forget #8 and #10 short shank hooks and toothpicks (or the clear plastic pegs). For leeches, I like articulated and bunny strip versions without eggs in front in black, olive, purple and flesh colors. Wool head sculpin also work well. Late in the season, flesh flies might be needed. Rainbows at Brooks: Brooks is flies only. In early August, rainbows will eagerly take mice, dead drifted small dries, sculpins and leeches. By mid to late August, the sockeye spawning kicks in and 6mm – 8mm plastic beads are king. Margot Creek: This is some of the best arctic char/ dolly varden fishing around, along with a decent population of rainbows. The stream is full of sockeye spawning by mid August, so beads are at great bet here, with or without a fly following behind. All the same patterns listed for Brooks work well here as well. If the water is discolored, 10 and 12mm beads are deadly. The rest of the time, 6mm and 8mm work best. Silvers: By early August, silvers should be running into the Naknek on each high tide. Bright marabou streamers in purples and pinks and other bright colors, spinners in sizes 3-5 in pink, orange, chartreuse, and silver all work very well at times, as do wiggle warts in the same colors. Lots of local guides prefer jigs in 1/8 and 1/16 ounce in pink and purple, fished with or without an indicator. When they get spooky, however, nothing compares to a shooting line, a very small split shot or 2 and a small marabou streamer (like a woolybugger or PM Wiggler) in black, purple, pink, olive and cream, fished on 2x-3x fluoro. The best rods are 9 ½-10 ½ for a 7wt or 8wt. Line. I would want to have a shooting line, a floater and, possibly, a 200 to 300 grain sinking tip. For spinning, a 7 ½ med light rod, a reel with a smooth drag and 8 – 12 pound test line is best. Pinks: Every even year is a pink year on the Naknek, which means that 2012 will likely bring another strong run starting in July and continuing into mid-August. They are extremely aggressive, hitting all of the flies and lures listed for silvers, and then some. Small silver spoons and spinners work very well also. They are in the 3 to 6 pound range, and so can be a lot of fun on a little lighter tackle. Light spinning rods with 8 pound line or fly rods in the 5-7 weight range are perfect. Same lines as silvers. Kings: Early in August, the kings begin moving to their spawning areas, either up the feeder streams or in the rapids of the main stream. King season closes at the end of July, but many will be hooked throughout most of August. They must be immediately released, of course. Most of the spawning area is single hook only. Large streamers, small marabou streamers and large eggs all work well. Sockeye: Reds are thick in August and most of September. They are either spawning, or holding in slower seams waiting to spawn. The river and creek mouths around Naknek Lake will also be full of them. **Lodging:** The lodging for this trip includes hard sided cabins, real mattresses, a porch to enjoy the sunset and a hot shower at the end of the day. Also equipped with a nice kitchen to cook in, a dining room to enjoy great meals in, and a toilet in every cabin. Naknek River Camp also has a few conveniences that neither one of us expected to have in the Alaskan bush, including phone service for both us and our guests. There is road access to the towns of King Salmon and Naknek, offering medical services, a general store, groceries and even fishing and hunting supplies. **What's Included:** A private riverfront cabin, all food and meals in your own comfortable dining room, and transportation to and from the King Salmon Airport. The cabins include towels, pillows and linens. Just bring your PJ’s, your toothbrush, your fishing gear and your sense of adventure. Jim will supply everything else. **What to Bring:** Jim has a lot of heavy rods and reels – spinning and fly – that guests can use. If you want to bring some, he would recommend: June & July: a 7 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting, a 9 foot spinning or casting rod with 30 pound braid for back-trolling and a 9’ for a 10 or 11 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line. August & September: a 7-9 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting and a 9 ½ for a 9 or 10 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ either a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line, a floating line with a strike indicator, or a Climax Zip line (or other suitable shooting line). Other equipment needed or recommended: Split shot in sizes b, bb and 3/0. Cone sinkers in 1/64th, 1/32nd, 1/16th, tapered leaders in 0x and 3x, fluorocarbon tippet in 2x – 5x, strike indicators in both 1 inch foam and yarn style, #12 black barrel swivels, forceps, nippers, floatant, brown or amber polarized sunglasses with strap, hat with brim, rain jacket, chest waders, wading belt, some like a wading staff, fleece pants, fleece sweater(s), wool socks, windproof fleece fingerless gloves, headnet, insect repellant, sun screen. REMINDER- felt soles are illegal in all of Alaska! Please make sure you have rubber soled wading boots. Read More

A trip to the best trophy Rainbow Trout river in Alaska is now available for under $4000 per person! Come experience the smolt migrations in June, the huge runs of salmon in July, the acrobatic silvers in August and the incredible trophy Rainbow fishing in September. No longer will a trip to Alaska have to be ‘once in a lifetime’, because, according to Jim, a onetime shot of Alaska just isn’t going to get it done. No, for the true big fish junkie, once in a lifetime just isn’t enough. That is why the crew at Naknek River Camp has gone the extra mile to make Alaska affordable. If you're wondering why Jim gets away with listing this trip for half of most Alaska lodging/fishing trips, ret assured there is no catch; Jim keeps costs down by maintaining a family-run camp. His wife is head of housekeeping, the chef and a full time licensed guide. His older son, an avid fisherman and 4 time Michigan State Casting Champion, is Jim's right hand man around camp. His daughter has also been the Michigan State Casting Champion. She is the official camp photographer and the desert chef. And his youngest son is just starting his career as a fishing guide. His specialty is netting big salmon. Here are the several exciting species of fish you can expect to target depending on the time of year: **Early Season Fishing – June & July:** Smolting Rainbows on the Naknek: The best rainbow fishing is close to camp. The rainbows concentrate on salmon smolt and leeches migrating downstream to the ocean. The best offerings include large rabbit strip and marabou leeches in black, olive and dark brown. NOT egg sucking leeches. Minnow imitations are also deadly in small to medium sizes. Rainbows at Brooks: Brooks is flies only. In June, July and early August, rainbows will eagerly take mice, dead drifted small dries, sculpins and leeches. Recommended Tackle: an 8 ½ to 10 foot fly rod for a 5-6 weight line. The WF floater is the most popular choice, although sink-tips (130 grain to 200 grain) will work as well. 3x to 5x tippets. Grayling at Idavain: This fishing starts out with a 1 mile hike to the better fishing grounds. Grayling are best fished with light tackle. I would use a 4 or 5 weight fly rod with a floating line. #12 and #14 adams, caddis and stoneflies (dry), small beadhead nymphs, leeches, woolybuggers and deer hair mice will all work here. Kings: These begin showing up mid-June, building throughout the month. Most of the fishing is down in the lower Naknek, where tide is important and the water is deep. Treble hooks are legal. By late July, they will begin moving into the rapids to prepare for spawning. Single Hook Only. Recommended Tackle: We have a lot of heavy rods and reels – spinning, revolving spool and fly – that guests can use. If you want to bring some, I would recommend a 7 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting, a 9 foot spinning or casting rod with 30 pound braid for back-trolling and a 9’ for a 10 or 11 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line. Sockeye: Chrome sockeye begin their trip from the ocean around June 20th. This migration continues until late July (timing varies, of course, depending on weather). Until the spawn in mid- August, sockeye will hold in slow pools and side channels. They are usually turning red by early August. Recommended Tackle: A 6-8 weight fly rod in 9’ to 11’ lengths with a Climax Zip Line is by far the best choice. A floating line with either a strike indicator or a few split shot will also work well. **Late Season Fishing – August & September:** Rainbows on the Naknek: The best rainbow fishing is close to camp and in the rapids. The rainbows will still take salmon smolt and leeches migrating downstream to the ocean, but by far the biggest food source is salmon eggs. Sockeye eggs are 6mm, silvers and pinks are 8mm and kings are 10mm. Sometimes, oversize imitations work better. I like trout beads mottled beads in orange, dark roe and pinks in sizes 6mm – 12mm. Don’t forget #8 and #10 short shank hooks and toothpicks (or the clear plastic pegs). For leeches, I like articulated and bunny strip versions without eggs in front in black, olive, purple and flesh colors. Wool head sculpin also work well. Late in the season, flesh flies might be needed. Rainbows at Brooks: Brooks is flies only. In early August, rainbows will eagerly take mice, dead drifted small dries, sculpins and leeches. By mid to late August, the sockeye spawning kicks in and 6mm – 8mm plastic beads are king. Margot Creek: This is some of the best arctic char/ dolly varden fishing around, along with a decent population of rainbows. The stream is full of sockeye spawning by mid August, so beads are at great bet here, with or without a fly following behind. All the same patterns listed for Brooks work well here as well. If the water is discolored, 10 and 12mm beads are deadly. The rest of the time, 6mm and 8mm work best. Silvers: By early August, silvers should be running into the Naknek on each high tide. Bright marabou streamers in purples and pinks and other bright colors, spinners in sizes 3-5 in pink, orange, chartreuse, and silver all work very well at times, as do wiggle warts in the same colors. Lots of local guides prefer jigs in 1/8 and 1/16 ounce in pink and purple, fished with or without an indicator. When they get spooky, however, nothing compares to a shooting line, a very small split shot or 2 and a small marabou streamer (like a woolybugger or PM Wiggler) in black, purple, pink, olive and cream, fished on 2x-3x fluoro. The best rods are 9 ½-10 ½ for a 7wt or 8wt. Line. I would want to have a shooting line, a floater and, possibly, a 200 to 300 grain sinking tip. For spinning, a 7 ½ med light rod, a reel with a smooth drag and 8 – 12 pound test line is best. Pinks: Every even year is a pink year on the Naknek, which means that 2012 will likely bring another strong run starting in July and continuing into mid-August. They are extremely aggressive, hitting all of the flies and lures listed for silvers, and then some. Small silver spoons and spinners work very well also. They are in the 3 to 6 pound range, and so can be a lot of fun on a little lighter tackle. Light spinning rods with 8 pound line or fly rods in the 5-7 weight range are perfect. Same lines as silvers. Kings: Early in August, the kings begin moving to their spawning areas, either up the feeder streams or in the rapids of the main stream. King season closes at the end of July, but many will be hooked throughout most of August. They must be immediately released, of course. Most of the spawning area is single hook only. Large streamers, small marabou streamers and large eggs all work well. Sockeye: Reds are thick in August and most of September. They are either spawning, or holding in slower seams waiting to spawn. The river and creek mouths around Naknek Lake will also be full of them. **Lodging:** The lodging for this trip includes hard sided cabins, real mattresses, a porch to enjoy the sunset and a hot shower at the end of the day. Also equipped with a nice kitchen to cook in, a dining room to enjoy great meals in, and a toilet in every cabin. Naknek River Camp also has a few conveniences that neither one of us expected to have in the Alaskan bush, including phone service for both us and our guests. There is road access to the towns of King Salmon and Naknek, offering medical services, a general store, groceries and even fishing and hunting supplies. **What's Included:** A private riverfront cabin, all food and meals in your own comfortable dining room, and transportation to and from the King Salmon Airport. The cabins include towels, pillows and linens. Just bring your PJ’s, your toothbrush, your fishing gear and your sense of adventure. Jim will supply everything else. **What to Bring:** Jim has a lot of heavy rods and reels – spinning and fly – that guests can use. If you want to bring some, he would recommend: June & July: a 7 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting, a 9 foot spinning or casting rod with 30 pound braid for back-trolling and a 9’ for a 10 or 11 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line. August & September: a 7-9 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting and a 9 ½ for a 9 or 10 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ either a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line, a floating line with a strike indicator, or a Climax Zip line (or other suitable shooting line). Other equipment needed or recommended: Split shot in sizes b, bb and 3/0. Cone sinkers in 1/64th, 1/32nd, 1/16th, tapered leaders in 0x and 3x, fluorocarbon tippet in 2x – 5x, strike indicators in both 1 inch foam and yarn style, #12 black barrel swivels, forceps, nippers, floatant, brown or amber polarized sunglasses with strap, hat with brim, rain jacket, chest waders, wading belt, some like a wading staff, fleece pants, fleece sweater(s), wool socks, windproof fleece fingerless gloves, headnet, insect repellant, sun screen. REMINDER- felt soles are illegal in all of Alaska! Please make sure you have rubber soled wading boots. Read More

For those seeking the ultimate Alaska wilderness fishing adventure, we have the float trips. For these, we fly into the remote headwaters of some of the most productive salmon and trout rivers on the planet, in southwest Alaska (see Where We Fish link), hundreds of miles from real civilization, for exciting multiday float/fish/camp safaris down crystal-blue rivers filled with fish. Using SOTAR (State of the Art Raft) inflatable drift boats, we float silently through lonely alpine valleys, canyons, rolling tundra, and forested lowlands−sanctuaries of solitude, where man’s world is but a dream. Amazingly productive sight fishing for salmon, rainbow trout, charr and grayling is yours to enjoy at a leisurely pace as you serenely drift along, taking time to stop and fish secret holes, or stretch legs with a short hike to take pictures, view wildlife, pick berries or just admire the magnificent surroundings. The trips are done with small groups (4-6 average, 8 people max), led by the best river guides in the business (guide to client ratio of 1:2 usually on these trips), who will assist you any way they can to ensure your safety, comfort and enjoyment. You will make camp along the river each evening at a great fishing spot, allowing for maximum time to enjoy your sport (unlike at the fishing lodges where your day ends at the dinner call.) Meals on these trips are hearty and wholesome and include superb, grilled fish lunches and dinners, fresh from Alaska’s cold, clean waters. Floating silently in rafts through the heart of these wild rivers allows for a much more intimate experience of Alaska’s fabled backcountry than is possible staying in a lodge or permanent tent camp. Wildlife encounters−bears, moose, caribou, wolves and countless waterfowl− along these remote rivers are extraordinary, so be sure to bring a good camera and moderate telephoto lens. As you will be getting in and out of the rafts and wading and casting in moderate to swift flowing waters, you should be in good physical condition. The season for these float fishing expeditions runs from mid-June to mid-September. What We Provide: All necessary camping and rafting equipment (except your personal gear and fishing equipment), meals, guides, transportation from and back to point of departure in southwest Alaska (Aniak, Bethel or Dillingham). Accommodations: Deluxe tent camps along the river Not Included: You must bring your own personal gear and fishing equipment (we will send you a detailed list of our gear recommendations upon booking). You are responsible for flight arrangements from Anchorage to and from southwest Alaska (we will tell you the specific point of departure to book your flight to). Also not included are hotel and meal costs incurred by extended layovers due to weather or other factors beyond our control, fishing licenses, alcoholic beverages, and gratuities. Tour Length & Price: 7 days/6 nights, $4200/person, all-inclusive from POD. Sample Float Trip Itinerary: Arrive in Anchorage late afternoon or early evening the day before start of expedition; check into hotel, then meet with guides that evening to go over gear and any last minute instructions. Day 1: Depart Anchorage for Southwest Alaska early AM. Weather permitting, fly out to headwaters in late morning or early afternoon. Depending on time, either set up camp and spend leisurely late afternoon-evening fishing around camp or launch rafts and begin float fishing adventure. Day 1-6: Float, fish and camp, making your way down river, setting up final camp on evening of the 6th day. Day 7: Spend morning fishing around camp, while guides break down gear and prepare for pickup. Pick up and return to point of departure in early afternoon. Catch early evening flight back to Anchorage, then red-eye back home or spend night in Anchorage hotel with return to home the following morning. Read More

Our King Salmon Season kicks off with our early run on May 15th and will last all the way until the end of July. We fish from both Drift Boats and Power Boats and tailor our Fully Guided King Salmon Fishing Trips to the run timing and size. One day we could be fishing on the Kasilof River, and the next you’ll find us chasing them on the Kenai River. Our trips remain flexible so that we are able to provide our clients with the highest chance of success. Our team of guides are very proficient in both Fly Fishing and Conventional Fishing techniques. We offer Fly Fishing trips with a technique known as “Spey Fishing” using a two handed rod. When fishing with conventional gear for Kings, we use a variety of techniques based on the river levels and run timing, but a vast majority of that type of fishing will be done completely from the boat. We offer both half day (4 hours) and full day (8 hours) Guided Trips for King Salmon and all trips are “all-inclusive”, meaning we provide everything you need to fish with except for your licenses and stamps. After your trip, if you plan to keep fish, we will filet and prepare your catch for transport to the processor so that it can be packed and prepared to ship back home. Read More

Escape to Ketchikan, Alaska, for the adventure of a lifetime! Ketchikan is known as the Salmon Capital of the world and as such has an epic King and Silver Salmon run every year. Warm ocean currents and spring runoff create an ideal habitat for millions of bait fish, which in return creates a perfect environment for all types of Salmon. The Halibut, Lingcod, and 20 other fish species are abundant and offer an array of fishing opportunities! Salmon Falls is your basecamp for this adventure. Your overnight package includes all your meals—all you have to do is decide the type of room to begin each new day. Matt and his team are committed to making this the best fishing trip ever for all guests! From seasoned pros to new anglers baiting a hook for the first time, they will make sure you enjoy the adventure of a life time. Their custom fleet of new boats and top of the line gear, experienced Alaskan guides, and location make for a recipe of success. With the fully-guided fishing package, one of these experienced captains will assist you on your fishing trip in one of their Riddle Marine 27.5 ft. boats, equipped with a heated cabin, standing/private heads, surround sound music, shock-absorbent seats, dual 200 Honda outboards, and an arsenal of top-of-the-line fishing gear. These guides will assist you in finding the best location, baiting hooks, reeling in your catch, and anything else you may need while aboard. Skilled fishermen? These captains are happy to step back and let you fish your way! Lunch and fish processing are included. **Fish Processing:** The best part of a fishing trip is cooking for friends and family when you return home. Once you’ve landed those salmon, halibut, lingcod, and rockfish your job is done. Salmon Falls resort fish processing is included all of these inclusive packages. Leave the cleaning, cutting, and packaging to the expert crew of fish processors. Their onsite expert fish processors will guide you to the correct cut whether it be steaks or fillets. Be sure to note the approximate yields of each fish: Salmon 45%, Halibut 45%, Lingcod-20%, Rockfish- 15% The processing crew trims, fillets, vacuum packs, and flash freezes it for travel on your airline. Fish will stay frozen for appx 20+ hours depending on location. At Salmon Falls Resort, fish boxes accompany guest as luggage and travel under airlines weight restrictions. On departure day the onsite crew will ensure your fish is packed and ready to go and will deliver to the airport shuttle. If you plan to continue your travel before returning home, the crew can recommend shipping options for future delivery. **Accomodation:** Based on double occupancy. Double Queen, Double Full and King Suites are all options based on availability. The $100/Person Resort Fee Includes: WI-FI throughout the property Live entertainment five nights/week Round-trip airport transfers Access to the Adventure Lounge All-weather gear: waterproof jacket, pants and rain boots In-room bottled water Local telephone calls Souvenir Salmon Falls postcard with free postage (available at the front desk) **Meals:** Dinner on arrival day, three meals on full days & breakfast on departure day. Boxed lunches are provided for fishing. Breakfast, lunch & dinner are available on-site at Timbers Restaurant. **On-Site Activities:** From hiking to beach-combing, any exploration activity on-property is included in your rate. Read More

An all-inclusive trip to the best trophy rainbow river in Alaska is now available for under $5000 per person! Come experience the smolt migrations in June, the huge runs of salmon in July, the acrobatic silvers in August and the incredible trophy rainbow fishing in September. No longer will a trip to Alaska have to be ‘once in a lifetime’, because, according to Jim, a onetime shot of Alaska just isn’t going to get it done. No, for the true big fish junkie, once in a lifetime just isn’t enough. That is why the crew at Naknek River Camp has gone the extra mile to make Alaska affordable. If you're wondering why Jim gets away with listing this trip for half of most Alaska lodging/fishing trips, ret assured there is no catch; Jim keeps costs down by maintaining a family-run camp. His wife is head of housekeeping, the chef and a full time licensed guide. His older son, an avid fisherman and 4 time Michigan State Casting Champion, is Jim's right hand man around camp. His daughter has also been the Michigan State Casting Champion. She is the official camp photographer and the desert chef. And his youngest son is just starting his career as a fishing guide. His specialty is netting big salmon. Here are the several exciting species of fish you can expect to target depending on the time of year: **Early Season Fishing – June & July:** Smolting Rainbows on the Naknek: The best rainbow fishing is close to camp. The rainbows concentrate on salmon smolt and leeches migrating downstream to the ocean. The best offerings include large rabbit strip and marabou leeches in black, olive and dark brown. NOT egg sucking leeches. Minnow imitations are also deadly in small to medium sizes. Rainbows at Brooks: Brooks is flies only. In June, July and early August, rainbows will eagerly take mice, dead drifted small dries, sculpins and leeches. Recommended Tackle: an 8 ½ to 10 foot fly rod for a 5-6 weight line. The WF floater is the most popular choice, although sink-tips (130 grain to 200 grain) will work as well. 3x to 5x tippets. Grayling at Idavain: This fishing starts out with a 1 mile hike to the better fishing grounds. Grayling are best fished with light tackle. I would use a 4 or 5 weight fly rod with a floating line. #12 and #14 adams, caddis and stoneflies (dry), small beadhead nymphs, leeches, woolybuggers and deer hair mice will all work here. Kings: These begin showing up mid-June, building throughout the month. Most of the fishing is down in the lower Naknek, where tide is important and the water is deep. Treble hooks are legal. By late July, they will begin moving into the rapids to prepare for spawning. Single Hook Only. Recommended Tackle: We have a lot of heavy rods and reels – spinning, revolving spool and fly – that guests can use. If you want to bring some, I would recommend a 7 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting, a 9 foot spinning or casting rod with 30 pound braid for back-trolling and a 9’ for a 10 or 11 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line. Sockeye: Chrome sockeye begin their trip from the ocean around June 20th. This migration continues until late July (timing varies, of course, depending on weather). Until the spawn in mid- August, sockeye will hold in slow pools and side channels. They are usually turning red by early August. Recommended Tackle: A 6-8 weight fly rod in 9’ to 11’ lengths with a Climax Zip Line is by far the best choice. A floating line with either a strike indicator or a few split shot will also work well. **Late Season Fishing – August & September:** Rainbows on the Naknek: The best rainbow fishing is close to camp and in the rapids. The rainbows will still take salmon smolt and leeches migrating downstream to the ocean, but by far the biggest food source is salmon eggs. Sockeye eggs are 6mm, silvers and pinks are 8mm and kings are 10mm. Sometimes, oversize imitations work better. I like trout beads mottled beads in orange, dark roe and pinks in sizes 6mm – 12mm. Don’t forget #8 and #10 short shank hooks and toothpicks (or the clear plastic pegs). For leeches, I like articulated and bunny strip versions without eggs in front in black, olive, purple and flesh colors. Wool head sculpin also work well. Late in the season, flesh flies might be needed. Rainbows at Brooks: Brooks is flies only. In early August, rainbows will eagerly take mice, dead drifted small dries, sculpins and leeches. By mid to late August, the sockeye spawning kicks in and 6mm – 8mm plastic beads are king. Margot Creek: This is some of the best arctic char/ dolly varden fishing around, along with a decent population of rainbows. The stream is full of sockeye spawning by mid August, so beads are at great bet here, with or without a fly following behind. All the same patterns listed for Brooks work well here as well. If the water is discolored, 10 and 12mm beads are deadly. The rest of the time, 6mm and 8mm work best. Silvers: By early August, silvers should be running into the Naknek on each high tide. Bright marabou streamers in purples and pinks and other bright colors, spinners in sizes 3-5 in pink, orange, chartreuse, and silver all work very well at times, as do wiggle warts in the same colors. Lots of local guides prefer jigs in 1/8 and 1/16 ounce in pink and purple, fished with or without an indicator. When they get spooky, however, nothing compares to a shooting line, a very small split shot or 2 and a small marabou streamer (like a woolybugger or PM Wiggler) in black, purple, pink, olive and cream, fished on 2x-3x fluoro. The best rods are 9 ½-10 ½ for a 7wt or 8wt. Line. I would want to have a shooting line, a floater and, possibly, a 200 to 300 grain sinking tip. For spinning, a 7 ½ med light rod, a reel with a smooth drag and 8 – 12 pound test line is best. Pinks: Every even year is a pink year on the Naknek, which means that 2012 will likely bring another strong run starting in July and continuing into mid-August. They are extremely aggressive, hitting all of the flies and lures listed for silvers, and then some. Small silver spoons and spinners work very well also. They are in the 3 to 6 pound range, and so can be a lot of fun on a little lighter tackle. Light spinning rods with 8 pound line or fly rods in the 5-7 weight range are perfect. Same lines as silvers. Kings: Early in August, the kings begin moving to their spawning areas, either up the feeder streams or in the rapids of the main stream. King season closes at the end of July, but many will be hooked throughout most of August. They must be immediately released, of course. Most of the spawning area is single hook only. Large streamers, small marabou streamers and large eggs all work well. Sockeye: Reds are thick in August and most of September. They are either spawning, or holding in slower seams waiting to spawn. The river and creek mouths around Naknek Lake will also be full of them. **Lodging:** The lodging for this trip includes hard sided cabins, real mattresses, a porch to enjoy the sunset and a hot shower at the end of the day. Also equipped with a nice kitchen to cook in, a dining room to enjoy great meals in, and a toilet in every cabin. Naknek River Camp also has a few conveniences that neither one of us expected to have in the Alaskan bush, including phone service for both us and our guests. There is road access to the towns of King Salmon and Naknek, offering medical services, a general store, groceries and even fishing and hunting supplies. **What's Included:** A private riverfront cabin, all food and meals in your own comfortable dining room, and transportation to and from the King Salmon Airport. The cabins include towels, pillows and linens. Just bring your PJ’s, your toothbrush, your fishing gear and your sense of adventure. Jim will supply everything else. **What to Bring:** Jim has a lot of heavy rods and reels – spinning and fly – that guests can use. If you want to bring some, he would recommend: June & July: a 7 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting, a 9 foot spinning or casting rod with 30 pound braid for back-trolling and a 9’ for a 10 or 11 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line. August & September: a 7-9 foot spinning rod with 30 pound braid for casting and a 9 ½ for a 9 or 10 weight for flyfishing. The fly reel should employ either a 400 – 600 grain sink tip line, a floating line with a strike indicator, or a Climax Zip line (or other suitable shooting line). Other equipment needed or recommended: Split shot in sizes b, bb and 3/0. Cone sinkers in 1/64th, 1/32nd, 1/16th, tapered leaders in 0x and 3x, fluorocarbon tippet in 2x – 5x, strike indicators in both 1 inch foam and yarn style, #12 black barrel swivels, forceps, nippers, floatant, brown or amber polarized sunglasses with strap, hat with brim, rain jacket, chest waders, wading belt, some like a wading staff, fleece pants, fleece sweater(s), wool socks, windproof fleece fingerless gloves, headnet, insect repellant, sun screen. REMINDER- felt soles are illegal in all of Alaska! Please make sure you have rubber soled wading boots. Read More

Captain Jeff offers fantastic half day, full day, and multi day trips fly fishing for redfish along the Texas Coastal Bend. All rods, reels, tackle, and flies are provided- all you need is a current Texas fishing license, snacks, and polarized sunglasses. These trips are great for 1-2 anglers of all skill levels. Nothing beats catching a Texas redfish on the fly! Note also, Captain Jeff doesn't pay too much attention to the time on his trips. He's out there to make sure you get your shots not stare at his watch! Read More

Head out with Captain Drew and prepare for an exciting day of Cape Cod fishing! Cape Cod has some of the best fishing in the country and is home to prized fish all over the peninsula! On this half or full-day trip, Captain Drew will motor you out into the Cape Cod inshores where you will primarily cast and wade the Monomoy flats and tidal creeks. You can also fish Pleasant Bay, Brewster flats, Barnstable harbor, and south side grass flats. In these spots you can expect to target some Bonito and Striped Bass. To attract these picture-worthy fish you'll be using fly rods to try and spot the fish and cast right at them. Whether you're a beginner or experienced fly fisher, Captain Drew will give you his expert tips to make sure you're ready to land some big catches! Captain Drew offers these fly fishing trips for up to 2 passengers, but he can fit 3 anglers if you choose to do some spin fishing from the boat. You'll be fishing aboard a 20’ Jones Brothers Cape Fisherman center console that can comfortably fit 3 anglers. Equipped with a 115 HP Yamaha engine and jack plate for shallow water, this boat will have no problem navigating the shallows and flats of Monomoy and Cape Cod Bay, and it will get you where you need to be in the open water too! Sneaking up on fish for some sight-casting is a breeze with this vessel's front-side and back-side casting decks with a poling platform. And if you want to hop out and wade sandbars in prime spots, the low freeboard and ladder have you covered! On this trip you must bring your own fly rod and gear. Captain Drew recommends an 8-10wt rod, Intermediate/Sink tip/Full-sink line, 25lb leader material, 15lb flouro tippet, Waders, Polarized Glasses, and a Hat. The flies that will get you bites out here are Deceivers, Clousers, Sandeel, Juvy baitfish, and Crab patterns. You should also bring any snacks or drinks you might need and a Massachusetts fishing license. Book your trip today and get ready for a Northeast fishing adventure! Read More

Climb aboard with Captain Drew for an action-packed day of Cape Cod fishing! Cape Cod has some of the best fishing in the country and is home to prized fish all over the peninsula! On this half or full-day trip, Captain Drew will motor you out into the Cape Cod inshore where you can expect to target some Bonito and Striped Bass. Depending on the time of year, there are a few popular spots Captain Drew will take you to where the Stripers are biting! To target these fish, you'll get to use either light tackle or heavy tackle. Whatever method Captain Drew thinks is best, he will give you some of his expert tips to make sure you're ready to get one on the line! You'll be fishing aboard a 33’ Grady White Canyon center console that can comfortably fit 6 anglers. This do-it-all boat is perfect for navigating Chatham's nearshore fisheries and the open waters. She has been retrofitted with all brand-new top of the line electronics that will safely and comfortably get you to where the fish are swimming! It has plenty of forward or backward facing seating and even has a bathroom on board. Captain Drew will provide all rods, reels, tackle and live bait. All you need to bring is sunscreen (non-spray please!), polarized glasses, a hat, any snacks or drinks you might need and a Massachusetts fishing license. Book your trip today and get ready for a Northeast fishing adventure! Read More

Climb aboard with Captain Drew for an action-packed day of Cape Cod fishing! Cape Cod has some of the best fishing in the country and is home to prized fish all over the peninsula! On this half or full-day trip, Captain Drew will take you into the offshore Cape Cod waters to the east of Chatham where you can expect to target some prized Bluefin Tuna! To target these picture-worthy fish you'll get to use either heavy tackle, trolling or jigging. Whatever method Captain Drew thinks is best, he will give you some of his expert tips to make sure you're ready to get one on the line! Book your trip during the summer months for a great chance at getting a Bluefin Tuna on the bait/troll and with topwater stickbaits. You'll be fishing aboard a 26’ Regulator Marine Classic center console that can comfortably fit 4 anglers. Powered by two F200 Yamaha four stroke engines with a 400 mile range, this is Captain Drew's go-anywhere, do-anything machine. One of the safest and most rugged boats you can find, she comes equipped with a redundant commercial grade electronics package including auto pilot and full offshore safety. The open deck layout provides tons of storage and makes it perfect for uninterrupted casting and jigging. Captain Drew swears this is a boat you want to be on! Captain Drew will provide all rods, reels, tackle and live bait. All you need to bring is sunscreen (non-spray please!), polarized glasses, a hat, any snacks or drinks you might need and a Massachusetts fishing license. Book your trip today and get ready for a Northeast fishing adventure! Read More

Hit the water with Captain Joey for an amazing day of inshore fishing! Expect to target Redfish, Speckled Trout, Flounder, and some Black Drum on your 5-hour (a half-day) or 8-hour (a full day) trip. The trip can host up to 4 people. Captain Joey requires you to bring a Texas Fishing License with a saltwater stamp and recommends that you bring sunscreen and sunglasses. He’ll take care of the rest. Captain Joey will provide rods and reels, artificial lures, and a cooler with ice and drinks. Enjoy your day on the water with Captain Joey! Read More

Explore the magnificent waters out of Texas City, and have an amazing fishing adventure with Captain LG! Captain LG knows just where to go and what to do to catch the tarpon that live nearshore in the Gulf. His 25’ Boston Whaler center console boasts a comfortable ride and plenty of dry storage on board. It can accommodate 3 anglers for these trips. For this 6-hour (half-day) or 8-hour (full-day) adventure, all you need to bring is a valid Texas fishing license with a saltwater stamp, snacks and drinks (no glass), sunscreen, a hat, and an ice chest for your day’s catch. Captain LG will provide you with quality rods and reels, artificial baits and lures, reimbursement for live bait, and fish processing after the trip. Have a fun morning, learn a new technique, and master your cast with Captain LG! Read More

Explore the magnificent waters out of Texas City, and have an amazing fishing adventure with Captain LG! Captain LG knows just where to go and what to do to catch the tarpon that live nearshore in the Gulf. His 25’ Boston Whaler center console boasts a comfortable ride and plenty of dry storage on board. It can accommodate 3 anglers for these trips. For this 6-hour (half-day) or 8-hour (full-day) adventure, all you need to bring is a valid Texas fishing license with a saltwater stamp, snacks and drinks (no glass), sunscreen, a hat, and an ice chest for your day’s catch. Captain LG will provide you with quality rods and reels, artificial baits and lures, reimbursement for live bait, and fish processing after the trip. Have a fun morning, learn a new technique, and master your cast with Captain LG! Read More

Explore the magnificent waters out of Texas City, and have an amazing fishing adventure with Captain LG! Captain LG knows just where to go and what to do to catch the tarpon that live nearshore in the Gulf. His 25’ Boston Whaler center console boasts a comfortable ride and plenty of dry storage on board. It can accommodate 3 anglers for these trips. For this 6-hour (half-day) or 8-hour (full-day) adventure, all you need to bring is a valid Texas fishing license with a saltwater stamp, snacks and drinks (no glass), sunscreen, a hat, and an ice chest for your day’s catch. Captain LG will provide you with quality rods and reels, artificial baits and lures, reimbursement for live bait, and fish processing after the trip. Have a fun morning, learn a new technique, and master your cast with Captain LG! Have a fun morning, learn a new technique, and master your cast with Captain LG! Read More

Come on down to Galveston, Texas and enjoy a fishing escapade to remember! Captain Jesse will be by your side throughout your 6-hour adventure in Galveston Bay. He’ll help you target Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, and Black Drum using live bait (live shrimp and croaker) and artificial bait. You may purchase live bait for an additional price. If you would like to wade fish, let Captain Jesse know and he will accommodate! For these trips, Captain Jesse uses his 23’ Gulf Coast center console boat which can accommodate up to 4 anglers. Captain Jesse is also passionate about teaching little ones the ropes, so this trip is great for families! Make sure you bring a valid Texas saltwater fishing license, food and drinks of your choice, a hat, sunscreen, and an ice chest for your day’s catch. Captain Jesse will provide all of the rods, reels, and lures. They will also clean and fillet your fish at no additional cost. Have a fun morning or a relaxing afternoon, learn a new technique, and master your cast with Captain Jesse! Read More

Come on down to Galveston, Texas and enjoy a fishing escapade to remember! Captain Jesse will be by your side throughout your 6-hour adventure in Galveston Bay. He’ll help you target Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, and Black Drum using live bait (live shrimp and croaker) and artificial bait. You may purchase live bait for an additional price. If you would like to wade fish, let Captain Jesse know and he will accommodate! For these trips, Captain Jesse uses his 23’ Gulf Coast center console boat which can accommodate up to 4 anglers. Captain Jesse is also passionate about teaching little ones the ropes, so this trip is great for families! Make sure you bring a valid Texas saltwater fishing license, food and drinks of your choice, a hat, sunscreen, and an ice chest for your day’s catch. His business will provide all of the rods, reels, and lures. They will also clean and fillet your fish at no additional cost. Have a fun morning or a relaxing afternoon, learn a new technique, and master your cast with Captain Jesse! Read More

Captain Vincent will use his lifelong fishing experience and knowledge to take you where the fish are biting! Expect a whole lot of Speckled Trout, Redfish, Flounder, and Tarpon on your half (6 hour) or full (8 hour) day adventure across the Galveston Bay. Captain Vincent will provide artificial bait, so hook one on and let it rip! Treat yourself and three others to a day on the water with Captain Vincent! Read More

Come on down to Texas City and make some memories with Captain Vincent! Whether it’s your first time on the water or you are a seasoned professional, this trip is for you. Captain Vincent knows just where to go and what to do to catch the Flounder, Redfish, and Speckled Trout that live inshore. For these 6-hour (half-day) and 8-hour (full day) trips, Capt. Vincent uses his 22’ Boston Whaler center console, which can accommodate up to 4 anglers. Make sure to bring a valid Texas Fishing License with a saltwater stamp as well as any food and drinks of your choice (no glass). Captain Vincent will provide all rods and reels (you may bring your own if you’d like), as well as artificial bait. Bring your kids or your angling buddies and head out on a fishing adventure to remember! Read More