ALASKA SUMMER MEETING FOR TROPHY RAINBOWS AND CHAR

The Bristol Bay region in SW Alaska is one of the most outstanding locations for trophy Rainbow Trout in the World. These fish are protected not only by seasonal fishing but also by restriction of catch and release. Only 10% of trout in the world are larger than 20” so imagine catching bows and char consistently bigger than 20” with some over 30” on dry flies. This process begins following trout opener early June and continues into early July when salmon arrive for spawning in their natal river. These fish then target salmon eggs as their food source until the spawning process ends.

John Hohl is owner and head guide of Alaska Fly Anglers that operates out of Soldotna, Alaska. A fly fisherman since 8 years old, John pursued his dream of fly fishing from an early age. He obtained a degree in fisheries biology to further his knowledge of the fish he pursues for a living. With his wife Dawn, he has taken this pursuit through more than a dozen nations and hundreds of localities always returning home to the greatest fishery in the world, Alaska. As a guide, biologist and pilot, John breathes the fly fishing life style.

The venue will be an unnamed river in the Bristol Bay Region with a maximum of 6 anglers (including speaker and organizer) plus 2 guides. Travel day into Anchorage will be Thursday and then on the early Alaska Air flight into King Salmon Friday morning. We will stay at a comfortable bed and breakfast in KS where we will have 10 hours of CE Friday and Saturday. The fly out to a high lake will be Sunday morning where we will start the rafting, fishing, camping and CE process for 5 nights and 6 days. At the lower end, we will be met by Mark Madera in his Beaver to take us back to King Salmon.

Most all fishing is by wading and using the rafts for transport to fishing locations and rustic camp sites. Dry flies and streamers are the norm with each angler set up with a 6 wt for dries and an 8 wt for streamers. There will be occasions were one will need to get out of the boat to walk around obstructions but no long portages. Last year, the fishing for trophy rainbows was phenomenal with most bows in the high 20’s and the 33” char was the biggest John had ever witnessed. After an overnight at the B & B in KS, return will be made Saturday to Anchorage by Alaskan Air and to locations in the lower 48.  

Maximum number for this program limited to 4 
$2000 due by November 15: Visa, MC, or IAFFV check mailed to organizer.
Fee includes meals, 3 nights lodging, dbl occupancy, 5 nights camping;
6 days guided fishing, gratuities and 20 hours of CE.
Not included: Alaska fishing license; lodging in Anchorage, and air fare to Anchorage and King Salmon
For further information, contact Dr. Don Sawyer DSESI@aol.com;
517/349-0454 (MI) until Nov; 520/572-6790 (AZ) until end April
Trip insurance is recommended.