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Where We Fish in Alaska |
Kanektok River Fishing Reports 2005
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Ken Hews with nice Rainbow |
Mary Lynn Crutcher with big Silver Salmon |
COMMENTS FOR THE WEEK
The Arctic Char are really starting to get into their spawning colors,
with their bright orange bellies and large orange spots and red fins
with white leading edges. Silvers are still coming in great and the
Rainbow fishing is on fire!!
REPORTING FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 6 TO AUGUST 13
WATER TEMPERATURE AND CLARITY
It is 8:50 pm Friday August 12, and I just dried off from a swim in
the river with some of my guides! The water is an unbelievable 62
degrees! Great swimming!! Visibility is still Gin clear.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
We have had great weather this week with several cloudless days in
the upper 70's with a slight breeze. We also had some cold clear nights
and foggy mornings. I check the temp most mornings at 5:30am and the
coldest temp was 36.We did have one day of cloudy weather and wind
gust to twenty five mph, but the rest of the week was nice and sunny.
HOT FLY OF THE WEEK
Rainbow are taking all the usual stuff with an increased interest
in flesh patterns as the King and Chum Salmon continue to die in increasing
numbers. Silvers are biting well on tinsel flies, purple egg sucking
leeches and rabbit leaches in pink and black.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
This weeks highlight has to go to guide Owen Braker and guests Jim
Gunton Sr. and Jim Gunton Jr. Owen took the father son team to our
upper water and while driving up they came across a wolf pack in hot
pursuit of a Caribou! The wolves had chased the Caribou into the river
and were trying to take it down as Owen and his guests came around
the corner. It was too shallow to stop so Owen just drove by as the
wolf pack temporarily broke off of the caribou. When he looked back
the Wolves were on both sides of the river and the Caribou was still
standing in the middle. Later one of our guests asked Owen if he thought
the Caribou had a chance of surviving the wolf pack attack. Owen,
being somewhat of a realist and somewhat of a smartass replied "Sorry
guys but I think that Caribou is going to be wolf crap by morning!".
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
If fish camps were rated with stars Upper Base Camp would rate five
stars!! You've got it right! Keep up the good attitude! Archie Adams,
Wichita ,KS
WILDLIFE SPOTTED
We saw two bears and five Wolves this week. Also several Caribou.
Still lots of birds along the river including Osprey, Mallards, Pintail,
Widgeon, Green wing Teal, Canadian Geese, Tundra Swans, Mergansers,
Common Loons, Sand hill Cranes, Arctic Terns, Long tail Jaegers, Parasitic
Jaeger Glaucous winged Gulls, Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Ruffed
Legged Hawks, Merlin, Harlequin ducks, Golden crowned sparrows, Whimbrels,
Ruddy Turnstone, Common Ravens, and Ptarmigan..
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
This picture was taken by Jim Gunton as they drove by the Caribou and Wolves, notice the Wolf running away..
COMMENTS FOR THE WEEK
We caught a lot of fish this week! We spent a lot of time fishing
for Dolly Varden and Rainbows because the Silvers are still scarce
compared to a normal year. Most holes have Silvers but generally only
a few. The Rainbow and Dolly fishing is still great.
REPORTING FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 6TH TO 13TH
WATER TEMPERATURE AND CLARITY
The river is still dropping rapidly and very clear. Water temperature has ranged from 57 to 60 degrees in the lower river.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
This week we have had weather from 50 to 70 degrees. We have had cloudy days, sunny days and windy days. But still no RAIN9.
HOT FLY OF THE WEEK
The mouse, egg pattern and flesh are all working great for Rainbows. The Silvers are hitting almost everything and anything that you throw at them.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
The highlight for the week is our GUESTS that we have in camp. This week we have Jim Teeny back in camp and he came up with his grandson Garrett and daughter Wendy. Stuart Brandes is also back and he came up with his grandson Kyler and daughter Carolyn. We also have our long time (since 1988) friends and guests from Lafayette, LA. All great friends and anglers and we had a great week of angling.
WILDLIFE SPOTTED
PHOTOS OF THE WEEK
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COMMENTS FOR THE WEEK
The Silver fishing has picked up and their seems to be a lot more bright fresh fish showing up. The Rainbow fishing is great still catching lots of big fish!! The Char fishing is still incredible and lots of big healthy fish still coming in, starting to catch a lot in their spawning .
____________________________________________________REPORTING FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 30 TO AUGUST 6
WATER TEMPERATURE AND CLARITY
The water was a little colder this week with highs of 53 degrees.
We had some strong rain showers and the river colored up just a touch.
Not enough rain to bring the river up just a hint of color for a day
or so. Visibility is still Gin clear in the Upper water and eight
to ten feet in our lower water.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
The weather has been pretty dry all week although when it rained it
really got with the program! We had some cold clear nights and foggy
mornings. Not as much sun as last week. High temperatures reached
the lower 70's on one day and highs in the mid fiftys on cooler days.
We may need a big rain to help get some Silvers moving up river.
HOT FLY OF THE WEEK
All the same flies as last week and we are also using painted beads
and fry patterns for the Bows and we are using pink dry flies and
purple egg sucking leeches for the Silvers.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
This was another great group of guests that enjoyed fishing for Rainbows
and Dolly Varden. We did a lot of mousing and also had some guest
s fish beads and eggs a lot. We landed some big bows over twenty five
inches and lost a bunch of big ones but that's fishin!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Undoubtedly the most pristine water you can fish. The Duncans know
this river like the back of there hands. If I could fish only one
more day for the rest of my life, it would be on the Chosen with the
Duncans! Thomas Roberts, New Orleans, LA
WILDLIFE SPOTTED
We saw one bear and two moose this week. Still lots of birds along
the river including Osprey, Mallards, Pintail, Widgeon, Green wing
Teal, Canadian Geese, Tundra Swans, Mergansers, Common Loons, Sand
hill Cranes, Arctic Terns, Long tail Jaegers, Parasitic Jaeger Glaucous
winged Gulls, Bald Eagles, Peregrine Falcons, Ruffed Legged Hawks,
Merlin, Harlequin ducks, Golden crowned sparrows, Whimbrels, Ruddy
Turnstone, Tre Swallows, Common Ravens, and Ptarmigan..
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
COMMENTS FOR THE WEEK
We had a great time fishing for Bows this week! As the season goes
on all of us guides get to know where more and more big Bows are living.
Its really fun to target a specific fish and catch him! So far the
Silver run is slow to start but we are hoping for a "big push"
of fish soon. Most pools have a few fish and we generally catch two
or three and then move on, but nothing like last year at this time.
It s still early and we could have a big bunch of silvers stacking
up at the mouth of the river. Sometimes all it takes is a good rain
to get them moving. In the meantime we are very happy to continue
fishing for Bows in ideal conditions.
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REPORTING FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 30 TO AUGUST 6
WATER TEMPERATURE AND CLARITY
The river temperature in the lower river has been from 56 to 58 degrees.
The river is very low and clear. On Tuesday it came up one inch due
to the rain showers on Monday night but dropped right back the next
day.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
All week it was partially cloudy, lows in the mornings around 42 with
highs during the days to 70's. Some rain showers in the evenings.
HOT FLY OF THE WEEK
Egg patterns and dries are working great for the Arctic Char. The
Rainbows are taking egg patterns and flesh flies the best!! Silver
Salmon are taking Popsicles, G Strings, Pink Bug Eyes and Purple Egg
Sucking Leeches.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Ripping lips and hanging out with our long time friends and guests
from Ohio!!! Always a great week of fishing and camp camaraderie.
The Silvers are big and healthy this year. The Char are in the best shape ever, coming from the ocean with huge girth's, wide shoulders and very healthy. We are catching lots of Big Rainbows this week up to 26 inches!
WILDLIFE SPOTTED
On Sunday we spotted a big Brown Bear fishing in the middle of the
river first thing in the morning, also been seeing Minks, Red Foxes
and a rare Coyote.
PHOTO'S OF THE WEEK
Jason Liebert with with beautiful Silver Salmon and a nice 25 inch
Rainbow.
Guide Ryno O'Toole and Larry Liebert with 26 inch Rainbow
COMMENTS FOR THE WEEK
Sunday thru Tuesday the Silvers were coming in slowly and are taking
their time due to the low water, we really could use some rain to
raise the river and get a flush of fresh water out the mouth of the
river. Wednesday thru Friday with the inch of new rain the Silvers
started showing in better numbers :
The Rainbow and Arctic Char fishing was great this week!!
Web note: This is Clint's "REAL" UBC report - I left the my "web guy" report below this one, just so you can get a guests perspective.
REPORTING FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 23 TO JULY 30
WATER TEMPERATURE AND CLARITY
The water warmed up some this week with highs of 55 degrees. We had
some rain on a couple of afternoons but no change in visibility. Visibility
is Gin clear in the Upper water and ten to twelve feet in our lower
water.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
The weather has been pretty dry all week with a rain shower or two
in the afternoon. Some sunshine but mostly cloudy days with a light
wind. High temperatures reached the lower 70's on warmer days and
highs in the mid 50's on cooler days.
HOT FLY OF THE WEEK
If you want to catch a lot of Rainbows and Dolly Varden you can't
go wrong with a peachy king egg pattern with a salmon roe orange dot.
Other hot flies this week were Olive Sculpins, off white Flesh patterns,
and the Mouse pattern. The latter three are great when you want to
target just Rainbows. Although just this week I have seen Dolly Varden,
Grayling, Chums and Silvers take the Mouse and just about everything
take the flesh pattern.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
My best day of the week was with Larry and Rankin McDaniel. They have
been fishing with us for over twenty years and it is always a treat
to spend the day with them. On the first big bow my digital camera
dropped from my shirt pocket into the river as I reached down to hold
the fish. Ouch!! Camera down. They both fished mouse patterns all
day unless we had a big bow spotted that wouldn't take the mouse.
Then we went to a Sculpin and if that didn't work we would go through
our fly boxes, trying different patterns. We caught just about every
one of the bows that we took the time to throw different flies at.
I'm not sure what I enjoyed more, the takes on the mouse or seeing
a big bow take a fry pattern after refusing four or five other flies.
Another highlight of my week was running into my nephew Eric Duncan
who is running our float trips. We were lucky enough to see one of
his guests hook and land a huge trout on the mouse pattern. This bow
was 27 ½ inches and really fat!! What a fish! I really do love
my job!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Truly A spectacular fishing experience. Michael Berkoff Chicago, Ill
WILDLIFE SPOTTED
We saw four bear this week Still lots of birds along the river including
Osprey, Mallards, Pintail, Widgeon, Green wing Teal, Canadian Geese,
Tundra Swans, Mergansers, Common Loons, Sand hill Cranes, Arctic Terns,
Long tail Jaegers, Parasitic Jaeger Glaucous winged Gulls, Bald Eagles,
Peregrine Falcons, Ruffed Legged Hawks, Merlin, Harlequin ducks, Golden
crowned sparrows, Whimbrels, Ruddy Turnstone, Tree Swallows, Common
Ravens, and Ptarmigan..
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Larry and Rankin McDaniel
COMMENTS FOR THE WEEK
This has been a fun week with a great group of guests! The kings are
really starting to lay down the eggs, so next week the bow fishing
should be even better. We had some guests this week that primarily
fished the mouse pattern all week. Generally you don't hook or land
as many fish on the mouse but it sure is fun to watch them take it!
We had a lot of fun targeting specific Rainbows this week and throwing
different flies at them until they took something.
REPORTING FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 23 TO JULY 30
Note - I didn't get a report from Clint for this week, but since I was there - here is a fishing report from a guests perspective. (Sandy Lockleer - the web guy)
WATER TEMPERATURE AND CLARITY
The water was dropping.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
It rained a few evenings around 5:45. It only lasted a half hour or
so. The rest of the time it was partly cloudy. We had one warm sunny
day in the low 70's, but mostly it was in the low 60's dropping to
the mid 50's in the evening. Though it was not hot there was some
humidity.
HOT FLY OF THE WEEK
The mouse was HOT. Egg patterns were catching Char and trout. Flesh
with a bead egg was good too.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
I am now a recovering mouse-aholic. I am an addict - These trout are
crazy for those mice. I just left and I want to go back. Every take
is different - from the smash and grab to the dunk. It's hard to predict
when to strike. Usually it is a 2 or 3 second wait then set the hook
like one of those Bass Master guys - as hard as you can. If you miss
- throw it back in - many times they will hit it again and again.
Be careful though - mousing is habit forming.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
This was the best fishing vacation we ever had. Actually it was the
best vacation we ever had. Clint and his crew went above and beyond
our expectations. The fishing was great. The hardest decision to make
was which species to fish for. Sandy and Susan Lockleer
WILDLIFE SPOTTED
We saw one bear (from a distance) and heard a couple this week. All
kinds of birds, beavers and of course every kind of salmon you can
think of.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Clint Duncan holds Susan Lockleer's chunky Leopard 'Bow
COMMENTS FOR THE WEEK
The trout fishing is ON!!!
REPORTING FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 16 TO JULY 23
WATER TEMPERATURE AND CLARITY
The water was much colder this week with highs of 51 degrees. We had
some rain but no change in visibility. Visibility is Gin clear in
the Upper water and ten to twelve feet in our lower water.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
We have had a little bit of everything this week, but mostly cloudy
days with intermittent light rain. We have had more rain this week
than the last six weeks combined. It has also been colder this week
with highs in the lower 70's on warmer days and highs in the mid 50's
on rainy days.
HOT FLY OF THE WEEK
The best fly this week for Kings and Chums was a pink leech in size
2. We also did great with pink and orange Teenys. We didn't spend
a lot of time fishing rainbows but all the same patterns are working
well. This is our last week to fish for Kings and Chums as some fish
are beginning to spawn. Next week we will be fishing for Rainbows
and Dolly Varden.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
One of the highlights this week was when John Marchington caught a
huge King while fishing with guide Adam Vurnakes. They took a couple
of quick pictures and released it with out any measurements because
Adam felt it would take too long to get the tape and he didn't want
to over stress the fish. The camera was not a digital so now we have
to wait for the pictures to be developed. They felt the fish was well
over fifty pounds!! We also caught a fresh Chum on a Mouse pattern!
I have had Chums take dries before but it is rare for one to take
a mouse. Long time guide Kirk Fitzer caught the first Silver of the
year on July 19th! This is early for Silvers so let's hope that it
is a sign of good things to come!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
A truly outstanding wilderness fishing experience in a uniquely rich
ecosystem. The food, ambience, tents, boats - all first class! Dewar
Donnithorne-Tait Horsham,UK
WILDLIFE SPOTTED
We saw one bear this week Still lots of birds along the river including
Osprey, Mallards, Pintail, Widgeon, Green wing Teal, Canadian Geese,
Tundra Swans, Mergansers, Common Loons, Sand hill Cranes, Arctic Terns,
Long tail Jaegers, Parasitic Jaeger Glaucous winged Gulls, Bald Eagles,
Peregrine Falcons, Ruffed Legged Hawks, Merlin, Harlequin ducks, Golden
crowned sparrows, Whimbrels, Ruddy Turnstone, Tre Swallows, Common
Ravens, and Ptarmigan..
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
COMMENTS FOR THE WEEK
We had a great week of Salmon fishing but it is time to switch gears
and spend our time fishing for Rainbows and Dolly Varden! The Salmon
are starting to spawn and its time we left them alone to do there
thing.
REPORTING FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 16 TO JULY 23
WATER TEMPERATURE AND CLARITY
The river is still clear and dropping every day. The river temperature
was from 52 to 58 degrees in the lower river.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Saturday and Sunday we had slight rain showers with lows in the 50's
and 60's for the highs. Monday thru Saturday we went back to our hot
dry weather again with highs in the 70's.
HOT FLY OF THE WEEK
Teeny Nymphs are still the diet for the Kings, Chums and Sockeye Salmon.
A lot of the Rainbows have moved out into the main channel and into
the Salmon beds and are onto the Egg Patterns and Flesh Flies.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
The Arctic Char are in with great numbers and taking egg patterns.
Silvers are showing up already.
WILDLIFE SPOTTED
Not a lot of wildlife this week.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
COMMENTS FOR THE WEEK
This is our last week for the King fishing. We had a great June and
July with a huge escapement on Kings, Sockeye and Chums. We have a
week off at the end of the month and are looking forward to ripping
some Silvers soon!!
REPORTING FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 9 TO JULY 16
WATER TEMPERATURE AND CLARITY
I am starting to sound like a broken record here but the river is
still dropping with water temps reaching highs of 58 degrees. Visibility
is Gin clear in the Upper water and eight to ten feet in our lower
water.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
The weather has been nice all week, with no rain. Saturday through
Friday we had partly cloudy/mostly sunny days with highs in the upper
seventy's and a light North wind. The good news is that the Kings
and Chums are biting well, even on the bright sunny days! We had some
clouds roll in Friday night and it actually rained a little, and it
looks like we may get some more rain today.
HOT FLY OF THE WEEK
The best fly this week for Kings and Chums was a chartreuse egg sucking
leech in size 2. We also did great on Kings with pink and ginger Teenys
and big leeches. White leeches and egg patterns are working great
for Rainbows and the mouse is still working well.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
We have lots of fishing tales from this week but nothing really jumps
out at me. My friend Mark Yeats from England had a good week with
five or six big kings (over thirty five pounds) to the beach and lots
of fifteen to twenty pound fish. Everybody caught kings and had big
kings on but getting them in is the tricky part. One of the highlights
of the week for me was going to our Upper water to see the scenery
and fish for bows. Our float trip group came by and I shot a few photos
of them. Check the photos of the week.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
"The guides were fantastic- passionate and helpful. The food
was as excellent as it was generous. I can't think of anything that
could be improved." Michael Lintott Surrey, England.
" Of all the places in the world to fish this must be the ultimate fishing destination!" Nick Lintott Surrey, England.
WILDLIFE SPOTTED
We saw five different bear this week, and we actually had two young
bear wander into our camp on monday night at about 1:00 am . We have
a yellow Lab (Mojo) in camp and he does a great job of letting us
know if there is a bear around. He started barking and they took off
so fast that all I heard was gravel flying. Because Mojo leaves his
scent around we rarely see bears near camp.
Still lots of birds along the river including Mallards, Pintail, Widgeon, Green wing Teal, Canadian Geese, Tundra Swans, Mergansers, Common Loons, Sand hill Cranes, Arctic Terns, Long tail Jaegers Glaucous winged Gulls, Bald Eagles, Ruffed Legged Hawks ,Kestrels, Harlequin ducks, Golden crowned sparrows, Greater yellow legs, Semi-palmated Plover and Ptarmigan..
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
COMMENTS FOR THE WEEK
Even though we have had sunny days the Salmon are biting well. As
we get closer to spawning time the salmon will normally get very aggressive
and territorial. There are no Salmon spawning yet but some of the
fish that came in early are starting to pair up and will start spawning
soon. At the same time we also have Kings and Chums that are just
now entering the river from the salt water. We just fish Kings for
one more week and we target the fresh fish and leave any paired up
spawners alone. This is easy to do when you can see them so well.
The Dolly Varden are really showing up in good numbers. We didn't
fish trout much this week but when we did it was good, although not
as good as last week. Once the salmon start spawning the Bow and Dolly
fishing will be incredible, I can't wait!!
REPORTING FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 9 TO JULY 16
WATER TEMPERATURE AND CLARITY
Water temp was 55 degrees to 58 degrees. The river is very clear and
still dropping rapidly.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Finally some cool cloudy weather with light drizzles Sunday and Monday.
Tuesday thru Friday we are back to hot, sunny clear weather again,
with the highs in the 70's.
HOT FLIES OF THE WEEK
Teeny Nymphs are still working the best in Pink, Black, Ginger and
Orange. Purple Egg Sucking Leeches are also working great for the
Kings!! The Rainbows are taking the Mouse Pattern and Flesh Flies
great.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Kings, Chums and Sockeye are still coming in bright and in good numbers.
Also have lots of Arctic Char showing up and they are very aggressive
on the Egg Patterns and seem to be very healthy!!! Silver's shouldn't
be far behind as it seems like all the Salmon are a little early this
summer.
WILDLIFE SPOTTED
Only a few Eagles left in the lower river, they seemed to have all
headed up river following the Salmon . One Bear spotted in lower river.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
COMMENTS FOR THE WEEK
Still great fishing for Sockeyes and Chum Salmon, they are marching
in every day. The Kings are still coming in bright but has slowed
down some. The Arctic Char have been marching in behind the Sockeyes
for about a week and are starting to stage up in the Chum beds.
REPORTING FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 2 TO JULY 9
WATER TEMPERATURE AND CLARITY
The river is still dropping with water temps reaching highs of 58
degrees. This is about as warm as our water gets! Visibility is Gin
clear in the Upper water and seven to eight feet in our lower water.
The warm water is great for rainbows but it can make the salmon fishing
a little tough.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Saturday through Friday we had partly cloudy/mostly sunny days with
highs in the 80s and a light North wind. The sunny weather has made
our King salmon a little harder to catch. They simply are not biting
like normal. We need some cloud cover, and rain for better king fishing.
Chums are still biting well and the rainbows are on fire!
HOT FLY OF THE WEEK
The best fly this week for Kings and Chums was the hot pink Teeny
Nymph # 4. We also did ok on Kings with ginger and black Teenys and
egg sucking leeches. White leeches are working great for Rainbows
and the mouse is still working well.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
This week we have a group of Brit's in camp that have fished with
us for years! They are great guys, good fisherman and fun to have
in camp. They are only interested in salmon fishing, which is fine.
The river is full of salmon and the salmon fishing is good, but right
now the trout fishing is out of this world. My brother Brad had some
guys in his camp that wanted to come up and fish rainbows so we did
a swap for the day so that our guys could try the lower river for
salmon and Brads guys could come up to the wilderness area for some
trout fishing. Jeff Mark, Lee Carrico and Upper Base guide Owen Braker
had a fantastic day with forty five bows to the boat! These guys are
really good anglers that have fished with us for years and the conditions
are ideal.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
Fishing the Chosen River is one of those experiences that will live
with you for the rest of your life. Doing it with the Duncans makes
it just that much better! Robin Smither Bryanston , South Africa
WILDLIFE SPOTTED
We saw three different bears this week, all from a distance and they
were all on the move trying to put some distance between us. Just
the way we like em! . Lots of birds along the river including Mallards,
Pintail, Widgeon, Green wing Teal, Canadian Geese, Tundra Swans, Mergansers,
Common Loons, Sand hill Cranes, Arctic Terns, Long tail Jaegers Glaucous
winged Gulls, Bald Eagles, Ruffed Legged Hawks ,Kestrels, Harlequin
ducks, Golden crowned sparrows, water ouzels, and Ptarmigan..
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
COMMENTS FOR THE WEEK
It looks like a great year for Kings , Sockeye, and Chums. The Chums
are showing in good numbers and biting well and the Sockeye are being
Sockeye. Some times they bite and sometimes they don't. I did see
one move four feet the other day to take an orange # 4 teeny. The
Kings have been tough for us this week. Everyone has caught kings
but generally not more than one or two a day. I wish we could have
spent more time fishing rainbow as the conditions just don't get any
better.
REPORTING FOR THE WEEK OF JULY 2 TO JULY 9
WATER TEMPERATURE AND CLARITY
Water temp is 56 to 58 degrees, the river is still dropping and clearing
gradually
WEATHER CONDITIONS
The weather has been incredible this week with the highs in the 70's,
and a light wind every day on the river.
HOT FLY OF THE WEEK
Again, the hot fly of the week is the #2 Hot Pink Teeny for the Kings
and a #6 Pink sparkle Teeny for the Sockeye and Chum Salmon.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Kings are still coming in great numbers!!! Possibly the best Sockeye
run ever. Rainbow fishing is really turning on in Lower River with
two fish this week at 29 ½ and 24 ½ inches long.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
WILDLIFE SPOTTED
We have seen four Bears this week in the lower river. The Eagles are
starting to head up river following the Salmon but still a few around.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
COMMENTS FOR THE WEEK
Great week for Kings, Chums, Sockeye and Rainbows!! Incredible weather and great fishing with a bunch of long time returning guests-friends.
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Pretty much full up for 2005, but openings come up on occasion -
call 509-962-1060 to check availability.
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REPORTING FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 26 TO JULY 2
WATER TEMPERATURE AND CLARITY
The river is dropping daily with water temps reaching highs of 58
degrees. This is about as warm as our water gets! Visibility is Gin
clear in the Upper water and seven to eight feet in our lower water.
The first time that the river warms up like this is always incredible
trout fishing.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Saturday through Wednesday we had foggy mornings until about 10:00am
then sunny days with highs in the upper 80s and a light North wind.
Wednesday evening the wind switched to southeast and Thursday we had
our first day of steady rain showers. On the bright side the rain
flushed a new batch of kings into the Upper river!
HOT FLY OF THE WEEK
For Rainbows the mouse is still working well but big leeches have
been the "go to fly" for this week. Our best colors have
been an off White, Black, Olive, and Brown. Egg patterns are also
working well although we are still weeks away from the beginning of
the spawning season.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
The highlight of the week for me was fishing with Chris Guikema from
New Mexico. We went to our upper water to fish for rainbows and had
a great time. We started a little slow on the mouse so I finally talked
Chris (he generally only fishes the mouse) into going wet to a leech
pattern. I told him we would go back to the mouse once the sun warmed
the water up a bit. As soon as we changed flies we were into fish
and we had steady action all day. At the end of the day we had thirty
bows to the boat and countless others on! Not bad for one rod! With
all of the action Chris never did go back to the mouse. Chris also
had an incredible day fishing Kings on a fly!
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
WILDLIFE SPOTTED
We saw two single Caribou this week and one Moose. We will start seeing
bear as the Salmon get closer to spawning. Lots of birds along the
river including Mallards, Pintail, Widgeon, Green wing Teal, Canadian
Geese, Tundra Swans, Mergansers, Common Loons, Sandhill Cranes, Arctic
Terns, Long tail Jaegers Glaucous winged Gulls, Bald Eagles, Ruffed
Legged Hawks and Kestrels. A new sighting for this week was a beautiful
pair of Harlequan ducks.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
COMMENTS FOR THE WEEK
The warm weather and water conditions have made for some fantastic
rainbow fishing. While these conditions are perfect for rainbow it
can make the salmon fishing a little tougher. They simply don't bite
as well when water temps reach the mid fifty. The recent weather change
has dropped water temps back to the low fiftys and the Kings are biting
well. So far it looks like a great King and Sockeye run although the
Chums numbers seem to be down. It is still early so lets cross our
fingers and hope that we get a big push of Chums soon!
REPORTING FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 25 TO JULY 2
WATER TEMPERATURE AND CLARITY
55 to 57 degrees, the river has been dropping gradually and clearing.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Highs in the 80's every day but Wednesday we had a cloudy day till
Thursday.
HOT FLY OF THE WEEK
#2 Pink and Black Teeny Flies for the kings. #6 Pink and Ginger Teeny
for the Sockeyes.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Stuart Brandes of WI caught a 16.25 lbs. Sockeye, POSSIBLE NEW RECORD!!!!
WILDLIFE SPOTTED
Spotted one bear in the lower river, lots of Eagles in the lower river
following the Salmon.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Stuart's 16.25 lbs Sockeye.
COMMENTS FOR THE WEEK
Fishing has been great for Kings averaging 20 to 35 lbs, some that
are over 40 lbs. Sockeye fishing last week was the best ever, some
guests catching twenty to twenty five per day on Pink and Ginger Teeny
Nymphs.
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Pretty much full up for 2005, but openings come up on occasion -
call 509-962-1060 to check availability.
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REPORTING FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 18 TO JUNE 25
WATER TEMPERATURE AND CLARITY
The river is high with water temps of 49 to 52 degrees and it is gradually
dropping and clearing. Visibility is seven feet plus in the Upper
River and five feet in the lower river.
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Saturday through Thursday we had sunny weather with highs in the upper
70s and a light North wind. Friday brought a change in the weather
with winds gusting to twenty knots and dark clouds and periodic rain
showers.
HOT FLY OF THE WEEK
It's not a surprise that our hot fly of the week in the Upper camp
is the mouse pattern!! As guides it is our favorite fly because (even
though we are not personally fishing) we get to see and enjoy the
take just as much as our guests do! And yes it is even more fun when
you have the rod in your hands!!
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Our first group of guests come in on Saturday so yesterday we went
to the Lower river to get fuel and fish for Kings for a few hours.
We were excited to find lots of chrome bright Kings !! At the end
of the day everyone was sunburned and sore from fighting so many fish.
Most were caught on conventional tackle although we did catch a few
on flies.
QUOTE OF THE WEEK
WILDLIFE SPOTTED
No sightings of Bear or Caribou yet but we are starting to see more
bear tracks on the Gravel bars along the river. We will start seeing
more bears as the Salmon get closer to spawning. Lots of birds along
the river including Mallards, Pintail, Widgeon, Green wing Teal, Mergansers,
Common Loons, Sandhill Cranes, Arctic Terns, Long tail Jaegers Glaucous
winged Gulls, Bald Eagles, Ruffed Legged Hawks and Kestrels.
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
Mousing on the Kanektok
COMMENTS FOR THE WEEK
We have been spending most of our time setting up camp during the
day and sneaking in some trout fishing in the evening. The trout are
fat and healthy and the river looks great. We are getting off to a
great start with the King run as the Lower river is really filling
up with big Chinook!
REPORTING FOR THE WEEK OF JUNE 18 TO JUNE 25
WATER TEMPERATURE AND CLARITY
Water temp in the lower river has been averaging around 50 degrees.
The lower river still has some color but slowly clearing every day.
Perfect for fishing Kings!!
WEATHER CONDITIONS
Cold, windy and rainy most of the week. Great fishing weather!!
HOT FLY OF THE WEEK
HIGHLIGHT OF THE WEEK
Lots of bigger than normal Kings.
WILDLIFE SPOTTED
Lots of Eagles in the lower river
PHOTO OF THE WEEK
COMENTS FOR THE WEEK
A great week with lots of big chrome Kings coming in fresh everyday.
Great guests/friends with most that have fished with us for 15 to
20 years plus. Can't wait to see them all next season.
____________________________________________________
Pretty much full up for 2005, but openings come up on occasion -
call 509-962-1060 to check availability.
____________________________________________________
The Lower Base camp had their first full week of fishing starting June 18 and the Upper base camp started Saturday June 25. The first River Float trip will begin on July 2. I have not had a complete fishing report from Clint and Brad yet, but I heard the fishing was HOT right from the start. It sounds like this will be another super year. I am expecting their full report any day and will post it as soon as it arrives.
Sandy Lockleer, (Web Guy)
Fishing reports will be coming in on a weekly basis starting around mid-late June, 2005. Clint, Brad and crew are up on the Kanektok getting the Lower and Upper Base camps ready for the start of the season. The first guests will arrive at the Lower Camp next Sunday June 19 then the following Saturday the Upper base camp guests will arrive.
Brad and Clint have 2 new laptop computers and all kinds of fancy equipment to ensure we will get weekly fishing reports throughout the summer. It's hard to communicate when you are out in the wilderness - many miles from civiliazation, but they are determined to make it happen this year. As soon as I get the reports, I will be posting them on the web site.
If all goes according to plan, the only week the report will be late (the last week in July) when my wife and I make a trip up to the Kanketok to try some of the incredible fishing first hand. Besides building web sites I have a budding carreer as a photo journalist. So when we return - I will post our personal trip report in the form of a "virtual trip." You can then - hopefully - see what a trip with the Duncans is realy like.
Sandy Lockleer, (Web Guy)
Weather:
Though the summer months are Alaska's most temperate, the weather is still volatile and moody. A balmy sun-filled day can change quickly as the wind blows in the clouds and rain. Proper clothing can ensure everyone's comfort and enjoyment.
7 day weather forcast for Quinhagak,
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For more
information or to make a reservation:
call (509)962-1060 or send e-mail info@alaskaflyfishingcamps.com Copyright © 1996-2006 Dave Duncan & Sons, Ltd. |
