ALASKA!

Snow capped mountains, freezing temperatures, hazardous driving conditions. No, not Alaska, that was the Flathead last week! The Alaska we’re talking about is summertime Alaska; big rivers, big bears, and big fish. Our February program was focused on that Alaska.

Alaska is on every fisherman’s short list of places they want to visit. If you’ve never been, well, you’ll just have to figure out a way to make that dream come true. Alaska offers no shortage of fishing opportunities. And whether you’re after salmon, trout, grayling, or char; small streams or open ocean, Alaska has it all.

Over thirty FVTU members and friends were treated to a great presentation by David Stumpf, head guide for Becharof Lodge on the Egegik River. Becharof Lodge is located in the heart of the Bristol bay region, one of Alaska’s most prolific fisheries. Anglers headed there have the opportunity to catch Pacific salmon (five different species), rainbow trout, and grayling. Many of the salmon runs overlap giving you the opportunity to catch a variety of species. Most anglers target the coho salmon, also known as silvers. Hooking one is like hooking a monster rainbow trout. They’ll test your mettle as well as your gear and leave you with lifelong memories.

Pacific salmon spawn once and die. While we encourage catch and release fishing for trout and other freshwater species, fishing for Pacific salmon gives the angler a chance to catch and and keep an excellent food fish. David told how Becharof Lodge will prepare and package your salmon for your trip home.

Whether you’re a fly fisherman or a spin fisherman, you’ll find plenty of targets up north to fulfill your Alaska fishing dreams. FVTU is grateful to David Stumpf for coming down to the Lower Forty-Eight and sharing his fishing stories with us.

Maybe Alaska isn’t on your radar just yet. No problem, we’ve got you covered. Come join us at Sacred Waters Brewing Company for our March 18th meeting when the program will be Mark Fuller discussing Early Season Fishing Tactics on the Flathead. That’ll be a good one! See you there.