April 15 – 22, 2022 Alaskan Steelhead Expedition
What to expect?
While it is always tough to make any guarantees about fishing, it may be even more difficult to assume your catch when it comes to the fish of 1000 casts… the steelhead. What we are sure of, however, is that you will have an unparalleled experience fishing the beautiful Tongass National Rainforest. There is truly no place like Southeast Alaska. Furthermore, we have easy access to more than 10 steelhead streams, offering different opportunities for the varying conditions. Weather and fish runs can often be unpredictable, but the numerous streams provide a multitude of options. Furthermore, we make it a top priority to ensure that your stay with us is as special and memorable as we can make it. Operating since 1998, we have a great track record of doing just that.
WHAT’S THE CATCH?
While steelheading can be unpredictable, we are sure that if you spend the week with our guides, you will hook fish. How many you’ll get to touch can be hard to say. On a good day of guided fishing, we have had as many as 20 steelhead on the line. Yes, you read that correctly, 20! During more difficult times, you may have to search high and low just to feel that tug on the line for the day. For a group of two with a guide, we expect at least a few “hook ups” in a day of fishing, barring extreme circumstances.
HOW BIG ARE THE RUNS?
Run numbers vary from year to year, and from river to river. The largest river system on the island carries an estimated 700-1000 steelhead per year. While that is the largest system, the number is not necessarily magnitudes greater than the other systems. Other runs vary from about 200-600 fish annually. Many of these systems are small, and provide a close up experience with a number of fish. We’ll be swinging larger streams some of the time, and sight fishing other times. We’ll decide based on water conditions and your preference.
For more information: saltwateronthefly@gmail.com
"The Steelhead Experience"
What to bring?
Raingear! The Tongass National Rainforest is one of the rainiest places in North America! Don’t let that detour you, we usually get a fair amount of sun and mixed weather during steelhead season. In the later part, we often find ourselves hoping for rain. What’s more, the rain is not apart from what makes this place so special. All that is to say, you’ll want to consider a layering system for clothing. The weather can change every five minutes, and you’ll want to be able to adapt accordingly. Of course, bring your waders and your fly-fishing gear. While we may offer more gear in the future, we currently do not supply waders or fly rods. Our tackle shop does, however, include numerous accessories and flies that are available for purchase at any time during your stay, in addition to what is provided to you by your guide for each day of fishing. We will have you covered for whatever you need for each day on the water, including with your package.
Fishing Methods
Whether you are an avid swinger or spey fisherman, love to drift beads, or prefer nymphing or other lighter means, there are multiple opportunities for you here. Several rivers have enough flow to warrant a two-handed rod to cover more water, as you cast and step through each run, while other streams offer tight slots and deep canyon holes where fish stack up in great numbers far beneath the old growth timber canopy.
What we provide:
- A wide variety of flies, selected for the best local results
- Sinking leaders, tippet, beads, split shot, and a number of other items you may need to add to your bag for your days on the river
- Note: We provide what is listed here, included in your package. We also have a tackle/fly shop with a selection of items you are free to browse and purchase from.
Lodge Life
TWhat you should bring:
- Waders
- Rubber soled wading boots (felt soles are illegal in Alaska)
- Raincoat(s) – A quality Gore-Tex raincoat, or two, is recommended
- Light, medium, and warm layering (fleece or similar product)
- Fly-rod – Spey rod or 7-8 weight single hand are both ideal options for steelhead. You may want to bring your 4 or 5 weight rod along to get in on the trout and Dolley Varden action! It’s not a bad idea to bring all three!
- Sink tip leaders – While we offer these in our tackle shop, you may want to bring your selection of sink tip leaders. Slow to very-fast sink rates may all find there place in your gear bag, as water levels and flow can vary greatly. The most commonly used would be a 10’- 7 ips sink tip for standard water conditions.
- Lite dry bags (or Ziplocs)
- Polorized sunglasses (blue, grey, or amber are all great lense choices)
- Camera
