I’ve hit the “fishing guide lottery” and one of my regular clients is taking me to Alaska next fall. The lodge can supply everything, but I’m a “roll your own” kind of guy, so I was hoping for some specific fly recommendations. I know eggs (they insist on beads for fish mortality purposes, flesh flies, sculpins, and big leeches, but I was hoping for some specific pattern recommendations. I’ll be fishing for Arctic char and big rainbows.
And yes, I am excited…
Hope Hap chimes in here because he would undoubtedly be able to give you an informed opinion. I’d contact Mossy’s in Anchorage for recommendations, and maybe even Alaska Fly Fishing Goods in Juneau (yes, I know they are a ways away from Iliama, but undoubtedly they have experience). Anything you tie for MT will work up there (not particularly picky fish) but you will want to scale up your hooks a bit considering the bigger game. A favorite pattern of mine from AK is the Dolly Llama which is a quick tie, scales well, and is surprisingly easy to throw for a rabbit strip fly. Did just as well with my usual flies in AK a couple of seasons ago as I did with “local” guide- or shop- recommended patterns, for what it is worth.
Best of luck.
On my first trip to Alaska I tied all the flies people said I must have.
Size 6 Olive Woolybugger caught the most fish. Used it on the lake at Hubbard’s Yellowstone Lodge near you.
Bob
Thanks for the replies. Literally everything I’ve ever read has said “Dalai Llama,” so I guess I’ll tie a pile of them.
Also looking to try some of my local “big trout flies,” maybe tied in egg-sucking version. The lodge owner said sculpins and leeches for streamers, and I have a pattern called a “Scleech,” so…
MOAL Rhoid
Dolly Llama
Karluk Flash Fly
All worked well, although we were on the Kenai.
Regards,
Scott