Updates from Deneki Outdoors

Dreaming Of The Dean - Part 3

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 06:00:01 PST

Takin' it all in.

Photo: Alfi King

Today we conclude our three-part series from Charles St. Pierre on his trip to BC West in August of 2009.

If you haven't been following along yet, you should read Part 1 first, and then Part 2, and then today's final installment. Thanks again to Charles for the Dean dreams!

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The steelhead of the lower river, in particular the area below the canyon, are true “sea going” anadromous creatures only minutes from the estuary. The steelhead that are hooked here have transparent fins, typically loaded with sea lice, virtually absent of all but the slightest iridescent opal color to their lateral line and gill plates, and they respond to the fly with voracious attitude. They look like stainless steel, cold war, ballistic missiles and behave with the same lethal and unpredictable characteristics. These are the fish we have all heard about and are looking for when we come to the Dean. Hooking one of them literally takes your breath, and large quantities of fly line and backing, off the reel at sound barrier breaking speeds.

This part of the river also represents the “fish bowl” dynamic of a wide variety of fish species native to this region of British Columbia. Along with the steelhead, king, chum, silver, and pink salmon are all present here and in abundance along with beautiful dolly varden and sea-run cutthroat trout. The approach and presentation in the area below the canyon is done primarily with sink tips and medium to large size flies. Swinging the fly deeply and slowly is the most successful and trademark presentation for the fast moving fish here.

By contrast, the area above the canyon offers opportunities to fish floating line as well as sinking line presentations. This is partially because these fish have begun to slow down and adjust their migratory progression due to the obstacles and conditions within the river’s fresh water environment. In doing so, they begin to re-acquire some of their more “trout like” instincts and when water conditions are favorable they will rise to waked dry flies. This represents both the most difficult and rewarding way to entice these magnificent fish. And I love it. Many of the fish here still have sea lice on them and exhibit similar blistering hot characteristics of the fish below the canyon but anglers get to review and use a few more pages of the play book here.

The first rule of dry fly fishing: Remove sink tip. A good friend of mine likes to say, “I don’t bow hunt when rifle season is open” when speaking of sinking line as opposed to floating line presentations. To attempt to define what “sport” is or means is to begin a traverse a very slippery slope. But to some fly anglers how we catch fish is more, or at least as, important to us than how many fish we catch. Isn’t that why we pick up a fly rod in the first place? Doing so might let us learn more about the fish we are after, or at least observe some of the more random acts of nature on display from the given species in the upper regions of the water column. No matter what your preferences are for swinging presentations, BC West has the water and the bases covered.

The week has been very productive and the conditions have been as close to ideal as they can be in steelhead country. Here on the lower river the steelhead have been somewhat elusive as of late, and rightfully so when surrounded by thick schools of virtually every species of salmon. The water is dropping and clearing rapidly as our week comes to a close and this just might be what’s needed to give pause to and slow these fish down a little bit. My radio crackles to life with the voice of young Andrew upriver. “Hey, you might want to get up here. I’ve hooked 3 and landed 2 in the last 30 minutes.” Taxi!!!

In a few minutes I’m standing thigh deep in “Tony’s” run trying to hit the far bank 100+ feet away, where the water is moving so fast a reach mend is the only way to keep the line from being ripped out of the slot before the fly ever has the chance to fish. Oh yea, and it’s blowing from every direction at 20+ with gusts that rip hood and hat away like dried leaves at the working end of a turbo-charged leaf blower. But that last cast looks like it has a chance and as it finally reaches the deepest and slowest portion of the swing the rod bucks and lurches violently with the power of a new arrival to the tail of the pool. The hook set is delivered and the fish sets the reel into motion as 50 feet of line disappears from it instantly. Suddenly the line stops as it hooks onto something from my sleeve. This is a disaster because a nanosecond later the fish abruptly separates itself forever from the 15 pound leader. What?!?!

The Dean River is a dream that has come true. I don’t think I’ll ever stop being awed by this place and these amazing fish, but the next time I come here every button on every coat and shirt sleeve will be deliberately missing from my wardrobe.

More Guest Posts

Dec Hogan - When It All Comes Together

Bryan Whiting - Alaska Family Fishing Report

Michael White's Report From Andros South

Alaska Rainbow Fishing - When To Go

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 06:53:06 PST

Here's one from late August.

Photo: Cameron Miller

We get lots of questions from anglers planning trips who want to know 'the best time to go'. When it comes to rainbow trout in Western Alaska, the answer depends a lot on what you're looking for.

Since rainbows in the Kanektok are all resident fish and their summer feeding season is short, if there's no ice on the river you're probably going to catch fish. That being said, there are some definite differences in the rainbow fishing during the period in which we're open at Alaska West.

Here's a little primer.

Early season - mid-June to mid-July

During this period, the Kanektok isn't yet clogged with salmon. Our rainbows are hungry after a long cold winter, and they're really opportunistic feeders.

Covering lots of water with big flies is generally the ticket. Sculpins, leeches, big flesh flies, and contrary to popular belief, mouse patterns all produce. BONUS: kings on swung flies!

Mid season - mid-July to mid-August

This is generally our peak time for trout numbers. A wide variety of techniques applied in lots of different water all produce fish. Side channels, spawning beds, mid-river snags, shelves and the couch water get fished and the fish tend to do their part.

Beads, flesh in a range of sizes, and the standard leech and sculpin patterns remain favorites. Mousing is awesome. BONUS: silvers, chums, pinks, sockeye, dollies, grayling!

Late season - mid-August to early September

Time to look for Big Jerry. Our rainbows get fatter and fatter as the season goes on, so late is good if you're hoping for the fish of a lifetime. The trout tend to be a little more concentrated later in the season, so it's important to spend your time in the right water.

Side channels are less of a factor as the river drops. Upriver spawning beds and lower river snags are favorite spots. The couch water on inside bends still produces. A variety of flies get fished, but beads and smaller flesh patterns are the stars in the late season. BONUS: silvers, silvers and more silvers!

More On Our Fishery At Alaska West

Why We Love The Late Season

Sinktip Selection Through A King Season

Why We Love Our River

The Rio Tigre

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 06:00:07 PST

Fun in the sun on the Rio Tigre.

Photo: Chris Price

One of the smallest rivers that we fish at Chile West is the Rio Tigre, just outside Palena.

Originating from a small lake in Argentina and combined with snowmelt from nearby mountains close to Lago Palena/Vinter, the Rio Tigre or Tiger River flows south of Palena some 22 miles from the Argentine border before it meets the Palena River.

In comparison to the Palena River, this is a small stream with a steep gradient. The upper section of the river near Argentina is at an elevation of 2,300 feet while at the mouth it is at 500 feet. The average drop is 82 feet per mile over the 22 river miles in Chile. The upper 5 miles average a 68 foot drop per mile and the middle 11 miles average a 108 feet of drop per mile. This by no means a navigable river unless one wants to do a lot of dragging and portages.

A short 4 to 5 mile drive below the town of Palena, you find the lower five and a half miles of river is accessible by road. Above town, approximately 13 miles by road, is an access point.

Not big but beautiful.

Photo: Chris Price

Fishing is done on foot here. This is a fishery for those shorter days when you don’t want to mess with a boat or just plain want to walk and wade. Hiking along the river one finds the Rio Tigre a beautiful, gin-clear river with small runs and pocket water perfect for fishing dry flies and nymphs. The fish aren’t big here but they are beautiful as this river holds only brook trout and they are eager to take the largest of your dry flies.

The casts aren't long and the lies are obvious - break out your 4 weight for some easy, good-times fishin'!

More On Chile West

Chinook Salmon In Chile

Pisco Sour

Entomology In Chile

Bonefish Flies - 5 Favorites For South Andros

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 06:00:00 PST

Something in here's gotta work.

Compared to most in the bonefishing world, the flies that we like to fish on South Andros tend to be an unusual combination of big and light. For anglers wanting to load up a fly box before their trip, that can make it a little hard to buy commercially available flies - most widely available bonefish flies are either light enough but too small (probably designed for places like Belize and Christmas Island), or big enough but too heavy (probably designed for the Florida Keys).

Here are 5 flies that are pretty widely available that will work great on South Andros Island.

Tan Gotcha Yeah, we know, everybody knows about the Gotcha, and tan is a very popular color in a lot of places. What's a little harder to find is the #2 size tied with bead chain eyes (not lead eyes) - that's the one you want.
Veverka's Mantis Shrimp This fly is a great default option when you're fishing a flat that has a mottled bottom, with some dark areas and some light areas. It's got a relatively neutral coloration that seems to stick out enough but not too much. It's really buggy looking, and it's got those rubber legs that our fish love. #2 is the workhorse, and #4 is nice for shallower water.
Solitude Para Vida Here's the exception to the big fly rule. This fly in tan and #8 is a nice one to have in your box if you're doing some inland wading - walking in to super-skinny water that might barely get your ankles wet. Fish in really shallow water are sensitive to heavy flies hitting the surface of the water, so an unweighted, very small fly is your go-to here.
Idyl's Woolly Crab When you're fishing in deeper water (deeper for us means maybe 2-3 feet) and specifically targeting bigger fish, say on the West Side of South Andros, a crab pattern is a great option. This fly is tied with lead eyes, but that's OK here for 2 reasons - the lead is necessary to get the relatively bulky body to sink...and you're fishing this one in deeper water. Tan is good.
Peterson Spawning Shrimp Our fish aren't that picky, but there's something about a spawning shrimp pattern than seems to drive them bonkers. Again, #2 is your go-to size. Note that, contrary to this description on the linked site, this fly is typically tied with small lead eyes (not bead chain eyes), which are necessary to make the relatively bulky fly 'ride right' when stripped.

More On Gear For South Andros

7 Reasons This Fly Works On South Andros Island

Sage 790-4 TCX

Simms Dry Creek Flats Pack

Buffs - Merino Wool

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Sat, 07 Nov 2009 06:00:04 PST

Cozy, not crazy.

We've told you before that we like Buffs, because they keep the sun off, they keep the bugs off, and they're cozy when it's cold out.

Buff has just come out with a new version of their headwear product that's specifically targeted at that last scenario - cozy when it's cold out.

The Merino Wool Buff is a great option for those chilly mornings on the river. It's made of a very thin, soft, smooth wool that's comfortable and stretches really well (which is nice for those of us who need a little extra room around the neck and head).

One last nice thing about the Merino Wool Buff is that it comes in very mellow solid colors. If you're OK with the idea of covering your head and neck but would prefer to not be adorned with tarpon scales or a map of Montana, you'll appreciate that these look pretty darned normal.

They're available now - check your local fly shop.

The FTC says we have to give a disclaimer!

Sometimes people give us gear, and we write reviews of it, and then we keep it. That being said, we never write positive reviews of gear that we don't actually like.

More Gear We Like

Ultrathon Insect Repellant

Rio Tropical Clouser

Sage 7136-4 Z-Axis

Global Rescue Coverage

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 06:00:08 PST

Very pretty and very remote.

In our minds one of the keys to a great angling experience is to fish in a really remote location. It's nice not having a lot of people around, and in general, remote locations make for better fishing. Guess what - our lodges are all really remote.

On the other hand, if you're out in the middle of nowhere and take a hook in the eye or have a stroke, you'd better have a really good plan in place to get help.

We learned a little more than a year ago about a company called Global Rescue that provides medical assistance and evacuation services everywhere in the world where we operate. If you are seriously ill or injured and are more than 160 miles from home, Global Rescue will advise and transport you to the hospital of your choice - free of charge. After doing our research, we decided that these service are so important that all of our guests should be covered.

Starting in January of 2010, all trips with Deneki Outdoors include Global Rescue coverage at no additional cost to our anglers. It's as simple as that - you're covered.

To learn more about Global Rescue, have a look here.

Fishing trips are all about good times, but a little peace of mind never hurts, does it?

More News

Want To Go Bonefishing For Free?

Skagit Master Is Out

Speypages Week On The Dean

What Do Wild Steelhead Mean To You?

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 06:00:00 PST

Photo: MoldyChum.com

Any of you out there who are interested in steelhead in the Northwest, particularly in the state of Washington, listen up.

We've been doing some work with our friends at Trout Unlimited and MoldyChum.com to provide the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife with information about how important wild steelhead are to anglers who fish in Washington. Starting right now, you can respond to a survey on MoldyChum.com about wild steelhead in Washington, and your vote will go straight to the WDFW. We think you should vote.

With that, here's more from the boys at Moldy Chum about the survey.

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Tis the season to gear up for Winter steelheading. For us in Washington, it comes in two phases - the hatchery run followed by the wild run. And when Moldy Chum prioritizes its calendar weekends for the next six months, February, March, and April take pole position. It's not a priority fueled by quantity or percentages but rather one defined by experience. It is this experience that has incented Trout Unlimited and Moldy Chum to ask for your help.

We invite all Moldy Chum friends and followers to take 1 minute to answer this survey that asks how much anglers in Washington state value wild steelhead as opposed to hatchery-reared fish. The data gathered, non-scientific though it may be, will be provided to the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife.

“We’d like to find out just how important the experience of catching a wild steelhead is to the recreational angler in Washington,” said Rob Masonis, vice president of Western Conservation for TU. “From a conservation standpoint, we worry that hatchery fish are diluting wild stocks and reducing the hearty nature of steelhead in the Northwest. But we recognize the overall importance of steelhead to the recreational angler. I guess it boils down to a simple question: would you rather catch a wild fish or a hatchery fish?”

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To respond to the survey, click here. Thanks.

More On Convservation

Bonefish And Tarpon Trust Week At Andros South

Bonefish Catch And Release Best Practices

TU Fishing Report From Alaska West

Dreaming Of The Dean - Part 2

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 06:00:06 PST

Charles and a different kind of BC West fun.

Photo: Alfi King

Today we present the second in our three-part series by Charles St. Pierre on his trip to BC West in August of 2009.

If you haven't read part one yet, you're going to want to start here.

On with the story!

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The true Dean River “experience” encompasses a great deal more than world class steelhead fly fishing. The very tangible pulse and breath of this entire “Land of the Lost meets Glacial Rain Forest” landscape is seen, felt, and heard from everywhere and from everything. This is a place where the rain forest grows, both high and low, from and onto the shoulders of sheer solid rock. These same rock peaks, and the forest they nurture and protect, frame and tower over the entire river valley in multiple hues and textures of pale, grey slate and lush, thick green. They are immense in size, shape, and density and randomly define the horizon in every direction and seem to only reluctantly let portions of the sky itself into the valley below.

The nearby glacier and snowfields are mostly unseen from the banks of the river but the sight and sound of moving water is everywhere. While fishing the “Cottonwood” run on a lightly rainy morning, I stole a glance over my shoulder and up behind me and counted no fewer than 7 waterfalls cascading from heights of well over a thousand feet pouring themselves into the dense forest behind us. Ok, try this; close your eyes for a minute and imagine catching the hottest and most beautiful steelhead in the world in a place like Yosemite, Yellowstone, or Glacier National Parks, with only you and a small contingency of fly anglers having virtually the whole park to yourselves. Crowds here are not a problem; accidental tourists not included or allowed. Wait, it gets better…

Upon arriving at the airfield and left completely awestruck once again by the helicopter ride over the forest, mountains, and glaciers from Bella Coola and into the Dean River Delta via West Coast Helicopters, we unload and after a very short truck ride through the dense forest, we arrive at the BC West Lodge. After leaving the activities of the forest fires from the record setting heat wave of late July in the Bella Coola Valley behind us, the BC West Lodge, its guest cabins, and the surrounding grounds were both serene and welcoming, with the faintest sound of moving water somewhere not too distant beyond our lodge retreat.

We meet the staff that will be hosting us this week and are told lunch will be ready shortly and we begin to unload and distribute our gear. The four guest cabins sleep two with plenty of room for gear, clothes, firewood, and at least three bottles of scotch. I have the distinct feeling that the tongue and groove wood walls and floors found throughout the lodge complex probably came from the immediate forest that surrounds us, giving each cabin the warmth and feel of the fertility of the rainforest.

The shower and drying cabin is close by with thick cotton towels and plenty of room to hang wet jackets and waders. I was told that the food here was going to blow me away, but I wasn’t prepared for how good it really is. If you like multi-course meals of say, lamb shanks, risotto, and other gourmet fare, you’ll feel right at home here as well as your clothes tightening as the week progresses. Immediately after lunch today, we’re told, fishing will commence. No sooner are the chairs pushed away from the table than we begin to scramble to our cabins and begin “unpacking” like a group of small tornadoes blowing through a trailer park. In record time we’re ready. The BC West program here is totally unique and offers something that no other operation on the river does. Each guest at BC West will spend three days on the lower river (below the canyon) and three days fishing the water just above the canyon…

...To Be Continued.

More Guest Posts

Jason Koertge On Talking Salmon To A Steelheader

Dana Sturn On Boat Safety And...Splash!

Mike Racine - More Than A Trip Report

The Palena River

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 06:00:05 PST

Cool scenery on the Palena

Photo: Trevor Covich

During the course of a trip with Chile West, anglers fish a variety of rivers and the Rio Palena or Palena River is just one of the many.

Flowing out from the east end of Argentina’s Vinter Lake, the Corcovado River makes a huge 180 degree turn northwest and crosses the border into Chile where the river changes its name to the Palena River. From the Argentine border, the Palena river meanders its way west some 120 miles before it reaches the Pacific Ocean.

Approximately 7 miles from the border, the river passes along the town of Palena. From here the road leaves the river and there are few access points until the river joins back up with the Careterra Austral at the Rio Frio confluence, some 40 miles downstream.

From the town of Palena and below, the river is classified as a class II – III with a low gradient as the river elevation at Palena is only around 650 feet. The average drop is about five and a half feet per mile over the 120 miles of river in Chile. Any real whitewater is above the town of Palena and into Argentina where the gradient is an average drop of around 25 feet per mile.

Working quality water slowly.

Photo: Trevor Covich

Characteristics of the river around Palena range from classic freestone runs, willow trees and farm land to dense forest, high canyon walls with waterfalls streaming down into the river. With little public access, floating the river is the most effective means of fishing.

The river is home to rainbow trout, brown trout, Chinook salmon and even an occasional brook trout. With a variety of insect life such as stoneflies, mayflies, caddis flies, midges and terrestrials such as the famous Cantaria beetle, the trout fishing methods vary from run to run - bangin’ the banks with streamers, swinging a bar, nymphing and dry fly fishing are all in play here. Every corner on this section of river offers something different from the fishing to the scenery, which is why we like it!

More On Chile West

Brian Ropp's Trip Report

Week-long Trips At Chile West

Streamers From A Boat - 6 Tips

Just Another Cool Underwater Trout Picture

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 06:00:09 PST

We like rainbows and mouse flies.

Photo: Cameron Miller

Sometimes it's hard to pick which super-cool Cameron Miller picture from Alaska West to post, just because we've got so darned many.

Today's edition is just a nice, normal, beautiful Alaska West rainbow trout underwater shot- heavily spotted, nice red stripe, and with a very run-of-the-mill fly in its mouth. Wait a second - that's not a run-of-the-mill fly - it's a giant floating mouse pattern! That angler must have had some fun.

More Cool Pictures From Alaska

Rainbow Trout And Giant Flies

Just A Cool Underwater Picture

Alaska Fishing Pictures

Sage 7136-4 Z-Axis Review - The Perfect Summer Steelhead Rod

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Sun, 01 Nov 2009 06:36:41 PST

Take it pretty much anywhere.

If you fish for summer steelhead anywhere in or near the Pacific Northwest, the Sage 7136-4 Z-Axisis a rod that you pretty much need to have in your arsenal.

The 13'6" length is extremely versatile and blends easy all-day casting (because it's not too long) with the ability to cover lots of water with great line control (because it's not too short). The true 7 weight classification makes this rod equally at home casting a dry line with some finesse, and casting anything but the heaviest sinktips with no trouble at all.

Skagit-style spey lines like the Rio Skagit Flight and the Airflo Skagit Compact in the range of 475 to 550 grains all cast well on this rod. For the most versatility with a wide range of tips, we think a line right around 525 grains will be mighty bueno.

This is not a super-fast rod. Compared to other Sage double-handers, it bends pretty deep into the butt section. If you really like to feel your rod load, you'll like the style of the 7136. On the other hand, if you like fast, super powerful rods, you're going to want to check out the new 7126-4 TCX, which has already been nicknamed the 'Death Star' and will be the subject of a future post.

On the Deschutes or the Wenatchee or the Upper Dean (especially with a dry line), the 7136 is right at home. Where does this rod not play well? If you're throwing real big tips, like over 14 feet of T-14 or so, or if you're likely to encounter fish over maybe 15 legitimate pounds, it's a little light. Fighting a bright Kanektok king on this rod would probably not be the best idea.

In every series of rods by a given manufacturer using a given technology, there's often one or two specific models that really stand out, not necessarily due to the numbers or the size, but due to 'feel'. The 7136is one of those rods in the Sage Z-Axis line - it's just a real sweetheart.

The FTC says we have to give a disclaimer!

Sometimes people give us gear, and we write reviews of it, and then we keep it. That being said, we never write positive reviews of gear that we don't actually like.

More Spey Gear Reviews

Rio Skagit Flight

Sage 5126-4 Z-Axis

Running Line Roundup

Ask The Experts - Most Overlooked Trout Lie

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Sat, 31 Oct 2009 06:00:08 PDT

Think like a trout.

Photo: Cameron Miller

Mike Sanders isn't the only Deneki expert who gave us some great input on those spots that Alaskan rainbows live in, but don't always get covered by anglers.

Here's what we asked our expert panel this time around -

"What's the most overlooked type of trout lie in Alaska?"

And here's what they said.

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Matt Hynes has guided for a whole bunch of years in Alaska and Ohio. He also ties some pretty killer bugs.

"The inside of the inside seam, where there is no current. Drop a big flesh fly with enough weight to get to the bottom, and let it marinate. The only problem is usually there is TOO much natural flesh there. I've caught fish after 'dead-sticking' the fly for 5 minutes!"

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Michael White fishes his butt off. He also represents Simms Fishing Products and other quality brands to fly shops in the Southern Rockies.

"The immediate edge of any shallow/riffle drop off. I’ve watched choker trout in inches of water right at the back edge of the shallow near the drop off. Fish above the edge, work your way down the shallow and let your sculpin fall over the edge for killer action. They eat mega!"

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George Cook has been swinging flies in the Northwest since 1922. Well, it seems like that long ago. George is one of our guest spey instructors at Alaska West, and is the Northwest rep for Sage, Redington, Rio and other fine brands.

"'Schnittle channels'. Little itty-Bitty side channels, most noteably in June and the front half of July."

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Dec Hogan is a legend in the Northwest. Among other things, he's the author of A Passion for Steelhead, the definitive modern book on steelhead fishing.

"Anglers, and guides, need to be aware of changing conditions and feeding habits of Alaska bows. Where and how they position themselves and feed varies throughout the season. But here's my insta-tip: When it comes to mousing (my favorite!), look beyond the traditional side-channels and grassy banks. Toss that lil' mousie right out into the middle of the main channel, make him dance, and HANG ON!. I call it 'mousing in the mainstream.' Eeeh eeeh eeeeh ssqquueeaakk."

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More Expert Advice

Most Common Casting Mistake

Favorite Leader Material

Storing Gear In The Off-Season

Chile Picture: Just Another Pretty Landscape

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 06:00:05 PDT

It's really pretty here.

A fence, mountains, blue sky, a river valley...typical fare for Southern Chile!

More Pretty Pictures

It's Really Pretty On South Andros

It's Really Pretty On The Kanektok

It's Really Pretty On The Dean

Bonefish Leaders - What To Use In The Bahamas

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 06:00:18 PDT

Rod, reel, line, leader...all equally important.

OK, you're headed to the Bahamas this month to chase bonefish. You've got your rod and your reel and your line all ready to go. How should you handle your leader?

Here's how you should handle your leader.

First of all, remember that bonefish in places like South Andros are not very spooky. Furthermore, if you're presenting a fly well to a bonefish, you're retrieving it away from him. That means that he's seeing your fly before he's seeing your leader, and that means that having a super-stealthy leader isn't that important.
In most conditions, we like leaders tapered to the 12 - 17 pound test range, 9 or 10 feet total length. Yes, that's really heavy - our fish get big. Besides, they don't see a lot of flies so they're not that spooky, and we fish some pretty big flies so a stout leader helps with turnover.
On calm days when the fish seem twitchy, we might go to a leader as light as 10 pounds, and up to 14 feet long. Honestly, this is sort of a desperation move on South Andros - if they're not going to eat your chunkily-presented fly, they're probably not going to eat your delicately-presented one either...but sometimes they will.
We don't think that fluorocarbon is at all important as it relates to visibility in the water, at least not for our bonefish at Andros South. It might help with abrasion resistance and/or durability, but it probably doesn't matter in terms of what the fish see.
Some anglers think that tapered leaders matter because they eliminate knots that can result in weeds or other gunk hanging up on your leader. Others think that yeah, they might help, but they're a lot more expensive that my '5 feet of Maxima 20 pound blood-knotted to 4 feet of Maxima 15 pound'. We're going to stay out of this somewhat religious argument - sometimes simple works, sometimes not.

At the end of the day, if you've got your leader in the ballpark on South Andros, you'll do just fine.

More On Gear For South Andros

Sage Xi3 Rods

How To Pack For Your Day Of Bonefishing

Sage 6000 Series Reels

Dreaming Of The Dean - Part 1

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 06:00:02 PDT

Charles launches one on the Dean.

Charles St. Pierre is a good friend of Deneki Outdoors. He's not only one of our spey instructors during our king salmon season at Alaska West - he's passionate about anadromous fish and the rivers they swim in, and he's one of those guys who understands that fishing is about a lot more than just fish.

Charles visited us at BC West on the Dean River this past summer, and has written a great piece for us about the river and its surroundings...and there's even an actual 'fish story' thrown in for good measure. We'll be running Charles' writeup in 3 pieces over the next 3 weeks, and we think you'll like it.

With that, we present Dreaming of the Dean - Part 1, by Charles St. Pierre.

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You don’t have to spend much time within the steelhead fly fishing circles of the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia, and the known universe, before its name is dropped rightfully from the sky above and all ears tune in. Legendary rivers like the Skagit, Deschutes, Thompson, and Kispiox have much deserved reputations, both past and present, for good reason; archetypal steelhead fisheries and glorious holding water surrounded by rugged and beautiful landscapes. But within the same steelhead circles one river alone represents the best of all that encompasses what a steelhead fishery can and should be.

It is the Dean River and it is the “Valhalla” of steelhead fishing for the entire planet. Dreamed up, created, and guarded by the higher powers of the known and unknown universe, it is rugged, it is remote, it is eye-wateringly beautiful, and its steelhead are revered and reputed to be the strongest of the species to swim, anywhere. So when Andrew Bennett, president and “recently hooked steelhead junkie” of Deneki Outdoors, asked me to travel with him to visit BC West the second week of August there was only one answer I could give him. “Well, I’ve got two solid weeks of work scheduled, four ongoing home improvement projects to finish before the end of the summer, and the differential of my truck sounds like a medium size bag of broken marbles, shaken not stirred.” Extremely short pause lasting an entire millisecond, “OK, I’m in.” Christmas in July is without a doubt my favorite holiday.

I’ve been very fortunate to have visited the Dean before. Floating and camping the upper river (Zones 4 and 5) in mid and late September is adventurous, uncrowded, and can be very rewarding if conditions cooperate. Floating lines, classic flies, including riffled dries, and other low water techniques are what make this time of year in steelhead country the experience it is. This is the “magic time.” But truthfully my previous fishing experience this far up-river in late September has not lived up to my expectations, or the reputation, of what a Dean River steelhead should look and act like.

I’ve never fished the lower river before, specifically Zone 1 and the water almost immediately above the canyon known as Zone 2 where in late July and August, BC West anglers concentrate their efforts, and I’m told is where I’m going to find what I’m looking for - the fish that define and distinguish this river from any other. My previous impressions of these fish was about to change - dramatically.

...To Be Continued.

More Guest Posts

Dana Sturn On Dean River Chinooks And Medieval Drag

Greg Thomas On Fresh Fish

Bruce Chard On Casting In The Wind

Trash Goes In The Cooler: Universal Fly Fishing Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 06:00:07 PDT

It's more than just a fly sorting bench.

Photo: Cameron Miller

Today we continue our mini-series on the truths of fly fishing - tips, rules and guidelines that apply to fly fishing all over the world.

Over the years, fly fishing guides have built up knowledge on not only the many technical aspects of fishing, but also on the logistics of consistent good days on the water. Keeping a clean boat helps everybody - not only does a clean boat mean fewer obstructions for fishing and moving around in the boat...it just makes everybody feel better! Tidy is good.

One simple rule to help keep your boat clean is that trash goes in the cooler. When you finish your sandwich, your soda or your third Snickers bar of the day, just tuck the waste inside the cooler. It'll go away at the end of the day, you won't have a mini-dump in your coat pocket, and your guide and your fishing partner will thank you.

Easy.

More Universal Tips

Net The Head

10 Ways To Justify Your Fishing Trip

Perfect Fish Pictures By Ed Sozinho

Sage Typhoon Waist Pack Review

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 07:27:53 PDT

Roomy, submersible pocket, easy to access.

We first got a look at the new Sage lineup of Typhoon bags at Fly Fishing Retailer in Denver this year. They looked pretty darned interesting so we decided to test them out in the field and let you know what we think!

We've had a few sessions so far with the larger waist pack in the series, which also includes a smaller waist pack, a chest pack, a boat bag and a backpack. The actual full name of the pack we tested is the Sage DXL Typhoon Waist Pack, Large. Phew.

This waist pack is not small, and it's not cheap. If you're OK with those two things, you're probably going to love this pack.

We'll start things off with the punchline. The most unique feature of this pack is that it combines an easy-access pocket designed for fishing gear with a totally waterproof, submersible pocket for cameras, electronics, wallets, etc. The big waterproof pocket is the real deal - it's got room for an SLR, an extra lens and a flash, for example, and after you close the mega-zipper for the first time, you're going to be pretty darned comfortable putting valuable items in there.

Getting zippers right is a big deal. Water-resistant and waterproof zippers can be really problematic - all too often they blow out, they're too stiff, they need to be lubricated, they don't really shed water...the list goes on. This big zipper pulls smoothly, closes positively and is really, truly waterproof. It's also a big reason that this pack costs $200 - yep, that's right, a $200 waist pack. High-end zippers like this are really expensive, but man we're glad Sage kept it high-end here.

The second large pocket is designed more for easy access - it's got a water-resistant (not waterproof) zipper that pulls really easily, and it has a bunch of organizer pouches sewn into both sides inside. Like the other bags in the Typhoon series, it's got a really neat hybrid closure system - there's a flap over the zipper that attaches with magnets - if you're in and out of your pack a lot, you'll find that there's no reason to zip it open and shut constantly, as the magnets are strong enough to hold the pocket shut and keep your gear in.

Shoulder pack mode.

Photo: Chris Senyohl

Although they call it a waist pack, it converts easily into a shoulder pack - the padded waist belt comes off via a super-solid internal velcro system. Ned Hobson, who designed this bag for Sage, suggested giving it a try as a shoulder bag, and we're glad we did. The neoprene shoulder strap does a really good job bearing the weight of all the gear that you can fit in a bag this big. Having the bag slung over your shoulder also doesn't interfere with casting either single- our double-handed rods. If you keep the waist strap on, you gain a holster for your pliers, and another little mesh pocket.

Rounding out the very long feature list are a couple of tool sheaths with magnet grips, retractor docks, a couple of straps on the bottom for carrying around your raincoat, two eternal tippet pockets and two water bottle holsters.

If you're the kind of angler who likes to head out on the river with nothing more than a fly box and a tippet spool, this bag is not for you. If you fish well-equipped, and in particular if you need to keep electronics absolutely dry and on your person, you should check out the Large Typhoon Waist Pack. It'll be at your local fly shop in January 2010.

The FTC says we have to give a disclaimer!

Sometimes people give us gear, and we write reviews of it, and then we keep it. That being said, we never write positive reviews of gear that we don't actually like.

More Gear We Like

Rio Skagit Flight Review

Sage Xi3 Field Test

Simms Softshell Hoody

Fishin' and Fowlin'

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 06:00:04 PDT

Dog and rod.

Photo: Greg Hartman

Matt Crawford visited Alaska West this past summer. He also loves to hunt birds, and among other things is the former editor of the Upland Almanac.

Matt thinks fly fishing and upland bird hunting have a lot in common, and wrote us a post on that very topic. Thanks Matt!

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An earlier post on this blog about how to store gear in the off-season made me chuckle. Partly because my preferred method (piling stuff on a table in the garage) wasn't mentioned and partly because it's exactly the same question I get asked about in regards to bird-hunting. In both cases, the hard-cores pretty much answer the same way - there isn't an off-season. In bird hunting, between attending gun shows, shooting in skeet leagues, field trialing and/or training the dogs and, of course, travel, there isn't really much of an off-season.

That, and a phone conversation with Andrew Bennett who has heading out on Puget Sound while I was on my way to the Vermont grouse woods, started me to thinking just how much upland bird hunting (and by that, I'm talking ruffed grouse, woodcock, pheasant, sharptails, quail, chukars and the like) and fly-fishing have in common. There's a large overlap in the people who do both, as recently witnessed in Smithhammer's take on Buster Wants to Fish.

Dog and gun.

Photo: Bill Peabody

So I figured let's lay it out right now, list-style, on the commonalities between fly-fishing and upland bird hunting. If nothing else, it's good blog fodder.

Both are surrounded by a long tradition of fine writing. We just lost one of the better modern-day practitioners of the craft, a man as comfortable with a 20 gauge as a 5-weight, Bill Tapply. If you haven't read him, consider this an assignment.
Both have conservation organizations that, while they'll drill as deep in your wallet as you let 'em, do really good work.
Scotch tastes even better after partaking in either one and helps provide sustenance for long discussions about "best" gear.

In both guns and gear, some prefer the, ah, refined craftsman$hip of the British Empire.

Pheasant and grouse feathers make for pretty good flies.
That same joyous jolt to the heart comes from the flush of a bird, the take of a fish, the scream of a reel's drag, the sound of a shotgun clicking open.

Wild fish, wild birds, wild places. Enough said.

More Guest Posts

Greg Thomas On Fresh Fish

Chile West Trip Report By Brian Ropp

Jason Koertge On Talking Salmon To A Steelheader

Tom Larimer's Steelhead Rig

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 06:00:03 PDT

Tom likes steelhead.

Photo: SteelheadBum.com

Tom Larimer has guided for more than a decade in the Great Lakes, Alaska and Oregon. He currently owns and operates Larimer Outfitters, one of the premier guide services in the Northwest.

He also happens to like fishing on the Kanektok and the Dean. In addition to his hosted week at Alaska West in June of 2010, Tom's hosting a group at BC West on the Dean in August of 2010 (which amazingly has a couple of spots open - drop us a line to learn more).

When Tom walks about of his cabin at BC West on August 7th and grabs a rod to take fishing, this is the rig he's going to be grabbin'.

The Summary

- Burkheimer 8139-3

- Ross Momentum LT 7

- Airflo Skagit Compact, 600 grains

The Detail

- 30 pound dacron backing attached to the spool with an arbor knot

- Airflo Ridgeline running line, attached to the backing with an albright knot, sealed with superglue

- Skagit Compact head attached to front of the running line using factory loops and a loop-to-loop connection

- Airflo Custom Cut 200 and 330 tips, cut to 12 foot lengths attached to the head using factory loops and a loop-to-loop connection

- Loop created in the front end of the custom cut tip by stripping off the coating and tying a perfection loop in the mono core

- 3 to 6 feet of 12 pound Maxima Ultragreen leader, attached to the front end of the tip using a triple surgeon's loop and a loop-to-loop connection

- Solitude Reverse Marabou Intruder tube fly

- Owner SSW hook, size 2, tied to the leader using a non-slip mono loop

The Commentary

"A lot of the time I adjust my depth more by changing flies than by changing sinktips. I'll have some heavier bugs in my box for fishing deeper."

"If I'm fishing an unweighted tube I fish a shorter leader because you're really relying on the sink rate of the tip at that point - not the weight of the fly. For weighted flies I'll step up to a little longer leader because I can get the fly to sink faster with a longer leader. That weighted fly will sink faster than the sinktip will."

More On Steelhead Gear

All About Spey Fishing

Dana Sturn's Steelhead Rig

Making T-14 Tips

The Arolik Bus

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 06:00:04 PDT

The most-photographed yellow bus in the lower Kuskokwim.

Photo: Cameron Miller

Guests at Alaska West have the opportunity to book fishing days on the Arolik River, which is a really awesome experience for a whole bunch of reasons. Accessing the Arolik involves taking a short bus ride through the village of Quinhagak and down the Arolik Road to the edge of the river, where we keep our guide boats.

Garrett always wanted to be a bus driver when he grew up.

Photo: Cameron Miller

The Arolik bus is a real gem. Formerly used by forestry teams, it made its journey to us by barge. Its life in (well, near) Quinhagak started off with the barge getting stuck in the muddy bay outside the mouth of the Kanektok for a couple of weeks, easily within sight but yet so far away...but that's another story.

Back to the ranch.

Photo: Cameron Miller

It's got plenty of room for anglers and gear, and let's just say it's got a 'well-worn' feel to it. Rugged, reliable and overflowing with character - just the way we like it.

More Character At Alaska West

Facial Hair

Camp Dogs

Drying Tent

Rainbow Trout Lies

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 06:00:00 PDT

I live in the couch water.

Photo: Mike Racine

We asked our Deneki Expert Panel a question a little while back about trout lies - no, not the tall tales that trout spin about the size of the anglers who almost caught them, the places in the river where trout like to live.

A later post will give a number of bits of wisdom from our panel on trout lies, but today we're starting with a very special kind of trout lie. None other than Mike Sanders, our long-time GM at Alaska West, put together a writeup on where the very biggest rainbow trout tend to lie. Let's see...multi-decade Alaska fishing veteran telling you where the biggest trout are...maybe you want to read this one.

With that, we present Mike Sanders on Big Jerry.

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Bangin' the bank with a mouse on outside bends is a perfect way to play with kick-butt, carnivorous bows waiting for Mr. Hanky the mouse to drop in for a bite. Addicting? For certain. The best? Maybe. But... the Jabba the Hut hogs, those '...get in my belly' Fat Bastards, let's call them all Big Jerry; Big Jerry is usually not into this kind of fun.

Simply put, Big Jerry is lazy. He would rather watch the WWF SmackDown between fish and mammal happening on the cutbanks from a comfy spot the other side of the river. If at all possible, BJ will hang in the soft couch water of a sweeping inside bend or long flat. Why? Because that's where the eatin' is easy. Big Jerry is a fat slob and he needs to eat MEGA and he does not want to work for his food. He likes treading water behind his favorite fast-food salmon redd (kings if he can get it but any dollar menu species will do), gulping down eggs and macking on flesh tid-bits, like fries, pizza and snickers fun-sized candy bars.

To a lot of anglers couch water looks too shallow, too slow and too boring. Most people do not throw to it - they wade into it or put the boat on top of it, opting for the mysterious dark water on the outside bends or cutbanks. A lot of the time the water is clear and you can see the fish. BJ is lazy - but he is smart. He earned his blub by not making mistakes. BJ is crafty - if you see him - he can see you and he may slink away if you threaten him or he may just hang there feasting. But... I think most times anglers do not see Big Jerry when he eats - if you see him he is not going to eat your offering. He comes as a surprise most times and he goes unappreciated for the first few minutes of the fight, confused as another spawner. Then more times than not, just after you realize what is happening and just as your breath is taken away... he's gone.

I know this fish. I hate and I love him. I'll be out there trying to hit him in the grocery hole with a glazed donut again this weekend in hopes of watching him leap his fat butt high into the sky while flippin' me the bird.

More On Rainbow Trout Fishing

Bead Fishing For Rainbow Trout

Secrets Of The Flesh Fly

Rainbow Trout Fishing - Mend Less.

Pacific Salmon - They All Have Two Names

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 06:00:07 PDT

If you've ever been confused listening to people talk about the different species of Pacific Salmon, you're not alone. No one knows why, but for some reason each of the five North American Pacific Salmon have two names. It's really not that complicated!

King Salmon = Chinook Salmon. No difference.

Photo: Cameron Miller

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Chum Salmon and Dog Salmon are the same thing.

Photo: Cameron Miller

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Sockeye Salmon and Red Salmon are both formally known as Oncorhynchus nerka.

Photo: Cameron Miller

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Pink Salmon and Humpback Salmon? Identical.

Photo: Cameron Miller

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You can call it a Silver Salmon or a Coho Salmon - it's the same fish.

Photo: Cameron Miller

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If you noticed that all those fish looked pretty bright and fresh, that's because they were caught at Alaska West, a stone's throw from the salt on the Kanektok River. Where are all the dark reds and greens and other zany colors? They show up as the salmon lose their fat reserves and get ready for spawning - upriver!

More On Salmon

Salmon Grand Slam

Dean River Run Timing

Alaska West Species Information

Net The Head: Universal Fly Fishing Tips

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 06:00:00 PDT

Cam nets the head.

Photo: Ric Fogel/Sportfolio

In the world of fly fishing, there are very few truly universal truths. Today we start a mini-series of posts on those very few tips, guidelines and rules that pretty much apply anywhere in the world you can go fly fishing.

Net the head!

The setup here is pretty simple - your buddy is hooked up to a nice fish, and you're the one with the net in your hands. Or maybe, you're fishing for something less-than-massive and you've got your rod in one hand and your net in the other. Or maybe, it's your first day guiding. Regardless, this is a universal rule, right?

When the fish is in close and seems tired enough to be landed, you need to get it in the net. Net the head! Jab the net down in front of the fish's face, and sweep towards its head. It's as simple as that.

Why? Fish can't swim backwards. If you get them pointed into your net with their head inside it, almost every time you're good to go - in goes the head, and in goes the fish.

Under no circumstances should you ever sweep from behind the fish. Fish can swim forward really well - that's what they're made for. You're not going to catch up to the fish if you're sweeping from behind it. Don't even try. Sweeping from the side is an equally low-percentage affair.

Trust us on this one - whether it's a little brookie or a fat steelhead, a graceful grayling or a bruiser of a brown, when the fight is over, net the head.

More Universal Tips

10 Ways To Justify Your Fishing Trip

Taking The Perfect Hero Shot - 13 Tips

Making The Perfect Fishing Sandwich

Welcome To Our Blog

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 06:00:05 PDT

Welcome!

Photo: Cameron Miller

We've had a whole bunch of new visitors to our blog recently, so we figured we'd take the opportunity to show you around a little bit!

First, just a little bit about us. Deneki Outdoors runs fly fishing lodges in Alaska, British Columbia, the Bahamas and Chile. We think high quality fishing and fantastic service are really important, and we think a casual atmosphere is a lot better than a stuffy one.

We post to this blog every day, on topics including fishing tips, gear reviews, pretty pictures, information about our lodges and pretty much anything related in some way or another to fly fishing.

We've got 'Roundup' pages on our blog that pull together posts on a few of the main topics that we post a lot about, such as

All About Spey Fishing,

Bonefishing Wisdom,

Alaska Fly Fishing Wisdom, and

Chile Fly Fishing Roundup.

We like fly fishing gear, so we write about gear a lot - here's a link to all our posts about gear.

You can read our blog in your web browser, or by an email subscription, or by an RSS feed - here's a post with instructions on each of those options.

And that about does it! We're thrilled to have you as a reader and we'd love to hear from you. Drop us a line with any suggestions, ideas for posts, comments or just to talk fishing!

More About Deneki Outdoors Online

Our Facebook Page

Our Twitter Page

Our Web Site

First Time Bonefishing

noreply@blogger.com (Deneki Outdoors) — Sun, 18 Oct 2009 06:00:01 PDT

Bjorn and the fish are equally hooked.

Photo: Chris Stromsness

Today we've got a guest post from a guy who loves bonefishing so much he's got a blog about it.

Bjorn Stromsness writes Bonefish On The Brain - chock full of bonefish-related content from all around the world. If you like bonefish, you should check it out.

Let's hear about Bjorn's first time bonefishing!

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It was my first trip to the Bahamas and my first trip in a skiff. My father was waiting his turn, I was on the casting deck, line out and ready, fly in my hand trying to peer into the clear, Caribbean in search of bonefish. The guide on the poling platform suddenly called out “There, school of bones, sixty feet. Do you see them?” I didn’t. “Moving left the right,” he said again, “do you see them now?” I still didn’t. “Ray Charles could see that school, mon!” he said and with those words, the school of bones leapt from obscurity and I saw them… obvious now. I cast, the fish ate, the fish ran and I soon landed my first bonefish. The beauty of the setting, the speed and power of the fish, and the absolute comedy of the guide will never leave me. I’m hooked.

My dad’s two bonefish were the result of the combination of trout-sets and pure frustration. On both occasions the guide found fish for my dad, my dad cast, stripped, paused, stripped, felt the fish, raised his rod (something that has also cost him more than a couple BC Steelhead on skated dry flies) and, having missed the fish, waved his casting arm in a fit of mental anguish which cast the fly forward where it was immediately eaten by another bonefish. This happened TWICE!

That is a really nice mutton snapper.

Photo: Bjorn Stromsness

That day I landed five bonefish, up to 7 ½ pounds. My dad landed two bonefish and a 12 pound Mutton Snapper (which may have made the guide’s year and certainly made his dinner). I had never experienced the Caribbean like that, I had never caught a bonefish and I had never been so infatuated in my life (except with my wife and child, just for the record and in case they see this).

Now, bonefish are all I can think about (except for my wife and child, for the same reasons stated above). I have been a trout and steelhead fisherman for most of my life and I still enjoy the mountain rivers and cool waters where they live, but this next chapter of my angling life will be about bonefish and the warm and tropical places they are found.

More Guest Posts

Jason Koertge on Talking Salmon To A Steelheader

Dec Hogan - When It All Comes Together

Keith Westra's Report From Andros South