Alaska Salt

[Eric M]

Has anyone ever tried for silver salmon in the ocean with a fly? I'm planning a trip to southeast Alaska this August. Small lodge south of Ketchikan, small boat, only two anglers. Targeting silvers and halibut with conventional gear, but thought it might be fun to bring my 9wt striper set up and some clousers.

[k.hanley]

Say hey WetWade,

Try getting a copy of my old DVD "Saltwater Salmon on the Fly." It was shot in SE Alaska.

Here's a review of the DVD from the "Fly Fishing in Saltwaters" website.............
"Review by Mark Rumph

By Ken Hanley
(The Lyons Press, 2003;
www.lyonspress.com)
182 pp., softcover, $19.95


Since the two oceans of the United States are divided by roughly 3,000 miles, it's often tough for those on one coast to relate to the fly-fishing on the other. Ken Hanley, noted fly-fisherman, author, guide and instructor, brings two great additions on West Coast saltwater fly-fishing. In his new book, Fly Fishing the Pacific Inshore, Hanley offers insights and tips that will help fly-rodders targeting the Pacific coastline. Hanley is also presenting Saltwater Salmon on the Fly, a new DVD that about fly-fishing for these popular game fish.

In Fly Fishing the Pacific Inshore, Hanley introduces a concept he calls the "trident curriculum." This incorporates an understanding of habitat, game-fish behavior, and an overview of the equipment used in pursuit of the popular Pacific inshore species. The book is divided into five sections designed to complement his curriculum. Section one covers habitats, including tides, estuaries, bays and beaches. Section two overviews 16 commonly sought-after game fish, and sections three through five offer information on tackle, tactics, watercraft and fly patterns. A thoughtful bibliography, Glossy photos, and a comprehensive index further enhance this book.

Adventures Beyond, 2003;
www.pacificextremes.com
57 minutes, DVD, $19.95


In his directorial debut, Hanley offers a high-quality DVD with Saltwater Salmon on the Fly, Volume I. This 57-minute video filmed in Alaska gives fly-anglers an inside look at the tools and techniques necessary for chasing saltwater salmon on the Pacific Coast. The DVD starts with basic equipment selection, then moves out on the water to explain the various techniques and tactics employed in targeting Pacific salmon. As in his book, Hanley weaves the principles of his trident curriculum into the video - understanding habitat, game-fish behavior and equipment. The video ends with some great fishing action mixed into the educational material.

Both the book and video are fine additions to the growing library of Pacific fly-fishing literature. Each is well thought out and his prose both on the page and in person is easy on the eyes and ears - a gift few modern sportsmen possess. I look forward to future books and videos from Hanley."


Good luck on your trip WetWade. I wish you the best adventure!
Cheers, Ken

[stonefish]

Another great resource is Fly-Fishing for Pacific Salmon II by Les Johnson, Pat Trotter and Bruce Ferguson.
I've had the pleasure of meeting both Les and Bruce. Bruce unfortunately passed away recently.
It is an excellent book as is Les's Fly Fishing Coastal cutthroat Trout.

[k.hanley]

Yessiree I heartily second Stonefish's suggestion. Les' friendship and mentoring had a huge impact on my salty salmon game. He and his partners' work stands as one of the best resources created for FF our coastal waters. A "must have" in your knowledge bank.
Cheers, Ken

[Eric M]

Wow! Thank you. Ken you gave me the confidence to take on stripers in the delta years ago after attending one of your seminars. I remember you talking about the saltwater salmon DVD. Your enthusiasm and knowledge opened up the possibilities of what can be caught on the fly. I will find the book by Les and your DVD. I can't wait.

[k.hanley]

Thanks for the good vibes. I wish you the best! WetWade check your PM.
Cheers, Ken