Where: The beaches, but not our beaches
When: Last Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Conditions: Overcast, muggy, sometimes windy
Flies used: Clousers, Shock & Awes, chum babies, Bjorn's Stinger Prawn
Species pursued: Sea-run dolly varden; king salmon (briefly)

Songs of the trip: "Take It On The Run," REO Speedwagon; "Here I Go Again," Whitesnake; "Mud On The Tires," Brad Paisley; "Pepper," Butthole Surfers; "Clubbed To Death," Rob D; "Where It's At," Beck; "Silence (Tiesto Mix)," Delerium, featuring Sarah McLachlan

After a couple of years of staying local, the itch to do something different had finally won out.

It was an easy choice, actually. Affordable air fare, a friend who knew the local fishery and having the appropriate equipment already in my possession made this trip a no-brainer.

And besides, I needed something to do for my birthday weekend!

In summary:

Alaska is beautiful.

The marauding swarms of hungry bugs are not.

The fishing is different, but not enough to prevent you from using a lot of your basic beach skills successfully. The differences are subtle and figuring them out is not so subtly rewarding. :)

There's something different to do every month during the late spring through fall--I would/will go again if I get the chance.

And now, for the photo show:

A little in-flight scenery...

...leads to a not-so-scenic landing. Oh well, I guess that's what Gore-Tex is for.

Ummm...welcome to Alaska!

The first fish of the trip--not more than 2 hours after landing!

This guy again! This time with a nice-sized dolly.

Creek fishing here is pretty good, too.

Especially if you have the right fly!

No that isn't a bear in the left background, it's a horse. We could have used it on the hike down here...

Then again, a 2.4 mile hike in waders and full gear is a small price to pay for this view...

Yup, that's a glacier!

The bugs suck--literally. But only after they give you a nasty little bite.

Now that's what I'm talking about!

One of many caught under the bridge.

The eagles like fishing under the bridge, too!

Another good dolly.

You can't deny the sculpin.

The same goes for these finned frisbees--not a bad fight on a 5 weight, though.

Man down!

No, I didn't catch it but I did get a chunk of it to take home.

Glaciers are cool--no pun intended.