Need help…………………again

Just got off the phone on a very last minute fishing trip to Alaska. I’m leaving on the 17th or 18th. I know a float plane takes us in the final leg of the trip.The guy was on the speaker phone and I couldn’t understand for sure what he was saying. It sounded liked Missagap? Anybody ever hear of a place like that?

Anyway, I guess it’s Salmon fishing. What do I need to bring for baits? Do those river fish hit spoons? Cranks? Seriously………….I have never even for one second thought about Salmon fishing. I’m at a complete loss for what to bring.

He suggested chest waders and we would talk about the rest later.

Help, Help!!

I’ll see if my nephew who lives up there can help.

they will hit just aobut anything, but what works will be there for you, including rods and reels.

IF you want to bring your own, i’d go with an 8′ to 9′ shore casting rod, fill it with at least 30# braided (the sporting approach) to 60-80# braided. Do NOT back with mono; you can back, but back with 15# braided. 100 yard runs are SHORT. Your MO is to hang on and pray…

I’d also pack a 9′ 12W fly rod for drifting. That is a blast. Fill a MECHANICAL real with 30# braided and use a 10′ 30# tippet. I’ve had 40#ers on that and the thought of a 60# fish is beyond me.

Alaska fishing regulations are very strict. Many rivers are fly only. Most guys use a “fly” on a heavy baticasting type reel and get to a spot on the river where the fish are close to shore, cast out 4′, let it drift down, recast. Get a feel for every bump and when you feel a different bump, set the hook. Glorified snagging.

We did this some when we were there, but we also fished them on the ocean before they made the rivers. Here we used bait drifted behind the boat.

Many people do not know but most salmon do not feed during the spawning run. Most are caught snagging, however salmon normally have their mouths open when traveling. The locals work very hard to snag them in the mouth so they can keep them. Foul hooked need to go back. We saw a lot of bobbers at the end of the line and a hook 2 feet up the line from it. This allows the fish to run into the line and drag the hook into it’s mouth. I was not impressed.

brent is correct: the farther you fish up the river, the fewer fish will ‘hit’ lures/bait. Try to fish the mouth of the river if possible.

I really have no clue where we are going. It’s on a river. Near the sea? Inland? No clue.

I’m not big on snagging fish so there best be a plan “B” or I’ll be doing something else I guess.

Now……….if it were near one of those Big Pike lakes it’s gonna be game on!!

Anybody have a idea on non-resident license cost and what the Salmon stamp will cost?

Could it be the Nushagak River? When I was there we caught all of our fish either on trolled plugs or what they call “boondogging.” All that was essentially a weight, giant spin and glow, and a big hook with salmon roe. Our best day was a 100+ kings for five people and not a one was snagged.

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I really have no clue where we are going. It’s on a river. Near the sea? Inland? No clue.

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Telemarketer?

Don’t forget the 44 mag for the skeeters and bears.

What a guy will do to get away from the Twins.

I fished on Prince of Wales Island back in the 80’s.The pinks and coho were running and we caught them on small silver and pink Pixie spoons 1″-1&1/2″ long or roe(salmon eggs),take some Borax to stiffen up the eggs so they stay on your hook better.We fished from the shore,I used light spinning outfits for the pinks and medium-light for the coho.The pinks were 2-4 lbs.and the coho ran 4-6 with a 8-9 pounder once in a while.There were Dolly Varden trout in some streams so take a ultra-light outfit or a 4 or 5 wt. fly rod also. You’ll have a fun time and take lots of pictures.
Stan

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Don’t forget the 44 mag for the skeeters and bears.

What a guy will do to get away from the Twins.

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From the sounds of this trip….he may need to have that gun for other protections….

Ya the info is sketchy at best right now. I’m going with a guy I’ve known and done business with for 25 years. It will be him, his son and me by the sounds of it. As I said earlier he was on a bad speaker phone and I had a really hard time making out what he was saying.

I’ll get more info soon I’m sure. It will be a good trip in any event as I’ve never been to Alaska. The fishing will be secondary to the scenery for me.

I know some guys here had been to Alaska Salmon fishing so I thought I would throw it out.

My nephew said to email him if you want the 411. I’ll PM the email address.

He is a blood relative, but don’t be discouraged by the fact he is my nephew. This should make you feel better.

PM received and sent.

Thank you!!!

No problem. Have fun up there, as if you need to be told. Glad I could help…for once.