Have You Been to Alaska?

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Have You Been to Alaska?

I’ve been three times, once back in the 90s, and then again in the summers of 2019 and 2020. Hanna joined me on that last trip. After succumbing to obligations in 2021 and then again this year that prevented us from returning, we’ve realized that we cannot miss another summer in one of our favorite places — Bear Trail Lodge in Bristol Bay. We’re in the initial planning stages of a Summer 2023 trip but we need to act fast (possibly by the start of the 2022 season) because things fill up quickly. If you’ve already been to Alaska, you know what it’s like but if you’ve yet to visit you REALLY need to move it to the top of your list. Even if you don’t end up going with us, find a way to get there while things remain pristine. The fishing is exceptional — salmon and trout mostly, although we’re going to try to add some halibut on the front or back end — but there’s also wildlife viewing, incredible food, breathtaking scenery, and some of the most hospitable people anywhere.

So here’s the problem (granted, it’s a first-world problem): The fish run in predictable cycles with regulated seasons, so you can’t just choose a date and expect to catch, for example, king salmon. You have to be there when they’re in the river and in season. In 2020, we went in mid-July, during the height of the sockeye salmon season and we also caught quality kings. In 2019, I went during the “shoulder” season a few weeks later, as the kings wrapped up and the silvers just started to run. In both situations we took multiple flyouts to fish for rainbow trout, Dolly Vardens and grayling, but if salmon are important to you, then you need to pick carefully.

We were thinking about going in August to catch the height of the silver salmon run, but then we realized that some of you may have kids heading back to school at that time — so July might be better. We’re willing to do whatever the group determines to be best (recognizing that you can’t please all of the people all of the time). If you are even considering going, or would like more information, please email Hanna or call her at (703) 932-6299. We’d like to hear your thoughts and help you get up to one of our favorite places on earth.

In the meantime, here’s some of our Alaska content to get you started: