Alaska Arolik River (Mini Version)

"Willi" wrote in message
...
Tom Nakashima wrote:

The most exciting for me was the huge Leopard Rainbows, unlike any
California trout I've caught. At first I was using my 8wt rod with 9 1/2
ft 4x leaders and 6 lb tippets, and Zuddler Leeches to try, but towards
the end of our journey I was using my 5wt, with 9 1/2 ft 6x leaders and 3
lb tippet material, hooking 4 pounders on the dry flies. These huge
Alaskan rainbows are very aggressive and come out of the water 3 to 4
ft, shaking their heads violently, not one time, but at last 6 to 7
times. And they will take out 50 ft of line in seconds. I sure glad I had
a mid flex rod and used monofilament leaders and tippets, as my friend
had a hard time with his stiff rod and carbon leaders. You need that bend
in the rod and the stretch of the monofilament to not lose these
monsters. These rainbows do not want to come in, even after 20+ minutes
of fighting them, truly the highlight of my trip. In all I had a great
time and will repeat.


Great report. Post some more pix!


I agree about the fight in those Rainbows. Supercharged fish! The
largest Rainbows caught by our party last year were on "dries" (although
the most were caught on eggs). Chas caught one of them on a
traditional dry and I caught my biggest on a mouse pattern.

Why did you go to 6X tippet? It's not like those fish are leader shy.
A 20 minute fight is tough on a trout.

We're headed up to the same area in a few weeks. How bad were the bugs?

Willi


Bugs were pretty bad. I talked with some of the locals about the mosquitoes
after bring my recommended artillery juice from reading ROFF. I didn't want
to embarrass anyone here who suggested their best, I know they mean well,
but the locals basically laughed when I showed them what I had. They use
this stuff called "OFF" 100% Deet. And thank God for my OR Bug net & my
Cowboy hat. I sprayed the hat and wore the bugnet over that....saved me.
Bug shirts work great. It took me 2-days to get used to the buzzing, but
soon, I didn't even care, just a few minor bites. The worst was slapping a
mosquito in my tent and having blood splatter out of him.

Well Willi, I respect you as a great fly-fisherman, so I hope you can relate
to me using lightweight tackle. Throwing #4 Zuddlers and hooking up on big
leopard rainbows really doesn't do much for me. For one, you can't see the
strike, just feel it, and so what if you drag your prize in by using 8 lb
test line.
Last year I spent most of my time just working on presentation for Alaska,
using my 5wt., 5x leaders and 3 lb tippets. It's almost like a dare to see
how small I could go, and to test my dry-fly skills...to see if it could be
done.
I started using #18 Adams patterns, to #16, to #14 and finally ending up
with #12 Adams pattern, which the 4 -plus pounders seem interested in....if
presented right.
Yes, I was at my limit using 3 lb tippet with the #12, but I doubled the
loop in the eye when tying the clinch knot. I was making smooth cast at 60',
but still had sight of my fly. It's a thrill to see the swirl the rainbows
make as they take the fly down. A simple lifting of the rod and a gentle
pull with the line hand and I had them hooked.
Whoever said large Alaska Leopard Rainbows aren't smart, hasn't fished the
dry fly yet. The rainbows all seem to have the same thing in mind when
hooked. They dart toward you as if to think you lost them, and you're
reeling in like mad, then they instantly dart out, you have to have fast
reactions and your drag set loose. As I said before a mid-flex rod to keep
the bend, and monofilament line helps as a cushion because of the stretch.
I've seen trout come out of the water, but not 3 to 4 feet and so violently
shaking their heads...repeatedly 5 to 8 times. They also try to bury
themselves in the mud, I suppose that's a defense. I'll have to say I
stayed pretty relaxed throughout the battle. After about 30 minutes, it
seemed like taming a wild horse, but not without a great fight. The only
problem is that I think I got spoiled now...but I'll be back in Alaska in
two years or sooner.
sorry, got more then you wanted to hear, just got carried away.
-tom

Tom Hiroshima's wrote:

slippage


Bugs were pretty bad. I talked with some of the locals about the mosquitoes
after bring my recommended artillery juice from reading ROFF. I didn't want
to embarrass anyone here who suggested their best, I know they mean well,
but the locals basically laughed when I showed them what I had. They use
this stuff called "OFF" 100% Deet. And thank God for my OR Bug net & my
Cowboy hat. I sprayed the hat and wore the bugnet over that....saved me.
Bug shirts work great. It took me 2-days to get used to the buzzing, but
soon, I didn't even care, just a few minor bites. The worst was slapping a
mosquito in my tent and having blood splatter out of him.

....reminds me of flying out of Fairbanks with "customers" to Lake
Minchumian. (about a 1 hr flight at Cessna 170 speed) A fairly large
lake with a smallish dirt runway and absolutely no facilities whatever,
with a nice sandy spit poked out into the lake that sort of kept the
mosquitoes at bay, especially on windy days. I dropped my clients off
with an agreement to return in a 2 days. Let me tell you, they were
more than happy to see me when I landed. Mosquito bitten, they looked
like survivors rather than someone out for a good time fishing. The
procedure was to get their asses and gear in the airplane, close the
doors then ask every one to "duck" while I hosed down the interior with
Black Flag,whilst it rained bug bodies. There may have been other fish
in that lake but these guys were spin fishing for pike, *big* pike. In
the winter we would fly out on skis, coast to a stop and bore holes thru
ice so thick you wondered if it went all the way to the bottom of the
lake...my biggest pike was 36" which I'm sure was no record. The smaller
ones we would take back with us...getting those bones out was a bitch
but once that was done they were pretty good eating.
Damn, it's hard not to reminisce with so many good memories.

Frank Sr.

On 7/17/06 4:28 PM, in article , "Tom
Nakashima" wrote:

Bugs were pretty bad. I talked with some of the locals about the mosquitoes
after bring my recommended artillery juice from reading ROFF. I didn't want
to embarrass anyone here who suggested their best, I know they mean well,
but the locals basically laughed when I showed them what I had. They use
this stuff called "OFF" 100% Deet.

Even the lowly Massachusetts skeeters during last month's OH-MA-ha! clave
proved this maxim true. You want to keep the bugs off, use the 100% DEET
stuff.

Bill

Tom Nakashima wrote:

I hope you can relate
to me using lightweight tackle. Throwing #4 Zuddlers and hooking up on big
leopard rainbows really doesn't do much for me. For one, you can't see the
strike, just feel it, and so what if you drag your prize in by using 8 lb
test line.
Last year I spent most of my time just working on presentation for Alaska,
using my 5wt., 5x leaders and 3 lb tippets. It's almost like a dare to see
how small I could go, and to test my dry-fly skills...to see if it could be
done.
I started using #18 Adams patterns, to #16, to #14 and finally ending up
with #12 Adams pattern, which the 4 -plus pounders seem interested in....if
presented right.
Yes, I was at my limit using 3 lb tippet with the #12, but I doubled the
loop in the eye when tying the clinch knot. I was making smooth cast at 60',
but still had sight of my fly. It's a thrill to see the swirl the rainbows
make as they take the fly down. A simple lifting of the rod and a gentle
pull with the line hand and I had them hooked.
Whoever said large Alaska Leopard Rainbows aren't smart, hasn't fished the
dry fly yet. The rainbows all seem to have the same thing in mind when
hooked. They dart toward you as if to think you lost them, and you're
reeling in like mad, then they instantly dart out, you have to have fast
reactions and your drag set loose. As I said before a mid-flex rod to keep
the bend, and monofilament line helps as a cushion because of the stretch.
I've seen trout come out of the water, but not 3 to 4 feet and so violently
shaking their heads...repeatedly 5 to 8 times. They also try to bury
themselves in the mud, I suppose that's a defense. I'll have to say I
stayed pretty relaxed throughout the battle. After about 30 minutes, it
seemed like taming a wild horse, but not without a great fight. The only
problem is that I think I got spoiled now...but I'll be back in Alaska in
two years or sooner.
sorry, got more then you wanted to hear, just got carried away.
-tom



I was going to let this slide but from reading your posts, I sense that
you're a conscientious angler concerned about the welfare of the
fisheries. The Alaskan Fish and Game feels that the Rainbow populations
are vulnerable to sport fishermen are the most protected species in
terms of limits etc. Many rivers (the Arolik too I believe) are C&R for
Rainbows. Others have very low limits.

You CAN fish light tackle with little harm to the fish but when your
tackle is so light that it is the norm for you to take 20 to 30 minutes
to land a trout, IMO, your gear is too light. After a fight of that
length, lactic acid is going to build up heavily in the trout's system.
Even though it may swim off fine, its life can be threatened by this
build up. A Google search will turn up lots of info about this. Although
I can't claim to know where that line is drawn, from reading the
research, I'm convinced that a 20 to 30 minute fight for a trout is
going to have some negative effects.

Willi

"Willi" wrote in message
...
Tom Nakashima wrote:
I was going to let this slide but from reading your posts, I sense that
you're a conscientious angler concerned about the welfare of the
fisheries. The Alaskan Fish and Game feels that the Rainbow populations
are vulnerable to sport fishermen are the most protected species in terms
of limits etc. Many rivers (the Arolik too I believe) are C&R for
Rainbows. Others have very low limits.

You CAN fish light tackle with little harm to the fish but when your
tackle is so light that it is the norm for you to take 20 to 30 minutes to
land a trout, IMO, your gear is too light. After a fight of that length,
lactic acid is going to build up heavily in the trout's system. Even
though it may swim off fine, its life can be threatened by this build up.
A Google search will turn up lots of info about this. Although I can't
claim to know where that line is drawn, from reading the research, I'm
convinced that a 20 to 30 minute fight for a trout is going to have some
negative effects.

Willi

Well perhaps I should be even more of a conscientious angler after reading
your Re.
I spoke with a few of the locals in the Bethel area of Alaska, some who have
fished as far back in the 50's and early 60's on many of the Alaskan rivers.
They are pretty ****ed about the Outfitters and advertisements that bring
many of the so called "sports fisherman" to their state. One person told me
that the Rainbow trout after being caught and released many times does have
an effect on their breeding habits and population. I'm not sure if he's
trying to throw ideas in my head, but he was dead serious. Papa Bear
Adventures averages 12 parties a year on the Arolik River and most are after
the King Salmon. The Alaskan regulations are pretty strict and you have to
now "record" your Rainbow Trout over 20" at two per day limits. The License
is also up to $55.00 for 7-days non resident, and additional $30.00 for the
King Salmon stamp.
Although we never saw the enforcement, My friend and I still had our License
and stamps, however I was told many anglers do not bother.
But I do want to do the right thing in protecting the wildlife and practice
good conservation no matter what state or country I'm in.
thanks again for the tip,
-tom

Tom Nakashima wrote:
"Willi" wrote:
...
You CAN fish light tackle with little harm to the fish but when your
tackle is so light that it is the norm for you to take 20 to 30 minutes to
land a trout, IMO, your gear is too light. ...

Well perhaps I should be even more of a conscientious angler after reading
your Re. ...

I like fishing light tackle but Willi's right, 20 minutes is
too long to fight a fish you intend to release. You mentioned
5X and 6X tippets and that's just unnecessary. Use the largest
tippet that will fit through the eye of your hook and you'll
be able to bring the fish to hand much quicker. With flies
bigger than 18 that means 4X or bigger.

--
Ken Fortenberry

Willi wrote:
Tom Nakashima wrote:

I hope you can relate

to me using lightweight tackle. Throwing #4 Zuddlers and hooking up on
big leopard rainbows really doesn't do much for me. For one, you can't
see the strike, just feel it, and so what if you drag your prize in by
using 8 lb test line.
Last year I spent most of my time just working on presentation for
Alaska, using my 5wt., 5x leaders and 3 lb tippets. It's almost like a
dare to see how small I could go, and to test my dry-fly skills...to
see if it could be done.
I started using #18 Adams patterns, to #16, to #14 and finally ending
up with #12 Adams pattern, which the 4 -plus pounders seem interested
in....if presented right.
Yes, I was at my limit using 3 lb tippet with the #12, but I doubled
the loop in the eye when tying the clinch knot. I was making smooth
cast at 60', but still had sight of my fly. It's a thrill to see the
swirl the rainbows make as they take the fly down. A simple lifting of
the rod and a gentle pull with the line hand and I had them hooked.
Whoever said large Alaska Leopard Rainbows aren't smart, hasn't fished
the dry fly yet. The rainbows all seem to have the same thing in mind
when hooked. They dart toward you as if to think you lost them, and
you're reeling in like mad, then they instantly dart out, you have to
have fast reactions and your drag set loose. As I said before a
mid-flex rod to keep the bend, and monofilament line helps as a
cushion because of the stretch. I've seen trout come out of the water,
but not 3 to 4 feet and so violently shaking their heads...repeatedly
5 to 8 times. They also try to bury themselves in the mud, I suppose
that's a defense. I'll have to say I stayed pretty relaxed throughout
the battle. After about 30 minutes, it seemed like taming a wild
horse, but not without a great fight. The only problem is that I
think I got spoiled now...but I'll be back in Alaska in two years or
sooner.
sorry, got more then you wanted to hear, just got carried away.
-tom




I was going to let this slide but from reading your posts, I sense that
you're a conscientious angler concerned about the welfare of the
fisheries. The Alaskan Fish and Game feels that the Rainbow populations
are vulnerable to sport fishermen are the most protected species in
terms of limits etc. Many rivers (the Arolik too I believe) are C&R for
Rainbows. Others have very low limits.

You CAN fish light tackle with little harm to the fish but when your
tackle is so light that it is the norm for you to take 20 to 30 minutes
to land a trout, IMO, your gear is too light. After a fight of that
length, lactic acid is going to build up heavily in the trout's system.
Even though it may swim off fine, its life can be threatened by this
build up. A Google search will turn up lots of info about this. Although
I can't claim to know where that line is drawn, from reading the
research, I'm convinced that a 20 to 30 minute fight for a trout is
going to have some negative effects.

Willi

Not related to Tom's experiences. Here's a few things I stumble
across(yes, I admit to using google), when looking up proper catch and
release practices.

http://www.gofishbc.com/tips_articles/catch_release.htm

http://www.alaskafishing.com/ezlimit...one_right.html

http://www.boatersworld.com/static/b...ng-survey.html

Pretty basic stuff. All mention lactic acid as being potentially harmful
or lethal.

brians

"briansfly" wrote in message
news:6qbvg.5042$Lw.1834@trnddc07...
Willi wrote:
Tom Nakashima wrote:

I hope you can relate

to me using lightweight tackle. Throwing #4 Zuddlers and hooking up on
big leopard rainbows really doesn't do much for me. For one, you can't
see the strike, just feel it, and so what if you drag your prize in by
using 8 lb test line.
Last year I spent most of my time just working on presentation for
Alaska, using my 5wt., 5x leaders and 3 lb tippets. It's almost like a
dare to see how small I could go, and to test my dry-fly skills...to see
if it could be done.
I started using #18 Adams patterns, to #16, to #14 and finally ending up
with #12 Adams pattern, which the 4 -plus pounders seem interested
in....if presented right.
Yes, I was at my limit using 3 lb tippet with the #12, but I doubled the
loop in the eye when tying the clinch knot. I was making smooth cast at
60', but still had sight of my fly. It's a thrill to see the swirl the
rainbows make as they take the fly down. A simple lifting of the rod and
a gentle pull with the line hand and I had them hooked.
Whoever said large Alaska Leopard Rainbows aren't smart, hasn't fished
the dry fly yet. The rainbows all seem to have the same thing in mind
when hooked. They dart toward you as if to think you lost them, and
you're reeling in like mad, then they instantly dart out, you have to
have fast reactions and your drag set loose. As I said before a
mid-flex rod to keep the bend, and monofilament line helps as a cushion
because of the stretch. I've seen trout come out of the water, but not 3
to 4 feet and so violently shaking their heads...repeatedly 5 to 8
times. They also try to bury themselves in the mud, I suppose that's a
defense. I'll have to say I stayed pretty relaxed throughout the
battle. After about 30 minutes, it seemed like taming a wild horse, but
not without a great fight. The only problem is that I think I got
spoiled now...but I'll be back in Alaska in two years or sooner.
sorry, got more then you wanted to hear, just got carried away.
-tom




I was going to let this slide but from reading your posts, I sense that
you're a conscientious angler concerned about the welfare of the
fisheries. The Alaskan Fish and Game feels that the Rainbow populations
are vulnerable to sport fishermen are the most protected species in terms
of limits etc. Many rivers (the Arolik too I believe) are C&R for
Rainbows. Others have very low limits.

You CAN fish light tackle with little harm to the fish but when your
tackle is so light that it is the norm for you to take 20 to 30 minutes
to land a trout, IMO, your gear is too light. After a fight of that
length, lactic acid is going to build up heavily in the trout's system.
Even though it may swim off fine, its life can be threatened by this
build up. A Google search will turn up lots of info about this. Although
I can't claim to know where that line is drawn, from reading the
research, I'm convinced that a 20 to 30 minute fight for a trout is going
to have some negative effects.

Willi

Not related to Tom's experiences. Here's a few things I stumble
across(yes, I admit to using google), when looking up proper catch and
release practices.

http://www.gofishbc.com/tips_articles/catch_release.htm

http://www.alaskafishing.com/ezlimit...one_right.html

http://www.boatersworld.com/static/b...ng-survey.html

Pretty basic stuff. All mention lactic acid as being potentially harmful
or lethal.

brians


Thanks for the links Brians, some very good reading.
-tom

On Mon, 17 Jul 2006 13:28:25 -0700, "Tom Nakashima"
wrote:

After about 30 minutes, it
seemed like taming a wild horse, but not without a great fight.

Why would you want to play a 4 pound trout for 30 minutes? That just
isn't the way it should be done. Lee Wulff had a formula - a pound a
minute. Sounds reasonable to me. I landed 10 pound rainbows in
alaska in under 10 minutes and it wasn't because I was using light
tackle - I used the necessary tackle to land such fish in a reasonable
time, without undue stress on the fish. If you insist on 6 x tippet,
why not use a 1 weight rod?

Other than that, nice report, Tom. I just got back from Labrador and
had a great time with 5 pound brookies on 4x tippet, landing and
releasing about 40 fish every day.

Dave

"Willi" wrote in message
...

We're headed up to the same area in a few weeks. How bad were the bugs?

Willi


Hint: for the giant Alaskan Leopard Rainbows on the dry-fly, fish where
the riffles meet the smooth water, Cast directly into the riffles upstream
and let the fly drift to the smooth part of the water. Don't touch or move
the rod, just let it drift. The rainbows may toy with your fly, but you'll
see the swirl when they take it down. Don't spook the fish by making violent
strike sets, just gently lift the rod and at the same time a gentle pull of
your line hand to set the hook.

The giant rainbows are also deep. We had lots of luck on the #4 Black
Zuddlers, I can send you two if you want them.
You can use up to 12 lb test on those. Gently use rod action for movement of
the Zuddler... you can't miss!

The grayling will take the light Parachute Adams in #18 & #16.
More pictures on the way.

ps. take a eye mask and ear plugs, doesn't get dark till midnight.
-tom