BilletHead

Trying to run Jeff off the island, VID_20250710_120514948.mp4

When you are catching fish and having fun you get used to is. Proper face protection is a must. Annoying to wear I know. I had a pair of those sun fishing fingerless gloves. Pat ordered a set before we went. I did not wear them for a couple days. The back of my left hand was bitten so much it started to swell up. After I started wearing them problem solved.

Yep, licenses are cheap entertainment. We might eat a meal away from our home three or four times a month average. Saves lots of bucks for doing other things.

How about some food and then Greyling fishing? Same day we took a break and Butterflied sockeye was on the menu! About 9PM Duane said Hey let's walk behind the lodge To the River braid and wade in and try for grayling back there. So, Duane, Pat, Mike and I wadered up and grabbed our dry fly rods. Took the bear trail to the water's edge Dropped into the clear water and began to wade out. Moderate moving water but getting deeper. Duane said it was deeper than he thought. About that time Pat's eyes got big and said I am losing my balance and am beginning to drift in the current. We backed out back to shore. Duane walked back and got the boat. Brought it around and we loaded in. Pat, Mike and I took turns throwing dries towards the bank for fish. We all landed nice Greyling all around 10 PM. Another long day! Wind was low. Look over those pictures good and see the swarms of bugs around our heads. Embrace the sick. Thanks to Duane and some perfect boat control :).

More to come!

Could be you or Jeff quillback. Just for your information I didn't name it. I think Louie would be better.

Brown Bear Species Profile, Alaska Department of Fish and Game

Yes and what I understand there are two types. The largest is the coastal while the inland are a bit smaller.

Back to fishing sometime midday. You totally lose track of time. When you have nowhere to be at any certain time the clock seems to mean nothing at all. Only time you pick up your phone is to take a picture. We went back to the steep bank sockeye flossing spot. Keep working on getting salmon for fresh eating and taking home. Work on them we all did. First set of pictures were Dave, Duane and me. We had three on at the same time. It was like a fire drill as we fought the fish. Pat and Mike were on the bottom end ready with the net. Bottom man with fish on Dave in this instance worked his way down to the netters when his fish was netted next man worked down. We all worked like a well-oiled machine. No one hogged a spot and everyone helped each other. I present to you the Kvichak cowboy Duane riding his jet motor fighting a sockeye! Talent right there . Mike with a nice one, What we caught on that outing, When you have fish to clean you get after it. I really enjoyed filleting the salmon. Duane kept the knives sharp. Everyone worked either on the fillet table or shuttling the fillets up the bank to the baggers and vac sealing machine. Fish waste was put in buckets and taken across the river to be dumped back into the river. We took those buckets across to dump to try to keep the island bear named Jeff off the island. Jeff the bear is a young male coastal brown bear (Grizzly) that needs to find a home. Duane calls him nothing but a pest just being a big racoon. Jeff was constantly being hazed trying to get him to leave. The other place on the island were not hauling across the river thus fish carcasses would just go down the bank and roll around the corner below where we were staying and end up on a sand bar where Jeff and seagulls and eagles enjoyed the local all you can eat buffet. Jeff had a bed right on the edge of the corner in the grass where he could nap digesting his meals. More on Jeff coming up. Another note. This day we all were all layered up looking like a bunch of doughboys and girls. Cool and rain off and on. highest I had seen on the thermometer was 67. Long underwear was worn all day just about every day. Bugs were off the charts somedays actually most days. When the wing died down the bugs were out. Days you could get away with a buff over a ballcap. Some days a full head net was used. Quickly learning to embrace the suck wearing or putting up with the insects. Alaskan sabertoothed blackflies (white socks) and big thirsty bloodsucking mosquitos. "Embrace the suck". Worth every minute.

This is day two and we did three different things this day. First will be a run to the post office and pick up a package from an air freight delivery. first thing in the AM Duane needed to go to town, town meaning the village. Off we went in the boat to town. First stop the post office. Open 24 hours with no postmaster. You just go in the door and go through the piles of stuff until you find yours. I peeked in the door and it looks like a bomb had gone off in there but there is a method to the madness as Duane found one addressed to him😃. From there we went to the airport/ community center/coffee shop and city offices. There was a freight plane there being unloaded. Stuff being put into piles on the ground and in vehicles. Duane said we might as well get into line and unload until we find my package. So, we did pick stuff up and finding the appropriate place to put it down. Names on each thing unloaded. One I had there was no place to put it. I asked the closest person, and she said in the back of that truck and said thank you. Sure, enough that is where it belonged. They just kept sliding from the front of the plane to the back door. This is how the villager's grocery shop phone in a list to a shopper and it gets put on a plane for delivery. Next to last package was the one we wanted. Back to the boat for a ride back to the lodge. FYI I looked up the freight delivery plane. Lots of history right here, Lots more fishing in next post. The Beechcraft Model 18, also known as the Twin Beech, is a versatile twin-engine aircraft that has been widely used in both military and civilian roles since its introduction in 1937. Overview and History The Beechcraft Model 18 is a twin-engine, low-wing, tailwheel aircraft manufactured by the Beech Aircraft Corporation from 1937 to 1970. Over 9,000 units were produced, making it one of the most successful light aircraft in history. It was designed to accommodate 6 to 11 passengers and was used for various purposes, including executive transport, cargo operations, and military training. Wikipedia+1 Military and Civilian Applications During World War II, the Model 18 served extensively in military roles under various designations, such as the C-45 Expeditor and AT-7 Navigator. It was primarily used for transport, training, and light bombing missions. Over 4,500 Beech 18s were utilized by the U.S. military, and it became a crucial aircraft for training bombardiers and navigators. Wikipedia+1 In the post-war era, the Beech 18 transitioned to civilian use, becoming a popular choice for business aviation and regional airlines. Its rugged design and reliability allowed it to operate in diverse environments, including rough airstrips. The aircraft has also been used for aerial spraying, medical evacuations, and even in film productions. Wikipedia+1 Specifications and Performance Engines: Powered by two Pratt & Whitney R-985 Wasp Junior radial engines, each producing 450 horsepower. Cruising Speed: Approximately 190 mph. Range: About 1,200 miles. Maximum Takeoff Weight: 9,300 pounds. Cabin Capacity: Can accommodate up to eight passengers, depending on the configuration. 2 2 Sources Legacy The Beechcraft Model 18 is celebrated for its historical significance and versatility. Many restored examples are still in operation today, often seen at airshows and in private collections. Its design and performance have earned it a lasting place in aviation history, making it a beloved classic among aviation enthusiasts. FLYING Magazine+1 In summary, the Beechcraft Model 18 is a remarkable aircraft with a rich history, serving various roles in both military and civilian aviation, and continues to be appreciated for its performance and reliability.

Yeppers more coming. Fun stuff and even a little work at the Lodge with Duane. Awesome trip!

In the grand scheme of things, you are right. Shoot in the O'Hare Chicago airport we split a two-cheeseburger meal with one extra drink. Those little cheeseburgers were tiny. Cost us 16.00. Like you said feeding a family is costly. Still a bummer that the trout stamp took a jump. We are glad we did the lifetime at 60 years old. Trout stamp is included. Migratory state deal for Missouri was included also. The first year I bought the fed stamp after 60 the guy at Walmart tried to sell me the state migratory deal. Told him I did not need it. He called the local MDC office in Eldorado Springs. She told me I would be ticketed if I did not buy it. I told her I wasn't. She finally found out I was right. seen her another time. I Never got an I was wrong, and you were right.

Glad our 7 day out of state license in Alaska was only 45 bucks. No stamp needed for sockeye. Best 90 bucks we as a couple ever spent. Cheap entertainment.

I have no doubt but better watch the season. I suppose as long as MDC out of season if you were swinging a Clouser and you were not intentionally snagging could not say much. I remember a guy used to post here on OAF got into a bunch below lake Springfield was bragging about how many he was snagging there. He got busted after season.

A much better presentation right there John!

Tis the season, Got back from the Alaska trip. Fresh tomatoes and basil from the garden plus some mozzarella from the store means caprese salad, Then the chanterelles are blooming, add fresh salmon only a few days old with sauteed chants and a baked tater, It doesn't end here. More chants, This means more sauteed chanterelles, leftover salmon and another caprese salad.

Thanks Phil, Duane was a perfect host. Being a guide in the area he was so full of knowledge. When he and Brother Dave get together telling stories we were all cracking up. As brothers do, they harassed each other all the time.

😆 VID_20250710_094749229.mp4

Let's go fishing! Some of you know some of you don't. Sockeye don't bite when they enter the river to head for spawning grounds. What they do however is swim in groups in a line upstream with their mouths open along the banks in two feet of water or more depending on the current speed. IMO after learning and fishing for them too shallow would be hard as well as too deep. We are what is called flossing for them. Rig up with a straight piece of 12 to 17 pound mono or floro. Split shot to get the line down quickly and a one or two flies. Flip the line out with the fly rod (chuck and duck). Let the line sink and follow line downstream with shot bumping the bottom through the line of salmon. Repeat and repeat. When you feel tension of any kind give it a hookset. Could be the split shot catching on the bottom and could be hitting a sockeye. I will tell you that a very high percentage if you are doing it right are caught in the corner of the mouth and it's a good thing you do. These fish are powerful and in the mouth is a better way of landing that fish. There will be runs that will take you into your backing multiple times. Fish will jump and I mean jump trying to throw the hook upstream and downstream. Your drag should be set tight, or you can be spooled. This happed to Pat, and she was freaking out. Luckly the weakest link is the leader and knots for your flies. If you break off wind all that backing and fly line up and re rig. Then get back to swinging those flies. Good, polarized sunglasses are a good deal making sure you see fish to make sure you are swinging in the correct zone. Murky water is not your friend from boat wash as boats are going buy but those fish are still there and still moving upstream to complete their life cycle. I know this doesn't sound appealing to some of you catching this way, but it works, and you have one great fight to land them, fine eating I will add. We fished until ten thirty PM. That night we cleaned fish, ate a meal, took showers and went to bed at midnight! Pictures from that first night. Everyone caught fish but that first trip all we got picture wise was Pat and I. Too busy fishing than taking photos. Some pictures from inside the lodge, Some reading material. Sockeye Salmon Species Profile, Alaska Department of Fish and Game More to come fingers resting!

You got that right!

Three weeks ago, Pat and I had no idea what a true blessing would be dropped on us. We got a text from the new lodge manager Duane Doty from the Seasons on the fly lodge on the Kvichak "Kwee-jak" River in Alaska. We talked about his new job and duties while there. He mentioned that Pat and I should come up while there were openings His Brother Dave and Mike Riffel were going to be there also. I was at a loss of words, and I normally have plenty of things to say as some of you on here know. More texting followed and soon the phone begins to ring, and it was Duane. Let's talk I'm tired of texting. I put the phone on speaker so Pat could listen. Duane gave us the deal of what to expect and pricing. I at first said no maybe next year and Pat started poking me saying we can make this happen, we can do it. I told Duane we would call back in a bit. Off the phone I got the riot act from Pat. You know we are not getting any younger and what happens if we put this on hold and something happens, we will be mad we did not take advantage of this deal Bla, Bla, Bla-Bla. She ran some numbers, and we called for flight costs round trip from here to Anchorage Then the flight to the village airport in Igiugig "ig-ee-AH-gig" where Duane would be picking us up in a boat for the three-mile trip to the lodge. Pat made this sound very feasible. I reminded her there will be so many extra expenses, so we need to be ready for that. That set her off and very loudly she said WE CAN DO THIS! I called Duane back and said we are a go. Whoop, whoop we are going to live a dream. It like many other trips were just a dream because of pricing but this do-it-yourself trip can happen you just have to make it happen. A group text began to form of Duane, Brother Dave, Mike Riffel and myself and Pat of course had the numbers and got in the middle of things. On our end we decided to fly United out of Springfield to Chicago with a three-hour layover, then onto Anchorage for one night and next morning meeting Dave and Mike at Lake and Pen air for the flight to Igiugig. We have never met Mike and Dave but have heard of them and after all the texting I began to feel like I actually knew them. The morning, we met Mike and Dave that sealed that deal and it was then I knew this trip was going to be a hoot! All of our luggage was weighed and loaded on the plane. Then we loaded on the plane with some other people and off we went. Three other stops to drop off people and gear while picking up others. Finally, we were landing at Igiugig. Pictures of the trip first from United, Then Mike and Dave on the Lake and Pen flight, Pat and I, 1000000995.mp4 Getting ready to land in Igiugig Note this Village is at the end of lake Iliamna where the Kvichak begins. Small village of approximately 65 people. Igiugig, Alaska - Wikipedia Read about it people very interesting. Wheels on the ground and taxied up to the airport building, community center, official building and more. Duane was waiting and we pitched our gear and luggage into the vehicle for the ride down the hill to the boat ramp and waiting boat. We looked like a barge heading to the lodge as all of us but Duane had wide eyes taking this all in. Lodge in sight this would be our home away from home for a few days, Right off the bat we took our gear on the porch and Duane told us there was a group leaving and we were going to help them pull their nets out of the water. This group was sustenance netters from Wasilla after sockeye. Duane said Dave and Marty you are going to help as well as on of the party. Cool Beans! Duane on the motor we went to the net, directions were given on how Dave and I would be removing the sockeye from the net and putting into the box. Gill net and you will actually get the fish untangled and push them through the net and not lose them. Much easier than I thought it would be. After that we pull the float and anchor Steak on the shore and gather the net not tangling it and gently lay it into the boat. Back to the dock we took it out and laid the net out to dry. Later we packed it up and a couple more nets to store for the next year. I know you all want to go fishing and see fish pictures but not tonight. Typing fingers cramping.

Exactly what we like about most Western states. Been many places with more than ample fish with no other fisherman. Think end of the road access.

Me too!

They awesome on periodical cicada's and flushing up big yellow grasshoppers though.

Not me I don't even know how to spell instragram.