Unique Alaskan Opportunity

[KATroutman13]

Oh wow! If I had a job lined up after graduation, I'd be asking for that time off already. That is an amazing deal. We did an Alaskan roadtrip in 2003, just two of us. In a month we spent about $3000 total, but that's when $2.00 gas blew our minds and we were sleeping in the back of a suburban! I was able to hook a couple of 20 inchers and those fish were incredibly impressive. I can't imagine a 30 inch fish. We've both said when we go back, we are targeting rainbows.

For anyone who has not been to Alaska, this is an incredible opportunity. I don't even know these guys, so I'd do my research before dropping the loot, but considering this is an "out of prime" and non-salmon trip, this probably is an "extend the season" type of offer and a very good one at that. Like I said, if I had the money or at least knew I was going to be able to have the money my deposit would be on the way. All I can say is WOW!

[watermen]

Phil,

as you know We target reds out in the bay. In order to protect the qvijak and it's red runs to the lake, we have been limitted where we can fish.Hence the in river fishing in the Naknek I deplore and hate to put it to you mildly. The Naknek river itself has an inseason escapement goal of 565,00 to 840,000 fish escapement of reds. This comes from msy{maximum sustained yield} numbers that date back to before 1900. Last year there were 3,000,000 million reds that went up the Naknek to spawn. If you remember salmon biology you know the lakes need these fish to die and provide nutrients from the ocean to the freshwater systems. Too many however, can create Phosphporous overload of the lake and the subsequent algae blooms and lack of oxygen over the winter adversely affects other salmon species as well as the the trout and dollies that feed on them. The biologists that manage the fishery are recognized all over the world for their management of these fragile systems. They balance market influence unsure run timing commercial and sport fish interests, as well as the fish themselves,which is a great challenge in itself. Just talked to 3 guys in ak last night and the mine is becoming a bigger issue instate. 600 billion dollars worth of metal in the ground and the fish take a back seat. The only reason Ak still has the runs it does is because of lower population pressures. It' the only place left in the world where these runs still occur in the magnitude they do. Anyway enough philosophizing. Slim Morestad {a crazed sport fisherman} and paul salmon {salmone--Pron} are the area biologists in the King salmon office and are worth a talk to and really nice guys when not in the middle of managing a fishing season,ie oct or sept. Dick Russell is the retired area head and he lives right behind the diamond

[Phil Lilley]

I heard last year Bristol Bay has 9 mil sockeye. Normal is 4 mil? Is that a correct figure? Is that the whole bay or only Naknek? Is there a website where you can find this info?

I didn't think they could stop the mine... way too big of a find.

[watermen]

I heard last year Bristol Bay has 9 mil sockeye. Normal is 4 mil? Is that a correct figure? Is that the whole bay or only Naknek? Is there a website where you can find this info?

I didn't think they could stop the mine... way too big of a find.

Last years red run was 44 million fish baywide with a harvest of 31 million fish. Naknek itself was 9 million with 3.3 up the river and target of around 1 million. State has a good site at ak.dept.fishandgame.gov.or just google bristol bay salmon. Either way you'll get there. Ugashik my favorite place to spend the summer had 3 up the river as well with mid range goal of 720,000. Pm'd you with cell # in the bay. Just love those bb cellular rates. And my 6 watt bag phone that weighs 10lbs. Believe it or not you can still buy them at the store in KS.Sent some to some farmer friends of mine in ND last year so they could communicate from the tractor. Wonders of king salmon never cease. Hope things are stabilizing after water hit you looks like the pattern has swung, Huge high in the central gulf right now that has put temps in the 50's over much of sw ak. Spring is on it's way up there may not have to take my winter coat this wknd.

[LB DRY FLY]

Phil,

How much better is the rainbow fishing in October than early September? I realize the crowds would be less and you said that the salmon are gone. Does this play into the better fishing with less food? Just wondering if as I have some scheduling conflicts with trying to go in October and was wondering about the differences in the time period. Sounds like a great trip.

thanks.

[Phil Lilley]

There's still plenty of food... it just changes from eggs to flesh. There's still leeches and smolt but flesh would be the #1 food flowing in the river. And they love flesh!!

September is good... but the camp is booked solid. Need to look at '09 to schedule a September trip and I'm serious when I say- you should book NOW. You can book without a deposit now and decide Jan '09 if you still want to go or can go. That goes for any dates next year. Alot of weeks are already taken.

[LB DRY FLY]

Thanks for the info. It looks like they are also offering an October trip in 2009. You are correct on the availability....popular camp.