Alaskan Dreams

[Bill Babler]

The translucent fog hung at eye level over the swirling black/grey water. The fog’s misty fingers danced at the top of the wolf willows, their leaves already fringing in yellow, as their sugary blood retreated to its winter home deep in the Alaskan Tundra.

Cold salt wind from the Cape pushed inland causing me to wiggle deeper into the pillow soft fleece jacket as I marveled at the splendor being painted before me on the banks of the mighty Naknek River.

My tranquility was short lived, as I was harkened back to reality, with the “slap, slap” of a beavers tail, resenting my presence on his river.

It was time to fulfill the dreams that had sent me to this far off location. The custom made 7wt that had been tucked under my arm was brought into view. Its bright orange zip-line was attached to a short 6 ft. leader of 20 pound hold-em at all cost Big Game Line, 2 ft. of 15 pound fluorocarbon, trailed the pencil lead weight, and attached to the food of life for the Naknek Rainbows. The egg imitator at its best. The Bead.

Casting shooting line with pencil lead, will not win you favorable reviews from Joan Wolfe, however, this “Chuck and Duck” presentation is what is on the menu for the monsters lurking in these deep swirling waters.

‘High Stickin’ this presentation on the undulating bottom of the Naknek, is the best way to get thunderous strikes in September. On my third throw, “I did not say cast or presentation”, the rods vibration as the weight ticked the bottom stopped. The hook set was not a jerk or a snap, but a forceful lift.

As the tiny size 6 shrimp hook penetrated cold flesh, the electricity jolted thru the rod. The pressure on the bowed fly rod was fierce as 60 feet of line screamed smoothly off the large arbor reel. The fighting butt of the rod, dug into my ribcage. I knew it would be bruised, but these are hard won battle scars. Don’t go home without them.

As if a moment pausing in time, the line went slack, and the silver, crimson cheeked torpedo, completely cleared the surface in a spectacular Arial display. Keeping, my wits about me, I gained as much slack line as possible. No sooner had this been done than 60 more feet of line screamed off the already warm to the touch reel.

The great fish made what may be considered another jump I call it water gymnastics, a complete cartwheel. With a huge splat he crashed back into the water, spray shooting 6 ft. into the air. Any judge would have given the warrior a score of 10.

Begrudgingly at first, and mind you never like a dog on a leash, the 34 inch 15 pound chrome and crimson Naknek giant came to heel. As my fingers touched the bright hard side of the fish, emotions flooded over me in that familiar shiver that runs the entire length of your body. This is not what dreams are made of. This is the dream. This is the place where dreams come true. This is Alaska.

If you have this dream, Phil and I would love for you to join us this September in Magnificent Alaska, We are here for but a blink of time, we hope you don’t miss it.

[Danoinark]

Excellent. For a bit I thought I was reading Hemingway. You did a great job of painting that picture Bill.

Dano

[Kansas Fly Fisher]

Excellent read! Only wish circumstances would allow me the opportunity to make it back this year. Alas, not so. I can only dream of next year. But a good dream it is.

John

[whiteriverinnmoose]

Ah Bill ,

I am at 27 days and counting . Its like Christmas in August except better .I've been painting beads ,spooling new line , buying new rods and reels etc.. When are you and Phil coming in Sept. ? Ill be there between the fifth and the twentieth of Sept. Maybe we will get to take each others pictures holding 34 inch 15 lb. rainbows , just like your story .Only one small change ,I don't want mine to jump alot .You know , the whole hook throwing,line breaking thing . I hope to see you there!

Moose

Chuckin and Duckin: now thats what I'm talkin about!!!!

[denjac]

Bill, you should write those steamy adult novels, like my Grandmother would read and then tear out each page as she read it as it was too dirty for anybody else to read! Wish I could go sounds like a blast! Aways next year. Be careful and dont end up being bear poop, bet they are really hungry that time of year.