Naknek - Alaska, Bead Options

[LB DRY FLY]

I am going to the Naknek in Alaska in early September. I have followed the many posts on here and have talked to many of you. I think I am in good shape except for beads. I want to go ahead and get my beads. My question is .... for that time of year any recommendations on bead color? Approximately how many will I need for a week and in what sizes?

Any recommendation is appreciated. I understand that one source is troutbeads.com and the mottled colors seem to be a preference. Maybe some of the local flyshops carry them also..not sure.

thanks.

[DoveTail]

The guy at TroutBeads.com indicated (maybe a sales tactic) that sizes are important and the fish can lock in on a particular size and/or color. With that in mind, he indicated the guides carry a LOT of different beads (that helps the sales having a lot of beads). It is true that size and/or color can make a difference on scuds or any other fly.

Some of the reports I have read indicate some people were not getting many hits on one particular size, they changed up and started getting fish.

[Phil Lilley]

Get 6 and 8mm in mottled colors. I'll have Jim come on and give you the exact colors you should get.

[LB DRY FLY]

I didn't realize that Jim was on here. I spoke with him and got his information. Before I placed my order, I was just searching for any personal favorites that were succesful.

Current order is for Tangerine, Orange Clear, and Natural Roe. Then maybe a pink color. That covers a good range.

Do I need more than 1 bag of any color?

[Phil Lilley]

I'd get 2 each. But only of the 6mm.

I'd also get Orange Pearl and Sun Orange.

There's a bright light orange- kind of a sherbert color we used last year that was hot but I don't recognize the color on the site. It could be one of the ones I just mentioned.

You'll be using beads 95% of the time- may be all the time- so you can't have too many beads. The guides will have extras and Jim should have some for sale at the lodge in case you run out but for peace of mind, spend alittle extra to have enough.

You have leadmaster plyers and lead? I sell them if you don't.

[LB DRY FLY]

I don't have the plyers. I will stop by.

Do you still carry the Climax Zip Line?

[Phil Lilley]

Yes. That's the best and CHEAPEST line you can get for shooting line. I have plenty.

[pmriverguide]

I am going to the Naknek in Alaska in early September. I have followed the many posts on here and have talked to many of you. I think I am in good shape except for beads. I want to go ahead and get my beads. My question is .... for that time of year any recommendations on bead color? Approximately how many will I need for a week and in what sizes?

Any recommendation is appreciated. I understand that one source is troutbeads.com and the mottled colors seem to be a preference. Maybe some of the local flyshops carry them also..not sure.

thanks.

The best colors are the mottled shades of orange. I like tangerine, orange clear and one of the roe's. Size is critical as well. You need to "match the hatch". Sockeye eggs are small (5mm or 6mm) as are most silver eggs. The king eggs are larger, with 8mm, 10mm and even an occasional 12mm being the ticket.

The best beads are hand painted, but that is time consuming work. The mottled beads that troutbeads sell makes a great second choice.

Jim Johnson