New guy to Naknek

[bearcat68]

Hello, I'm a native Kansan who is heading to AK the last week in June to Jim Johnson's property. We found this through Lilley's Landing. Will be the first big trip for my 37 yr old son and I. I would appreciate any wisdom anyone would care to pass on, really enjoy the site, Thanks! bearcat68

[Kansas Fly Fisher]

Bearcat, don't have much to help but I'm also going up on June 23 to the 30th. Are you fly fishing or spinning?

John

[bearcat68]

We are going to be there the same week that you are. Really looking forward to it, have'nt counted the days like this since the military. We fly out of KC at 08:30 on Continental on the 22nd, fly to Naknek early Saturday morning.

We are taking 7 wt, medium spin and md heavy baitcasters. Lookin fwd to meeting you, Jim.

[Kansas Fly Fisher]

I know what you mean. I havent' been this excited since I was a kid and it was Christmas time. Prior Navy myself, what branch were you with? I'm leaving KC the afternoon of the 22nd and getting into Anchorage in the early AM of the 23rd. Figured I catch some Z's in teh terminal before flying on to King Salmon. I'm taking only fly rods with me. We'll see ya there and have a safe flight.

John

[jdmidwest]

KFF, you might want to pack a spinning rod and reel just in case, medium heavy with 12 to 25 lb. mono depending on the fish. You did not mention a target species of fish. If you are keying in on a red or a king in a run on a popular stream, you may encounter a crowd similar to Montauk on an opening weekend. They define the sport of combat fishing up there in the heat of a run, locals and tourists next to each other. Most salmon will not feed after getting into fresh water. If you are fishing a red run or kings, it will almost be like snagging them. Silvers are the only ones that will strike after they hit the river. The guys standing shoulder to shoulder with you will not let you fight one very long on a fly rod. You will need a spin rod to get them in quick.

If you are targeting rainbows, dollies, or grayling and have a little private access to a stream, the fly rod will be all you need. I fished the fly rod exclusively while up there last time, but it was Sept. and all the crowds were gone.

[bearcat68]

John, Army. Safe journey to you as well. jd, If it as tough as you say, my little boy will throw'em inna crick. He purely Hates crowds...

[jdmidwest]

Back in 96 during a red run on the Russian River, a friend of mine spoke with a lady on the bank next to him in the crowd. She was from OK and stated there was only one other place like it she had been, Montauk on opening day! Of course the scenery is better and the fish are bigger.

Naknek is a little more remote so that will help. Kenai and Susitana fisheries get the most attention.

[bearcat68]

I am only familiar with Bennet and RR. Took my son to opening at RR, this was before the "improvements", around 1986. We are rural folks and had not been exposed to such things. Culture shock, thats what it was! It was also about 22 degrees, causing line and tiptop to become one unit.

I am morally certain that NRK won't be anything like that. Opening Day in MO is something like Asia...I wouldn't do it again, but the experience certainly builds character.

Grins, Jim.

[WebFreeman]

Bearcat and KFF, we expect very detailed reports and a whole lot of pix when you guys get back.

[Terry Beeson]

Nobody goes to Opening Day at Bennett or Roaring River... it's too crowded!!!

(Thanks Yogi Berra...)