Naknek River Camp Report

[Ted Calcaterra]

I returned last week from Naknek River Camp. The scenery and fishing was great. Saw well over a hundred bears and numerous eagles, wolves, and other wildlife. Most of the bears were concentrated in Brooks at Katami National Park. The rangers estimated over 70 bears per mile below the falls. The reason I don't have many pictures of big rainbows is because the bears would get all excited if we held the fish out of water too long for a quick picture. I had to break off more big rainbows than I care to admit. Probably didn't half too but a rookie like me would get weak in the knees. The way to describe it would be fishing the brood stock pool at Meramec springs and it being guarded by bears. What an awesome experience. Their is a reason why Brooks is world famous.

Caught grayling in Idavain Creek. Nailed them on any big bushy dry fly including mice. They are a beautiful fish and if flyfishers could design a fish to pursue, many traits of the grayling would be included. They rise easily to dry flies.

Caught the tail end of the sockeye run. These fish were fresh out of the ocean and are unbelievable fighters. An eight pound fish would consistanly take us into our backing and I had many breakoffs on 2X tippet. Fishing moving fish is better than holding fish because you get more fair hookups. You do accidently full hook a few of these brutes. Ended up bring home about 22 pounds of sockeye for the freezer. All you really need to catch these fish are wolly buggers and teeny nymphs. I learned you don't have to over complicated things.

King fished really only one day. Caught a 30lb fished on about my fifth cast in Big Creek. My first fish for my new 10wt Sage Xi2. Not too shabby. Proceed to catch other smaller kings and my partner Brian caught and released a 30lb fish as well. He actually hooked about a 45lb fish later in the week on this 8wt but couldn't turn it. Powerful fish.

Finally the rainbows. The Naknek was voted one of Alaska's best rainbow fisheries. This river is big water. The fish were on smolts and spread out. They were hard to catch with a fly rod but we did catch some. You would see them busting the surface like white bass. Spin fisherman would have better luck because they can cast farther and quicker. In about 2 weeks when they are concentrated below sockeyes, I think they would be easier to target on this river. The next time I go back will be later on in the year when the rainbows are on eggs. In the creeks and tributaries that feed the Naknek, I threw mice. If you ever saw a +20" fish choke a mouse down, you know what I mean. Unbelivably cool. I am willing to put some hard time on our home waters to see if I can't get this to work.

In summary, Alaska is big, wild, and awesome. I would say it is North America's answer to Africa. I recommend Naknek River Camp to anyone. It allows people to experience Alaska and not break the bank. Our hosts were very nice and helpful. The accomodations were everything you would expect from a fish camp. A clean, nice warm place to sleep and store your gear. The food was good and plentiful. I never went hungry the whole trip and people who know me, know I like to eat. If you are passionate about flyfishing, spend a week at Naknek River Camp. I will be back soon.

[Kansas Fly Fisher]

Sounds like you had a good time Ted. Glad to hear it!

John

[flyfshn]

Nice.....how about posting some pics!! If was hard to see on your phone on Thursday night!!

[Phil Lilley]

Here are some images Ted sent to me...

Got an email from Jim. He said the silvers were running strong thru the Naknek and they were starting to hook them regularly.

Also talked to some other lodge owners about the king run this year. Said it was one of the poorest runs in recent memory.