Drifting-admin, Author at Drifting On The Fly

Fly out fishing

Posted on June 29, 2012 by Drifting-admin

Booking a fly out fishing trip can have its ups and downs! Yesterday I was supposed to fly out from anchorage with a buddy to do some rainbow trout fishing on a remote stream. As it often happens in Alaska the weather shut us down. We never got off the ground. It’s disappointing but the reality is that good decisions before you leave just might keep you out of a bad situation. I enjoy taking people into the back country but sometimes even on a personal trip we have to back out. When booking your fly out fishing trip with us please understand that the weather controls 95% of our ability to get out. It’s a lot of fun when we do and if you are interested in an exciting day of salmon, rainbow trout, cutthroat or steelhead fishing in the back country give us a cal at 907-382-6808.

A picture of Kimberly ready for take off on a back country trip last year, Kim has had the opportunity to fly out on the Kenai peninsula, western Alaska, South east Alaska, Prince William sound, and on kodiak island. tight lines, Scott Sager www.driftingonthefly.com 907-382-6808

backcountry fishing

Posted on June 28, 2012 by Drifting-admin

I have the day off today and am heading out with a buddy on a back country fishing trip for rainbow trout today. A short 30 minute flight out of anchorage and you can be in some great remote trout waters. I’ll give a report and a few pictures later on how it was!

This picture of our camp was taken along the Sag river near dead horse Alaska. Arctic char and grayling can be found here in good numbers when the water is flowing. When traveling north to fish make sure you have your timing right. There are many factors into getting the most out of your backcountry fishing trip. Weather, time, money, timing, and so on. Research your trip before talking to a guide service so that you have some knowledge of the timing of the runs and average weather condition for when you would like to go. For instance king salmon season closes on the night of the July 31st on the Kenai river but in a lot of the systems king salmon season closes much earlier than July 31st? This might help with the timing of your vacation if you really want to fish for king salmon.

Kasilof river

Posted on June 27, 2012 by Drifting-admin

The Kasilof river has many fishing and wildlife viewing opportunities! Here is a picture of a bull moose grazing at the kasilof river boat launch this morning!

There is a lot of opportunity in Alaska to see wildlife. If you are on the highway or on the river or at your place of lodging keep in mind that it is “wildlife” and give them some space. To many time we see people running up to get a better picture or worse just stopping in the middle of the highway to get that snap shot. Be sure to pull off the road in a safe place and give wildlife plenty of room.

Wildlife along the Kasilof river is abundant and the opportunity to see a moose crossing the river or standing beside the boat launch is very high. Along with taking fishing trip for king salmon, silver salmon or steel head on the Kasilof river the photography possibilities are there as too. If the Kasilof river sounds like a place you would like to fish give us a call at 907-382-6808 or contact us here on the site.

Sockeye salmon fishing the Russian river

Posted on June 25, 2012 by Drifting-admin

Sockeye salmon fishing the Russian river is in full swing. The world famous Russian river is a beautiful place to check out and have a chance at a salmon or rainbow trout. Be prepared to have an encounter with a bear or two as well. On just a 30 minute hike this afternoon I encountered a small brown bear and her two cubs. Though i personally have never had a bad experience with a bear i always try to have some pepper spray with me just in case! You can pick some up at Wilderness way in Soldotna Alaska.

It’s very important to be familiar with the rules and regulations so that we can protect this valuable resource. Many times there will be posted signs like this one along the stream but do not rely on this. Carrying a set of Alaska state fishing regulations with you is very important.

When bears are around on the river quit fishing and give them some space. This will ensure that we do not teach them any bad habits or associations with humans that they will remember the rest of their lives. This alone is a great reason to hire a guide for your time on unfamiliar waters.

Kenai river rainbow trout fishing

Posted on June 25, 2012 by Drifting-admin

A float plane passing over while we were chasing kenai river rainbow trout yesterday. Days on the Kenai river rainbow trout fishing seem to go by so fast but scenes like this one will last a lifetime in ones mind. Kenai river Rainbow trout fishing was good In The morning and tapered off by the afternoon. Bright sunny days seem to do this to any species of fish everywhere. Flesh flies and streamers seamed to be the best fly selections. Today dead drifting size 6 black wooly boogers seamed to be the ticket.

Kenai river rainbow trout fishing can be intimidating because of the size of the river. When ever I approach a large body of water the first thing that comes to mind is to look at it like a smaller stream. Breaking down the runs and paying attention to the depth of the river where you are getting bites in. This might help in not getting overwhelmed by the sheer size of the system and when you find fish don’t leave fish. If you would like a guided trip for rainbow trout or salmon feel free to give us a call at 907-382-6808 anytime or contact us through the site!

Kenai river rainbow trout fishing

Posted on June 23, 2012 by Drifting-admin

Enjoying a day on the Kenai river rainbow trout fishing. A couple friends enjoying the sun while cruising back up to the top of the run in their drift boat. In the really deep runs fishing a float rod will allow you to be on the bottom at any depth, This method of fishing is also helpful in getting your drift away from the boat in clear water.

There are many different ways to pursue kenai river rainbow trout and we try to accommodate all anglers with their preferred way to fish. I like to make sure that every angler has the opportunity to put a fly rod in their hands if they are willing though. Kenai river rainbow trout fishing is unique in the way that the perfect cast is not necessary but the perfect drift is and we pride ourselves on good communication and teaching you how to make a drift to catch a fish. Choose a day on the drift boat or power boat to go on the Kenai river rainbow trout fishing and you will have a great day on the water. Let us know which you would prefer and the technique that best suites you and we will get you lined up. Tight lines,Scott Sager

Kasilof king salmon fishing

Posted on June 21, 2012 by Drifting-admin

Spending the day with a great group on the kasilof river. After Kasilof king salmon fishing today I’ll be enjoying a fresh king salmon on the BBQ to bring in the summer solstice right! Have fun and be safe.

The kasilof river is a drift boat only fishery for king salmon so the option to go back to the boat launch doesn’t exist until the end of the fishing day. Here are a few things that you will need to make sure you have for a Kasilof king salmon fishing trip: -rain gear, pants and jacket, we have rain gear available if you let us know at the boat launch – king salmon stamp – valid alaska fishing license -packed lunch, we will have coffee, water and snacks on the boat -extra clothing in case you get wet or cold remember we are rowing the river so keep your cooler (if you bring one) reasonable. I’ve seen 200 pound coolers before and it is like rowing with another person in the boat.

Kasilof river boat launch

Posted on June 19, 2012 by Drifting-admin

The kasilof River boat launch is where we will meet for a day of King salmon, Silver salmon or steel head fishing on the Kasilof river. Parking our drift boats at the kasilof river boat launch can be a tricky job during the busy season. Drift boat fishing is a relaxing, quiet and productive Way to pursue king salmon.

When arriving at the Kasilof river boat launch make sure you make your way to the river and find you guide as soon as your ready. I can get a little congested during the fishing season with limited room to park your boat. I will give you my drift boat number which is 607, the boat number is a very easy way to find the guide your looking for. Most guides at the Kasilof river boat launch are friendly and willing to help you find the boat that you are looking for. Fortunately the amount of boats at the Kasilof river boat launch is no wheres near as many as launching out of the kenai river so the search will not take to long to get into the right boat. Tight Lines and give us a call at 907-382-6808 to book your next Kasilof river king salmon trip

Fly fishing for salmon

Posted on June 18, 2012 by Drifting-admin

A couple pictures of some friends fly fishing for salmon in Alaska

Casting slightly up and across will give your fly time to sink a little before the swing. I find that on the when the fly just start to swing i get most of my takes. When fly fishing for salmon in stronger currents a heavy fly and or a sink tip is recommended but is not necessary in situations. I will choose which size of fly rod i will carry after I have chosen the size of flies that I will be using for the days fishing. All Salmon have strong mouths and some weight to them so when you set the hook make sure you set it like you mean it. For the most part you will have a strong enough leader for the fish you are pursuing and in glacier tinted waters you don’t have to worry so much about them being line shy. Beef it up and set it with authority.

Wading in glacial waters can be difficult because of visibility. A good rule is never wade more than knee deep while you are fishing. I find that this keeps me out of trouble with the deceiving currents and it also allows me to recover faster if I do go down.

Girdwood Alaska

Posted on June 17, 2012 by Drifting-admin

Girdwood is located 38 miles from anchorage, you will pass by Girdwood on you way to the Kenai peninsula if you are driving. This Tesoro station in Girdwood is the last place to get gas and a snack before your drive through Turnigan pass. The next place to get gas will be Moose pass which is 60.5 miles or Cooper landing which is 63.8 miles. Either way make sure you have a full tank of fuel before headed through the pass. Girdwood is best known for Alyeska ski resort. If you have time check out the double Muskie, this is a very good place to eat dinner on the way. I highly recommend it.

There is always something going on in Girdwood Alaska from skiing to music festivals, It’s on your way to the Kenai Peninsula and might be interesting for you to check out if you have time. There isn’t much fishing going on here but it is worth checking out if you have never been. If you are staying in Girdwood and are looking for a fishing trip you will only be a few hours from the Kenai river so don’t count that out of your trip. If you are traveling long distances to meet up with us we will take this into account and work with you on the scheduled start time. Give us a call and tight lines, Scott Sager