ALASKA SALMON
Aside from bears, no animal represents Alaska better than the salmon. Numbering in the millions, Alaska’s salmon—from birth to death and beyond—feed not only the bears and birds and trout. They feed the forests and the taiga, the broad coastal plains and high mountain lakes. In more ways than we can count, they feed the world. The best part is they feed us as well—not only our bellies, but our souls. They scratch that itch that can only be scratched by big, bright, ocean-going fish born in the shadows of mountains. It doesn’t get much more Alaska than that. Learn more about some of our favorite setups for targeting a variety of Pacific Salmon species in Alaska.
R8 CORE
When conditions allow, a rod that loads easier and deeper into the blank is going to give anglers a more efficient delivery of the fly and help save fatigue when blind casting on repetition is the name of the game. The R8 CORE provides easy to access power that will excel in a wide variety of salmon situations while also providing the durability needed to effectively pull on these hard-fighting ocean-goers.
Suited to anglers looking for a versatile salmon rod that will deliver flies to their target with accuracy and ease.
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High line speeds accessed through a deeper load offer maximum forgiveness without sacrificing performance.
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Stripping streamers for Coho, Pinks, Sockeye, or Chum.
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IGNITER
When wind kicks up or wind-resistant flies like large gurglers are the ticket, an ultra-fast rod like the IGNITER is going to help capture as much line speed as possible to effectively turn those flies and leaders over to their target. This rod will require a bit more effort to access its power, but for those with a strong double haul and looking for a rod that removes these variables, it's a perfect tool for Alaska Salmon.
Suited to anglers with a very capable double haul looking for a rod that will go the distance no matter the conditions.
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Ultra-fast line speeds drive tight loops to cut through stiff winds and deliver wind-resistant streamers and poppers with ease.
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Windy conditions, large wind resistant flies, pounding the bank from a boat or firing long casts from the beach.
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SALMON SETUP HIGHLIGHTS
SILVER SALMON
Probably the greatest thing about silver salmon is that they are the least salmon-like of any of their anadromous cousins we might come across in Alaska. Toss a fly over a school of migrating silvers—preferably of the pink popping variety—and get ready to watch a dozen fish fight over a hunk of foam like bridesmaids leaping for a bouquet. There’s nothing subtle about it, and that is exactly the point. Due to the nature of this exciting fishery, we prefer a rod with plenty of power to turn over our favorite surface bugs even in the windiest conditions.
Rod: IGNITER 890-4
Reel: TROUT 6/7/8
Lines: RIO Elite Grand WF8F
Flies: Large gurglers, clousers, and poppers. RIO's Hare Snare, RIO's Grab n' Run.
Fisheries: Rivers and lake inlets/outlets throughout Alaska.
SOCKEYE SALMON
There are plenty of reasons to fish for sockeye. A day fishing for sockeye is an opportunity to partake in an integral part of Alaska. Sockeye are the fuel that keeps the engine running—from the purse seiners to the tribal fishers, from the fishing lodges to the set netters on beaches of Bristol Bay. But beyond the straightforward fun and gastric delights, they fight harder than most summer steelhead you’ll find. They will push gear to the limits, and a rod setup that will stand up to the day in day out abuse of Sockeye is key to success.
Rod: R8 CORE 990-4
Reel: SPECTRUM LT 9/10
Lines: RIO Premier Grand WF9F
Flies: Clousers, bucktail flies.
Fisheries: Lake-fed rivers and streams throughout Alaska.
