ALASKA FLY FISHING - Two of the best kept secrets unveiled!
Using flies to catch chinook (kings), chum (dogs), coho (silvers), sockeye (reds), or pink (humpies) salmon can be very effective. Similarly, flies can be excellent choices to catch rainbow trout, arctic char, and grayling.
While there are almost unlimited choices of fly patterns to use while fishing in Alaska - the two flies illustrated below are the two most effective we have ever used. We would not go on a fishing excursion in Alaska without having the materials to tie these flies. If you tie flies, you could easily tie these patterns in advance, but we prefer the quick field tie method.
The Small Black Ant Pattern
Black Ant - We tie this pattern on a size 4 Gamakatsu octupus hook by tying black yarn right into an egg loop knot. We leave a small amount of yarn at the head and tail and the body is tied under the knot.
This pattern is particulary effective for king salmon. Using 12 to 15 lb fluorocarbon leader to tie the fly, we have landed king salmon exceeding 50 pounds. Amazingly, it is very rare for this hook to straighten on fair hooked kings. Small black streamers tied on size 6 hooks also work well. The black ant tied on a size 4 hook is equally effective to catch chum salmon. For sockeye, we typically prefer a brighter color - usually hot pink yarn.
The Orange Egg Imitation Pattern
Orange Egg Imitation - We also quick field tie this fly on a size 4 Gamakatsu octopus hook by tying orange yarn right into an egg loop knot. We use thicker yarn and leave a heavier head and tail to imitate the egg pattern.
Once again, if limited to only two fly patterns on a trip to Alaska - these are the ones we would not go without. Big, bright, flashy, streamers can work well at times, as can purple death, and the traditional egg sucking leech.
In all seriousness - do not fish Alaska without these flies. You will catch more fish on these two patterns than any other!
If you are a serious fly fisherman, you will know how to tie these flies and use the appropriate technique to weight the pattern to get it down to the fish.
If you are a traditional drift gear fisherman, do not hesitate to use this pattern... Tie the fly into an egg loop knot using 12-15 lb fluorocarbon leader, approximately 30 plus inches in length, and use small, round, trout split shop spaced 12 to 15 inches apart to get the fly down to the fish while maintaining a natural drift. If the current is swift, traditional pencil lead on a snap swivel 30" back from the fly works well.
