It was a cool day early in May. We were fishing about a mile below the Sterling Highway Bridge. Fishing with a barbless hook, Lars allowed his first steelhead of the day to escape. Lars called it catch and release, but Ken Robertson, the guide, muttered something about, “LDR. Long distance release.” Lars’ second strike …
In the spring of ’58, on Twenty-Mile Creek along Turnagain Arm, our family first found hooligan. Hooligan fishing was also my first Alaska outing with a resident fishing license in my pocket. I wish I’d kept it. It was the only one I received from the Territory of Alaska since the following year, Alaska was …
Jesse learned to cast before he could walk. My first recollection of fishing with him is of me standing in hip waders in Ott Lake with Jesse sitting on my shoulders. We were fishing for grayling. He would cast off our right side, and I would cast to the left. More often than not, we …
The 14-year-old boy approached the bank of Pelican Creek with caution. Standing on tiptoes, he was able to see over the edge to the water. The water was clear and coming over his shoulder; the sun penetrated the surface, exposing the largest trout the boy had ever seen. With his heart pounding in his chest …
On the Homer Spit, I witnessed a group of inexperienced and uninformed anglers fishing in the Fishing Hole. They threw the correct lure and used the proper technique for several discouraging hours. They knew the kings were there. They could see them jump, and occasionally someone would snag one and have it on for a …
My first fishing outing was up Oak Creek Canyon with Uncle Ivan on opening day of trout season. The fishing equipment consisted of a 10-foot cane pole with electric tape wrapped around the butt to form a makeshift handle. Attached to the pole was a line with a small loop tied on the free end. …
One of the reasons I consented to fish the Goodnews River with Mike Gorton was his tantalizing tales of taking sockeye salmon on a deer hair mouse fly. Most anglers agree that reds are finicky feeders when in fresh water. However, many anglers simply state, “reds never bite.” Then comes Mike Gorton, owner of Goodnews …
The Aleutian Islands are hauntingly beautiful and uncommonly picturesque. Yet, the Aleutians are a different world. A thick, emerald-green blanket covers the surrounding mountains and hills. Wildflowers are abundant. Visitors are entertained by bald eagles soaring overhead and sea otters playing in the bay. Although all of the above is true, the Aleutians are also …
“Manufactures make their lures for fisherman, not fish,” the clerk commented as my fishing buddy, loaded with a zillion kinds and colors, headed for the checkout counter. I had just met Rick, a first-time Alaska angler. He had saved his money for several years and was beginning his once-in-a-lifetime trip to Alaska. We came together …
Two records were at stake: one to break, one to preserve. Andy thought Lars’ record of never being skunked on a fishing trip showed he hadn’t ever fished the shoulder season but only fished at the height of the runs. Whatever the case, Lars Swensen would do his best to protect the guide’s integrity and …