Fishing Report for 4/23/2006 - SE Alaska Steelhead

The transition from the sunny and warm tropics to the brisk spring weather of Southeast Alaska has been a wild and exciting change. Arriving in Sitka just two weeks ago we found the Adventurous looking great and after a week of preparation we departed on the first fishing adventure of the year. Fly fishing for Steelhead in remote Alaska streams, "Adventurous style" between Sitka and Petersburg was the itinerary of the first week.

See the slideshow online with MSN.

Joining Alaska Charter Service for the week was one of my oldest fishing partners, Dan "Rooster" Leavens of The Four Rivers Fishing Company in Twin Bridges, Montana. Rooster was joined by master fly fishing guide Tyler Barrus also from Twin Bridges and Pete Edgecombe of Marysville, WA. The team was rounded out with Captain Bobby Akers of California and Alaska Charter Services returning fly fishing expert Todd Weck.

The trip started on a great note landing a early season King Salmon and a good load of Alaska Spotted Prawns. Our first stop found us on the southern side of Chichagof Island fishing the rugged and beautiful Sitkoh Creek. We found the water flow perfect and the Sitkoh loaded with Dolly Varden, Cutthroat and Rainbow trout. Although the Steelhead were not thick in Sitkoh the guys managed to hook eighteen fish and land seven in two half days of fishing. Pete had a great day on the second day landing 5 Steelhead in two hours.

Fishing in rain, snow and at times, sun, over the next two fishing days the crew had the chance to see Southeast Alaska Steelhead fishing at its best. Fly fishing two other remote streams we hooked 80 fish and landed over 45 Steelhead on the fly. Combined with world class meals, crabbing, shrimping, great scenery and lots of laughs we were all sad to see the trip come to an end.

What a way to start the year! We have to thank the "Four Rivers" boys and the rest of the crew for a world class fly fishing Adventure.