“Just cast about 25 feet out, mend upstream and let it swing. Twitch it every now and then, but not like you would if you were fly fishing back home.” That was the only advice my father and I needed as we finally experienced what it was like to fly fish in Alaska. Wook-Tikchik Park, or more appropriately the Agulwok, Agulopak and Nushagak rivers provided the setting for our battle with Arcic Char, Grayling, Rainbow Trout, Sockeye and king salmon.The advice rang true 3 casts later. Just as my articulated leech pattern swung upward off the river bottom, the distinct “thump” put me into action and the fly line went taught. Two good runs and ten minutes later, I held the first of many Arctic Char that would make our first fly fishing trip to Alaska a complete success. While we would later encounter many Rainbows, Grayling and countless Salmon, those first Arctic Char will always serve as my own introduction to Alaska fly fishing and the very reason why I desperately want to go back.
Glad to read your story and see some pics from Wook-Tikchik. Many moons ago I spent 7 summers on those waters, the pak, wok and nush as well as many others. I too dream of going back. One of these days.
great trip and great fish tale … i bet you spent many of days and nights and years thinking about that fish .. musta been great when you finally locked horns with one … great looking fish.. well done.
Amazing fish! and great photos. Terrific trip hope to see more of your fish and stories as your fly fishing adventures continue.
Great job, glad you had fun, especially with the artic char. Lots of local people get spoiled up here and often over look or even critisize the artic char or there sea run counterparts dolly varden because they are to concerned with salmon or giant rainbows. I’m glad to say i am not one and frequently target the aggressive char that with the right tackle are great gamefish.