// Why Choose a Remote Alaskan Adventure?
// Taming the Toothy Giants Flies for Pike
// The Mysterious Sheefish
Why Choose a Remote Alaskan Adventure?
By Dan Paull
When you picture Alaska, images of snow-capped mountains, vast oceans, and leaping salmon likely come to mind. While these iconic Alaskan experiences are readily available via the road system, that accessibility comes with potential drawbacks. Convenience and amenities are certainly a plus, but so are crowds. For some, the allure of Alaska lies in escaping the hustle and bustle, the traffic, and the throngs of tourists. Imagine fishing without combat fishing, or enjoying a meal without a wait. If you crave solitude and a truly immersive Alaskan experience, a remote adventure is the answer.
Alaskan Adventures offers precisely that. Your journey begins with a small plane flight from Anchorage, carrying only four guests and essential supplies to a remote location 237 miles west, deep in the Alaskan bush. This lodge is so remote that everything must be flown in. There are no roads, no cars, and, most importantly, no crowds. Seeing anyone other than your fellow eight guests is a rare occurrence.
This unparalleled remoteness translates to exclusive access to pristine wilderness. Imagine fishing with your guide, having the entire river to yourselves. No need to rush to the best spot – there’s no one else to compete with. The only "traffic" you might encounter is a moose or bear, a far more welcome interruption than throngs of tourists.
DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF REMOTE ALASKA
A remote adventure offers peace and quiet, allowing you to truly appreciate the calls of loons and the howls of wolves. It's a chance to reconnect with family and
At Alaskan Adventures, every detail is taken care of. A talented chef prepares delicious meals, turning dining into an art form. Expert guides ensure you're on the fish, not just fishing. They handle the boats, motors, and fuel, eliminating any stress. Comfortable cabins, complete with woodstoves and ample firewood, provide a cozy retreat after a day of explor-
In the end, a remote Alaskan adventure is an investment in an unforgettable experience. Why not maximize your trip by leaving the crowds behind and immersing yourself in the true Alaskan wilderness? Reconnect with nature, family, and friends at Alaskan Adventures, and discover the magic
Many fly fishermen find the prospect of targeting a new species, especially one as formidable as the Alaskan Pike, daunting. I often receive questions about fly selection, and guests are frequently surprised by the size of the flies we actually use. This article aims to demystify the process and alleviate some of that pre-trip anxiety.
One question I consistently get is whether mouse patterns are effective for Pike. My emphatic answer is always, "No!" This isn't about denying guests the thrill of the catch or dictating their fly choices. It's about minimizing harm to the fish. Large Pike, like the ones we target, have enormous mouths. A mouse pattern is likely to be inhaled deeply, often resulting in hooks lodged in the throat or other delicate areas, causing more damage than necessary. While I discourage mouse patterns, I encourage the use of baby beaver or even large rat imitations. Pike are opportunistic predators; if it looks alive and swallowable, they'll likely try to eat it.
Late spring and early summer offer prime Pike fishing. During this period, Pike are aggressively feeding, preparing for the season. High water from snowmelt fills the backwater sloughs, which warm up faster than the main river channel (sometimes by as much as 10 degrees). These warmer backwaters become Pike hotspots, and it's not uncommon to hook 40-60 fish a day. Remarkably, we frequently catch Pike with partially consumed fish – including various salmon species – still in their throats, demonstrating their relentless feeding drive.
This voracious appetite necessitates BIG flies. I'm talking up to 12 inches or even larger. My personal favorite is a large Dahlberg Diver variation with heavy eyes. This fly is typically fished in the top one to two feet of the water column. We often cast with a deliberate "slap" on the surface, mimicking a dinner bell for the Pike. They're attracted to the disturbance, not repelled by it. A series of hard, erratic strips makes the fly dance, with the heavy eyes creating a jigging motion and the deer hair pushing water to make the tail pulsate. This action draws Pike from depths of up to six feet.
On calm, sunny days, when the surface water warms, topwater action with poppers becomes irresistible. These poppers can also be 12 inches or more. Sure, we miss some fish due to the size of the fly, but this also helps us target larger individuals. The visual spectacle of a Pike exploding on a topwater fly is incredibly exciting. However, these ideal conditions are not always guaranteed. Some years offer ample topwater opportunities, while others provide only a few days. When it happens, it's truly unforgettable.
So, when asked about fly selection, my advice boils down to one word: BIG. And I mean BIG. Most commercially tied flies simply aren't large enough. I recommend flies tied on large 3/0 hooks, in the 10-12 inch range. Casting these behemoths requires specialized lines and a good double haul, but the rewards are well worth the effort. Whether fished on the surface or subsurface, the action can be explosive. Just thinking about those aggressive takes gets my adrenaline pumping. If you're a fly tier, tie BIG. And if you're heading to the lodge, be prepared for some serious Pike fishing! I know I am!
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The Mysterious Sheefish: A Giant of the Arctic's Freshwaters
Deep within the icy waters of Alaska and northwestern Canada lives a remarkable and relatively unknown fish: The Sheefish (Stenodus leucichthys).
Also called inconnu (French for "unknown"), this prehistoric-looking creature is the largest member of the whitefish family, a true giant of the Arctic.
Where They Roam
These magnificent fish thrive in the Arctic and sub-Arctic, inhabiting: Alaska's Kuskokwim and Yukon Rivers, including the Holitna River, The Mackenzie River system in Canada and various coastal waters of the Arctic Ocean
Life on the Move
Sheefish are migratory, often traveling hundreds of miles between feeding and spawning grounds. The Holitna River is unique in that it serves primarily as a feeding destination. These fish are broadcast spawners, releasing their eggs over gravel beds in cold, fast-moving autumn waters. Young Sheefish spend their early years in rivers before moving to larger waters. Some Sheefish migrate to the ocean, others to brackish water, while some remain in freshwater their entire lives. Reaching sexual maturity takes a lengthy 12 years, making selective harvesting crucial for conservation.
A Striking Appearance
Sheefish are impressive, often reaching 30 inches in length and weighing up to 60 pounds. Their shimmering silver bodies, deeply forked tails, and large scales make them a sight to behold. A defining characteristic is their prominent lower jaw, which extends beyond the upper jaw. This adaptation allows them to "vacuum feed," inhaling prey with a rush of water, much like the tarpon, earning them the nickname "Tarpon of the North." This unique feeding method sets them apart from most predatory fish that grab or chomp their prey.
A Vital Resource
Sheefish have been a vital food source for Indigenous peoples of Alaska and northern Canada for generations. Their rich, flaky white meat, sometimes called "Arctic char," makes them a prized catch. They remain an important subsistence resource and are increasingly popular with recreational anglers. Sheefish are excellent table fare, prepared in various ways, from fried and blackened to smoked.
Conservation Concerns
While Sheefish populations are currently stable in many areas, they face several threats:
Climate
change impacting Arctic ecosystems
Industrial development affecting spawning grounds
Increasing fishing pressure in certain regions
Protecting these remarkable fish is essential for their future and for maintaining their vital role in the Arctic ecosystem and cultural heritage.
On the Holitna River, Sheefish populations have remained stable. However, fluctuations in salmon populations have seemed to impact the average Sheefish size. With recent salmon rebounds, larger Sheefish are expected to return.
The future of Sheefish fishing on the Holitna looks bright, promising and offers continued angling success.
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