Flies of Alaska and the Kenai Peninsula

There are hundreds even thousands of flies that are useful in Alaska. However, most of these patterns have all derived from some very basic and fairly easy to tie patterns. Imagination when tying play’s an important role in fly recipes for Alaska. When you find yourself tying these patterns please do not be afraid to use some imagination as more often than not you will only improve on the pattern. Most of these flies are unlike more conventional western patterns where you are trying to match the hatch. I know that on one river in the west a classic PMD will be the ticket when just down the road on a different stream just a touch of pink dubbing in the fly body will make all the difference to selectively feeding trout.

Most patterns for Salmon in Alaska are not matched to an actual living organism that thrives in the waters being fished, except of course certain flesh and egg patterns that are very deadly. First thing to keep in mind is color, some colors trigger fish to strike more often than others. Second is to keep most patterns sparse as the materials used to tie often float naturally and without adding a great deal of weight it is hard to get the pattern near the bottom where the majority of the Salmon lie in wait.

I have compiled in my photo gallery a sample of what I have in my box at all times. I will list them for each species and try to give a good picture of each. I am certainly not the greatest fly tier in the world nor am I the proud inventor of these patterns. Where credit is due, is to the tier that spends countless amounts of time behind the vise, and has an imagination like no other. If I happen to know who invented the pattern I will certainly give them the recognition they deserve, otherwise for those of you who did invent it, Thank You for being an inspiration to us all.

I hope that you enjoy and if you are having problems tying a pattern listed please email me and I will certainly try to help in any way that I can.

Enjoy
Aaron Cooper

Here are a few important things to consider before starting in on these patterns.

Sockeye Flies

• Sparse is key
• Bright flashy colors such as silver, pink, chartreuse, and orange or any combination of the such
• Size 1/0-2 Mustad 34007, Gamakatsu L11s-3H are some great hooks to consider using
• Check the current regulations online as parts of the Kenai (mainly upper portions) have a 3/8th gap rule in effect. Usually any #4 will fall into the legal category.
• Tied sparse no weight should be added, as when fished properly weight on the fly will only make the fly hang on the bottom more often than not
• Experiment as exact patterns are not mandatory

Silver Salmon Flies

• Weight is generally needed as most materials used in these patterns tend to float more, try to tie sparse as it will help minimize the natural flotation of the fly, some buoyancy is nice since it provides a different element to the fly as it is being fished.
• Fuchsia and purple together is a very good color, do not rule out pinks, oranges and chartreuses, as well as black patterns for more stained water.
• Size 3/0-1, I like the same type of hook for these patterns as well, and the 3/8th gap is still in effect for the upper portions of the river.
• If tying Salt Water flies such as bait fish patterns it is important to tie sparse and follow color recipes as these are intended to mimic the exact bait fish they are feeding on.

King Salmon Patterns

• Large is good, generally speaking these patterns will be big and gaudy, most likely resembling large globs of roe or something very spooky in nature.
• Don’t be afraid to add a good deal of weight to the fly dressing
• Recommended sizes from 6/0-3/0, I have found a Tiemco TMC 600sp that I really have liked tying for Kings as well as some of the larger Silver patterns.
• I like oranges and chartreuses as well as some patterns look really good in fuchsia.

Trout

• Small is good, I have started to go to a size 10 and 12 in some of my egg patterns. Any where from a size 2-4 for steelhead, and 6-12 for trout, hooks are dependent upon the pattern, such as egg hooks for eggs and a straight eye for flesh patterns or even an octopus style hook.
• Think about incorporating beads into your patters, the little added weight can make for some nice darting action in the currents
• Flesh patterns are exactly that, do not be pretty here, decaying flesh floating in the water has no consistent pattern. Remember with eggs as well as flesh that time and water tends to dull the natural color. Early in the season things will be more orange and as time goes on the will wash out to a more dull white color. Experiment with different colors to achieve the desired effect.

Most of all have fun, and enjoy!!!