As August winds down, so do my summer adventures. After guiding trips in the majestic landscapes of Talkeetna, Alaska, I’m back and ready to share the highlights with you.
This summer, I spent two unforgettable weeks guiding along the Chulnilna River, also known as Clear Creek. Our European clients came with one goal: to swing for Pacific salmon—and they succeeded! Targeting all five species—Chinook, Chum, Pink, Sockeye, and Coho—we delivered an authentic Alaskan fishing experience.
The journey began with a scenic two-hour drive from Anchorage, winding through the Alaskan wilderness to reach the jet boat. From there, a 30-minute ride up Clear Creek carried us into a dense rainforest, where bald eagles soared above, giant ferns lined the banks, and moose scat reminded us we were deep in the wild.
Our lodge, though rustic, had all the essentials: modern plumbing, electricity, and cozy wood-burning stoves in every cabin. When not chasing salmon, our guests hooked trophy leopard rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, Dolly Varden, and mountain whitefish—making each day on the water an exciting adventure.
Pacific Salmon Grand Slam
In Alaska, there are five species of Pacific salmon, and this season, we were fortunate enough to catch all but the Coho (Silver) salmon, which hadn’t arrived yet. Here’s a breakdown of the salmon we did catch:
Chinook "King" Salmon (pictured above): This one was a surprise! While fishing for pink salmon, a huge shadow darted out and grabbed our dalai lama fly, and immediately we could tell this fish was way bigger than any pink salmon we had caught that morning. There’s nothing quite like the thrill of landing an adult Chinook in the cool waters of Alaska.
Sockeye "Red" Salmon: We made a point to only target Sockeye once each week, ensuring that clients who wanted to bring fish home could do so. These were our harvest days, and we didn’t practice catch-and-release with Sockeye. The bright, red-bodied salmon provided a perfect opportunity for those looking to stock up on some of the finest-tasting fish Alaska has to offer.
Pink "Humpback" Salmon: The river was teeming with Pinks, and we lost count of how many we caught. These aggressive fish often chased our flies right up to the bank, sometimes smashing the fly just as we were about to pull it out of the water. It’s easy to see why they’re nicknamed “Humpbacks” when you check out the pictures below!
Dog "Chum" Salmon: Chum were the stars of the show this season, with many of them entering their spawning cycle. Known as Dog Salmon for their tenacity, these fish were our primary target. They jump, run, rip line, and shake their heads like a bull in a rodeo—making them an absolute blast to fight on a heavy 8wt fly rod. Since the lodge had vises available, I developed and tied a pattern at the lodge that caught Chums all day, every day. We encountered many fresh, hard-fighting Chums that challenged even our most seasoned anglers. Once you’ve tussled with a Chum, you’re ready for anything.
Coho "Silver" Salmon: The Coho were just starting to arrive as I was leaving Alaska, so we only had a couple of clients hook into them before I had to head home. Unfortunately, I didn’t get any photos of them, but they were definitely a unique fish. Unlike the other salmon we targeted, which generally preferred more natural colors like black, purple, white, tan, olive, and lots of flash, the Coho seemed to love anything pink. They were a nice change of pace and a challenge I look forward to revisiting.
So here’s the big question: Should I return next year?
Of course - and I will be! If you’re intrigued by the idea of fishing in Alaska and experiencing the raw beauty of the wilderness, let me know. I’m working with the lodge owners and another local California guide to offer hosted trips for leopard rainbows, dolly varden and more in early August 2025. Take a look at the photos below, imagine yourself in the heart of Alaska, and email me if you’re interested in reserving a spot.
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