Stories from Past Guests, In Their Own Words

This page is for stories written by the past Guests. Thanks to everyone who sent in stories this winter.

In my family there have always been plenty of fishing stories. There was the time I caught my first trout (Sacramento River, 1944), and the time my son Peter and I caught a 416 lb. marlin (Hawaii, 1980). But my parents told the most salient stories about their childhood fishing experiences. My dad and uncle had to fish for food when they lived with their widowed mother in the Sierras; and my mom used to watch the salmon make a spawning run up a creek in Fairfax, California. These things happened in the 1920’s and lived on to become the stuff my dreams were made of. Many nights found me dozing off imagining myself walking up a trout stream that had hardly ever been fished, much as my father had done when he was a boy.

I went on to fish in most all of the years that passed since I caught that first rainbow. When I retired last year, I moved to Montana so I could fish more than in most other places in the west. But I never really fulfilled my early fantasies in the lower 48 states. There are just too many people, or hidden streams aren't accessible because they are on private land. Well that all changed when I recently spent a week at Lake Marie Lodge in Alaska. I suspect most visitors to the lodge go because of the great salmon fishing. It's great to see three or four hundred silvers gathering at the mouth of their spawning stream and catching one after another on a five weight rod (with a ten pound leader of course). But for me, the real thrill is to hike three or four miles up that stream to fish for native rainbows.

You see, the salmons’ final destination in many places in Alaska is a truly wild trout stream. These streams contain rainbows that are fat from eating eggs and strong from swimming against the current. These rainbows are astonishingly colorful. They are a beautiful dark olive and the red line that runs along their side is deep, intense and long— running all the way into their gill plate. The fish aren’t leader shy. It’s likely that the ones that have gone up the creek a ways have never seen a fisherman or a lure before.

I had made some assumptions about fishing these streams. First, I thought the fish would only take egg patterns, never dry flies. Not true! They will take dry flies, although not as often as they take egg patterns. And, of course, the Arctic Grayling will beat your dry flies to death. Second, I thought bears might be a problem. We did see some bears while fishing, but these Alaska Brown Bears see people as infrequently (if ever) as the trout do. Their natural instinct is to avoid anything unusual, so a loud shout would send them on their way. Third, I thought it would be easy to land these native rainbows by using a heavy tippet; wrong again. Many of the holes that contain big fish also are laden with tree limbs and roots. The fish will often jump once or twice when hooked, but then head down into the safety of their sanctuary, easily breaking the tippet.

I spent six days fishing out of Lake Marie Lodge. I caught a few salmon, and that was enough. I spent almost all of my time hiking and hunting for rainbows. The sense of adventure of hiking an almost never been fished before trout stream and the accompanying anticipation of what I would find around every next corner made the experience one that even surpassed the evolution of my childhood dreams.

Jim Loebbecke

Montana

Mid August, two friends from Oregon, Kirk and Ken, and I poured ourselves and gear into a Jay Hawk Cessna 182 at Merrill Field Anchorage. Less than an hour later we landed next to the lodge. We immediately got into waders, found our rods and reels, and were off in flat bottom jet boats to the mouth of a creek. Here we spent the remaining daylight catching grayling, then Silver and Chum Salmon, and very nice size Rainbows.

We finally got to the lodge right at dark, cleaned up and had a great dinner. After a sound sleep, hot shower and shave, and a filling breakfast, off to a creek by way of a trail right from the lodge: by foot for Ken and Kirk (6-wheeler for old me). We forded a creek on a slightly submerged log with a cable strung tight for hand support, then up to another creek; passing along the way fresh sign of Grizzly, Wolf, and Moose. I expressed my concern about meeting bears, but was assured that I did not have to be able to outrun the bear, just the slowest in our party. I privately concluded that my next action if we were to actually run across a bear is to trip the nearest person as we ran for safety. Fishing near the junction of the two creeks, Rainbows, Silvers, Pinks, and Dollies were caught and released. My young friends claimed 50 Rainbows each (never learned to count with both boots on).

The next five days fishing were just as successful. Lake Marie Lodge is strongly recommended.

Gordon Seccombe
Virginia

Father/Son Trip-July

The phone rang and as usual, "Big Mike" had another trip planned for the "boys". This time he had a father/son trip to Alaska planned to help us re-bond with our adult sons. Sounded like a great idea so after talking to my son Phillip, we told Mike to count us in.

The location for the trip was Lake Marie Lodge and after pulling it up on the Internet both, Phillip and I got excited seeing the scenery, fish and wildlife pictures. Having been to Alaska before though, we were skeptical that our luck would be as good as advertised on the Web pages.

We packed our gear and flew to Anchorage and then by small plane to the lodge somewhere in the Alaskan Wilderness.

The views from the lodge were breath taking and we marveled at the effort that David and his family had put into building the lodge and facilities. We realized that we truly were on a unique, one of a kind adventure.

The next morning we all traveled to a beautiful, pristine stream loaded with large Chinook salmon. We hurriedly rigged our fly rods and within minutes, several in our party of 10 had large 35-50 lb. salmon dragging us up and down the stream. After several break-offs, most in the crew mastered, with the help of the guides, the proper method for fighting these strong, beautiful fish. A shore lunch of salmon built strength for the afternoon adventures.

After most in the party had fought and landed several large salmon, some took the opportunity to go upstream to fish for large rainbows, Dolly's and salmon. We did not see another fisherman the entire day. Very few fishermen had ever been fortunate enough to fish these streams and most only those brought in by David's guides.

On our return the chef had another wonderful meal ready and after dinner and conversation, all enjoyed the nights rest in the fresh Alaskan air.

The next day our party split up with some returning to the stream of yesterday while others went on to new territory. All caught fish again and Big Mike caught the largest of the trip as though he needed something else to crow about, a 55+ pounder. We will never hear the end of this and David really kissed up to Mike by putting his picture in the newsletter.

If you looking for a true Alaskan wilderness adventure, Lake Marie is the place. It will test you, reward you and provide memories to last a lifetime or until your next trip. We hope to arrange our next trip during the Silver season, which we understand is equally as exciting as the Chinook run.

Ernie and Phillip Yates
Mississippi

A Simple Thank You

I want to Thank You for furnishing my grandson (Scotty) and I with a wonderful fishing experience. Those were the biggest fish we have ever caught. Scotty brags about his 50 lb. 4 foot long King Salmon. He says that it actually scared him when he saw how big it was. Bob was the greatest fishing guide. Scotty is also always talking about Marie’s cooking and bear stories (I do also).

The trip by 6-wheelers, boats, and planes were really great. Everyone at Lake Marie Lodge were very helpful and provided great service. I sure want to come back again. Don’t think we can make it this year, but sure will try for next year.

Chuck Sullivan
Colorado

Special Memories and an IGFA Record

We reached the creek and our first casts were rewarded with hearty fish. For the next two days, there were more Kings than we could count. Our arms ached. Our tackle was put under tremendous strain. The Kings ate our flies so well that I began experimenting to see what they would NOT hit. I never found out! They ate every pattern I had, and behind the Kings were thick, wild Rainbows that picked off anything that managed to get past the Kings.

There were bald eagles in the trees above us. Bear sign (unbelievably large tracks) was everywhere, and I even saw one while fishing. When hungry, we roasted fresh salmon with the lemon, onion, spices, and foil on the fire. Delicious! The fishing was beyond what I had hoped for, including an IGFA Jr. World Record for Ricky. But it was the total experience of being there; so remote, so wild, such good fishing, and such wonderful hosts that made this trip with my son so very, very special.

Rick Dover
Tennessee

Wow! What a Trip

Lake Marie Lodge ? what an experience. Looking out the windows from the lodge and realizing that you are looking out on thousands of acres of untouched forest confirms it. Waking up in the morning and looking out on Mt McKinley is unbelievable.

The guides bend over backwards to assure the best fishing experience. We fished a different river or stream each day. They even let us explore some new areas. As for the fishing, it was incredible. We caught four different species of Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Graylings, and Dolly Varden. Our main interest was the rainbow trout and even though I fish some very good rivers in Oregon, I think that in the time I was in Alaska I caught more twenty plus inch rainbows than I had caught in all my fishing before combined.

The Wilson's are great. Dave, even though he is an Aggie, is a real Alaskan Mountain Man. He has tremendous knowledge about the area and has a ton of fun and interesting stories. The chef kept us full of great cooking. We even got to celebrate her birthday. Dave let us in on at least some of his fishing tricks.

By the end of the week we had decompressed so much that we didn't even go out and fish. A day spent checking out the bear cave, Lake Marie and just taking in the view was a nice way to end our adventure.

Kirk Newburgh
Oregon

Day One

Our Piper Cub pilot tells me we are going to buzz the landing strip before he lands the single-engine plane carrying my father and I to our Alaska fishing adventure. As we head straight for the lodge and descend from 1200 feet to about 100 feet; I finally ask him "what airstrip?"

Plopping down on the compacted air strip, we check out the lodge and then don our chest waders, organize our fishing gear, and then go fishing. As we are getting ready to board the craft, I notice a fish wallowing in shallow water. It's a mighty Alaskan King Salmon; ready to die after completing his spawning run. We are fishing in August, and the Kings had arrived earlier in the summer, around the first of June. We admire his strength and courage, and resist the temptation to pick him up and take photographs. With a tip of the rod, we jump in the boat and head out.

The river twists and turns, with large ripple pools and deep still patches. Within 10 minutes, we are fully rigged and spin casting for Silver and Pink ("humpies") salmon, Dolly Varden, Sockeye Salmon, Rainbow Trout and Chum Salmon. We are situated at a confluence of a river and a large tributary. The river runs silty with glacial runoff, murky light-gray waters impossible to see through. The tributary is sparkling clear water, deep and moving with purpose. There are several ways to fish, from the boat, the shore, or in the water.

It takes my dad and I a while to get used to the spin rods, their weight, and the heft of the lure Patrick has attached. We use mostly spinners with bright gleaming spoons or other attractants. Thirty minutes into our adventure, my dad hooks a large silver. His face lights up as he fights the 12-pound silver salmon into submission. Landing the fish is the pinnacle of fishing: the first catch, big and feisty and most of all, landed! The guide asks us if we want to keep the fish. The limit per day is two silvers, and my dad kind of shrugs. I insist he keep his first Alaskan salmon.... it turns out this was the biggest fish we caught all day long.

About a half-hour later, I hook my first fish. It's a Dolly Varden and he clears the surface three times before I bring him next to me. We spend the day moving up and down the tributary, catching a releasing everything in sight. Towards the end of the day I catch a Silver about 2/3's the size of Dad's and that's the one I decide to keep. Soon after that Dad nets a huge 5 LB, 25" rainbow trout. I was jealous that dad caught the first rainbow of the journey and it was a massive one at that. We gently released it back into the creek. We head back to the lodge, happy as can be. The weather was perfect, the fish were biting, and we looked at each other and knew that life was good.

That evening as the Alaskan sun refused to drop below the horizon until nearly 10:40pm, Mount McKinley shed it's shroud of gray clouds long enough to allow the sun to bath it in a glorious pink glow. Black spruce, birch trees, and a small willow that moose love to eat dominate terrain that is not swampland. We are amazed at how lush and green the area is. The lodge sits on a bluff with a spectacular view of the river valley. I sit with the principles of our lodge and talk about other guests, the spectacular view, and of course, fish. By the time we all decide to turn in, it's well after 11:00 and it's not nearly dark yet!

Day Two

All we know about today's journey is that it will require a 6-wheeler to take us to the main river, then we ferry across and hike another 15 to 20 minutes to the fishing spot we'll be based from today. Patrick, our guide, has the privilege of toting the day's provisions, including our lunches and a 12 gauge in case any critters decide to interfere. Along the way, Pat pointed out fresh bear tracks. He explained how front tracks are what most people see and rear tracks are rarer and show the entire foot. He also showed us the difference between black and brown bear tracks.

Black bears are smaller, averaging 250-300 pounds. Brown bears, or Grizzlies, can get up to 1200 pounds. I was thrilled to see fresh bear tracks and was glad the bears were not there to personally show me how they made the prints.

We waded several small streams and tributaries and passed along muddy banks. The scenery never grew tiresome. We would hear the roar of fast water, move on to tall, quiet brush, and then emerge to hear roaring waters on either side of us. Pat maneuvered us to the spot where he had been several days before with another group: I affectionately call it Fish Central.

My fishing experience is highlighted when I catch my first salmon on a fly rod. It's my trusty 'ol Shakespeare 8'6" 8 weight with a 14 LB leader and no tippet. I used an egg-sucking leach fly with a BB split shot about a foot from the fly. Catching 8-LB fish on a dainty fly rod is one helluva way to catch a fish.

Ten hours and 40-50 fish later, we prepare for the journey out. Dad tired and was resting on the shore while Pat and I attacked a pool of silvers and sockeyes with our flies. Our smiles were as present as the permafrost is in Alaska as we took fish after fish. I toss my last cast into the water, and like all good fly fishermen I snagged the fly, which caused the line to jam on the reel.

Day Three

. The temperature dipped into the low 40's overnight, we once again wake up to crisp and refreshing air. Today we are heading for a new spot on the river, but first we stop at where we started on Day One...apparently it heated up for yesterday's group.

The spot is indeed hot. We nail salmon, reposition ourselves in the stream, and then nail some more. I am flinging wet flies into the water with amazing success. A beaver swims nearby, back and forth as if to ask when will you guys be through? After a couple hours the fish stop biting so we move to another area.

We anchor the boat at the confluence of a stream and a river. The stream is clear and moving slowly compared to the silt-choked river. Pat asks us do we want to catch sockeye or silvers? Amazingly, sockeyes are on one side of the boat and silvers on the other. I ask Dad, which he prefers, and stating none, I tell him to pick a side and start slinging. He goes for the sockeye.

During the next hour, we must have caught 20 fish. The silvers fight hard, all the way to the boat and refuse to give up even after they are in the net. Pat is kept extremely busy netting and releasing fish. If you know anything about the 60's or 70's then you'll understand the expression: Oh, Wow. It was almost impossible to not catch a fish.

We moved upstream to try a new spot, and I immediately hook a big silver and fight him for nearly 10 minutes. Meanwhile, Dad is hauling them in like a shooting gallery. We eat lunch, and as we are ready to leave I hook a smaller silver that still fights like a champ. We land and release him and Pat suggests that it is time to try another.

Tooling back to the morning spot Pat notices a tiny creek feeding into the main river. It comes from the swamp so the water is crystal clear. Stating he always wanted to check the spot for rainbows, we gently glide to a sand bar at the creek's opening. The silty river water nearly encroaches fully into the stream's mouth. As we stand up and look at the mouth, we are all stunned for a moment. There must have been 30-50 big salmon hanging out in the clear water, facing up-creek. The creek was about 8 feet across and probably 5-8 feet deep in certain spots, but other wise it looked like a typical Colorado stream gently flowing in bends and straights. Casting a lure was tough. Standing on the sandbar I only had 12-15 feet to cast or the lure would carry too far and into the 5-foot tall grass growing on the other side. I stand up and toss in the lure. Bang, a fish! We could see everything, from the splash of the lure to the fish noticing the lure to the fish actively pursuing the lure to the fish taking the lure. It was spectacular. Dad tossed in a line and Bang! Another fish. We hooked four fish in four casts.

Meanwhile Pat had wandered upstream a tad to see what else was in the water. Small rainbow trout could just be seen hanging out in the edges of the bows. We decide to try for a rainbow on a dry fly on the surface. But to get to the fat part of the stream, we had to wade through a 4-1/2 foot deep trough of gooey brown water. I accidentally dropped my camera coming out the last time, and Pat's keen eye found it as we wandered back looking for it. Boy am I glad Pentax makes a water-resistant camera!

As I approach the spot where Pat is tossing dry flies, I see the flash and hear him exalt. He hooked a nice 2lb rainbow. We kept trying to tantalize the wild rainbows for another 45 minutes to no avail. We could see them, and had an occasional strike. As we were heading back to Dad, we could hear the telltale splashing of a hooked salmon. Dad had three fish in three casts! Finally before heading off, we decided to try luring a salmon with a dry fly (a mouse pattern). The salmon looked at the fly but refused to surface for it. Oh well, we had to try.

We finished the day where we started. The water was receding so it was easier to wade all the way into the stream. Have you ever been waist-deep in water surrounded by hundreds of fish? Literally hundreds of fish, and hardly any of them under 8 pounds? That is what Lake Marie Lodge salmon fishing is all about.

Day Four

Dave, the owner, guides us on our last day. As the 6-wheeler creaks and groans along the path tot he boat landing, I spot a moose enjoying a leisurely breakfast in the swamp. We stop and view it for a wile then move on to the boat.

While we don't catch nearly as many fish, Dave directs us to another small stream feeding into the main river where there must have been 200-300 fish. We joke about just reaching in and pulling them out. Dad looks around for a rock.

Back on the river, Dave points out a huge Bald Eagle nest in a tree by the riverbank. Inside is a fledgling, about a year old. Sitting in a tree another hundred yards away is one of the parents; probably the mother for this was the largest Bald Eagle I had ever seen. As we passed her perch she swooped out of the tee and headed for a resting spot closer to home. This bird must have a 7-foot wingspan and almost blotted out the sky. The graceful thrust of her wings brought silence to our group.

The rest of the day is uneventful, and we are weary of four consecutive days of rising at 6:00 am and not putting head to pillow until nearly 11:00 PM. We chat with Dave until the plane arrives. Tim unloads the little plane and while Dave loads his supplies into his polaris ranger we roar off the tiny runway towards more Alaskan adventures. Once in the air we have a moment to reflect on our time in the wilderness. We had four straight sunny days and could see Mt McKinley each day we were there...no mean feat for a mountain that can only be seen 30% of the time due to climate and the weather the mountain generates. We had virtually no rain during our trip when all it had done for the month before our arrival was rain every day. Our guides were knowledgeable, helpful, and shared their secrets with us. Ours was truly the trip of a lifetime.

Scott and Fred Vigder

Colorado

We had talked for a long time about fishing for salmon in Alaska, but had somehow never found the time to plan such a trip. This June we had a chance to spend five days at the Lake Marie Lodge, close to the Denali National Park – and what a five days it was!

Although we had planned the trip for several months and had been in contact with the people at the lodge – we had a few misconceptions about the area and the accommodations. Being from south Texas and accustomed to modern conveniences and good roads – we were in for quite a surprise.

Early one morning we flew in a small plane to the lodge, and after changing we (to our surprise) immediately started fishing. The fishing was great!

Arriving back at the lodge that evening the first clue that we were in the wilderness was the absence of noise. Of course – that far from civilization there would not be noise – silly us.

The five days we spent fishing and staying with the people at Lake Marie were some of the best ever. All the guides are super – they put you right on the fish. Naturally, it is up to the fisherman to outsmart the fish. Amanda, the chef, fills you full of great cooking three times a day.

And, best of all, we came home with seventy pounds of salmon filets – enough for several parties. All our friends and family raved about the fish – and many of them now want to try salmon fishing in Alaska.

If you are considering a fishing trip to Alaska – the Lake Marie Lodge is just the place – remote, rustic, beautiful – and the people are great – full of fun and wanting to show their guests the best time possible.

Pat and Carol Smith

Texas

The Following Article was written by sports writer Dan Fallon, who visited Lake Marie Lodge in July for the sole purpose of catching Alaska King Salmon on Bamboo Fly Rods.

Those who have followed my outdoor writing career are aware of my inclination toward the extreme. That is the extreme in understanding and implementing common sense and trying passionately to seek the most challenging fly fishing experiences. The sport of fly fishing for King Salmon in areas still wild in Alaska is one of the top new challenges, period. In a fit of sublime inspiration, it dawned on me the idea of light weight Bamboo fly rods in the 4/6 weight category, equipped with 2x tippet and a lot of very good fortune. One might stumble upon an almost impossible opportunity to revel in the strength and grace under fire Bamboo fly rods are famous for.

I first contacted the top 10 Bamboo rod makers in the world. My query was a simple FAX, "Heading to King Salmon streams in Alaska - seeking possible world records for light Bamboo and 2x tippets. If you are interested I need three or four 4/6 weight Bamboo rods for this field test". I sent along my humble credentials and waited. Only one company stood up for Bamboo and that was Winston Rods. I soon secured in my possession seven fine rods which included the six-weight Bamboo I chose to fish with exclusively 7/9 hours a day for five days.

After spending time carefully researching exactly where the most recent world records for fly fisherman exist, it came at me from several directions at once. Lake Marie Lodge located 90 miles from Anchorage, Alaska was home to many existing fly and line class records taking King Salmon. The lodge sits deep in the woods within walking distance to some of the finest King Salmon hunting grounds in Alaska. Now the challenge was clearly defined and I was off from San Francisco to Anchorage, Alaska. Flight time about four and a half hours of perfect flying on United Non-stop.

LAKE MARIE LODGE

I was prepared for almost any suitable accommodations in such a remote area 90 miles northwest of Anchorage and only 35 miles from Mt. McKinley. This is big bear country and the land of too many Bald Eagles to count. It is almost completely untouched if not for the few scattered Homesteads over many hundreds of square miles. The Wilsons have rapidly become very famous in this remote part of the top of this little blue marble we live on. The Lodge sits on one of the tallest bluffs in the area and the view of Mt. McKinley is extraordinary and unbelievable. The accommodations and the meals are superb.they have pulled off quite a magical feat. Large picture windows and perfectly finished wood framing highlight the main cabin dining/living room. Scattered around the lodge are bearskins, bear skulls, fly tying table and all the comforts of home. The meals were so tasty thanks to Amanda.

In the middle of nowhere a world class serious King Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic Char, Arctic Grayling Fly Fishing Lodge facility with everything laid out quite nicely. The inside of the main room/dining / view area is amazing. The view and the fine hand built cabin capture the visitor quickly. The Wilson's have isolated the very best streams and river areas where the monster King Salmon dwell on their annual run. This fact alone makes this place solid gold for fly fishers. I can attest to the fact these Alaskan guides know precisely where and when the biggest Kings you have ever imagined are resting in gangs of up to several hundred in relatively small streams. It's hard to explain the thrill of seeing, casting, hooking and playing these monsters on regular 8/10 weight fly rods and 20 pound leaders. When I first caught a glimpse of these mammoth fish, I felt like I had flown to the top of the world to capture Polar Bears with a fly swatter.

The guide looked at me with good sportsmen humor when I approached them with the idea of wrestling 40 pound King Salmon on light Bamboo. My personal guide, never hesitated when he said, "No problem Dan, we'll put ya right in their laps and you can sort out the ones you want- we also may be able to pull off a grand slam of all available species in one day!" We did that on the third day when I caught a Dolly Varden, several Rainbow Trout, an Arctic Grayling, and the King Salmon. The lack of an arctic char was close enough to get the thrill of playing all game species in a day. The record attempt at landing big Kings with light Bamboo would not have been within possible reach without the expert guiding of my personal guide.

The remoteness of Lake Marie Lodge and the first class accommodations afforded guests by the Wilsons and their assistants Patrick, also known as "The Man who Speaks to Bears", and Andy, "The Zen Guide". Kitchen duties and all related activities are perfectly executed by Amanda, niece to Dave Wilson, the owner. This little group separated at different times running boats full of guests in one direction, while packing other guests in opposite directions. They never missed a beat navigating many miles of waterways and walking through isolated streams, which we forded in chest waders for several miles on two of the five days.

Lake Marie Lodge and the experts on hand was a no fail as far as taking a shot at the impossible. We changed into our gear on the fly and off we went to an area where the faster river waters intersected smaller tributaries which eventually ran much clearer without the heavy gray silt that dominates and completely colors much of the waters that run off or near glaciers.

DAY ONE & TWO

The next morning we hit the trail about 5:30 am. perched atop the nimble polaris rangers, (6 wheel vehicles), which ferried us back and forth from the Lodge to the river where the big boats were anchored. The water quality comes in two main flavors: silty gray or crystal clear. This morning was listen and learn time. We only had a few days to wrestle with these big, unmolested fish. The taking of these beasts on fly rods is still relatively new to the sport. The usual method is throwing only lures and streamers in the part of the lure/fly only season.

The two fishermen with me in my party were Alex and Jim from Wyoming. These guys were both seasoned pro's who knew how to handle fly rods and big fish. They were armed with fine quality 7/8/9 weight graphite rods and a unique Spey outfit Jim had mastered. I duly noted what excellent company I was in for this memorable trip.

We were quickly brought to the first day river/stream junction where all four species: King Salmon, Rainbow Trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic Grayling, and possibly Arctic Char thrived. In only minutes all three of us were in the water up to chest high throwing various "Egg Sucking Leech" combo color patterns featuring black, purple, or green bodies and red or green heads. The leeches were weighted and often tied by John Wilson, a master fly tier of the first rank. We then threw up to seventy foot casts and let the leech, often additionally weighted with small split shot if needed, dead drift and find as much bottom as possible. Then any of the many kinds of standard retrieves were used. I favor the slow/fast/jerky/twitchy/dying bug retrieve of various speeds and depths. I quickly caught a good Rainbow of about three pounds on the excellent Winston Bamboo 6 weight. The other guys were into many Rainbows and then Jim Hit on the first King and it got away soon after. Then the action was on and in about an hour or so I had my first King Salmon encounter. It was more like an explosion on a hairpin turn if you blew a tire at 100 mile an hour in your new Porsche.

I had no control; SLAM, fish, tippet, fly gone! Lesson one set the hook soundly without breaking the light eight-pound test 2x tippet. I wondered exactly how strong 2x was?

SWEET BAMBOO

Ahh, this sturdy little rod. One wonderful Winston action characteristic was revealed to me. The rod was far more sensitive then any glass/graphite you can buy. Then a pleasant surprise comes upon the wrist of the Bamboo fly thrower. A feeling of having much remaining strength left over if needed. Many times in the coming days I would bend this little wonder rod almost in half, but never quite all the way in half. The reserve power was there every time, all day, day after day! It was this reserve power that kept me believing the rod would under almost any condition land a strong fish of any reasonable size. The rod is pretty and perfectly balanced like a fine racehorse or a brand new Ferrari. The wrappings are perfect as is the finish and guides. It must be said the unique ferrule system Winston has developed translates into a solid feeling fly rod under big fish fighting loads.

WATER BORN BEASTS

When one catches a first water contained glimpse of these majestic fish beasts moving like submarines up and down narrow streams, often no more then 50 feet across, a thrill charges through a fly fishers heart. For me the realization came after watching the others finally learn like I had how hard it is setting the hook on first strike. These fish are serious, dedicated natural survivor fighters who have been battling the elements, bad tides, global pollution, and now you are about to remove him peacefully from the perfect waters in which he has fought so hard to dwell? I think not!

The sheer audacity is to imagine subduing these mighty beasts with six weight hand made Bamboo many fly fishers would only hang on the wall as a piece of art. I missed two good fish the first day, each time not setting the hook deep enough or quick enough. There were lessons to learn in catching these fish for fly fishers using regular 7/9 weight graphite. The lessons for those holding twenty-five hundred dollar Bamboo were quick and unforgiving. I had to first deeply set that first strike because these fish have hard jaws. Then let the fish dictate what happens next. If he decides to run, then we run. If he decides to run and do aerial acrobatics, which almost all the Kings I hooked did, so be it.

These lessons had to be handled by letting the line go slack just for a split second or he would snap it off with a whip of his forty-pound tail. Many of the kings hooked made several sensational 50-65 foot runs full out and making a wake as they fled the small stream. Jim, an ex-College Professor, had his hands full by himself after John, our guide, and I headed for deeper wilder waters.

Jim a most able world class fly fisher wielding the big stick two handed Spey rod hooked into at least a 45 pounder that took him all the way uptown, then back to the other end in several big runs. The fish eventually barely got off when the almost exhausted, but still fighting, fish was wrestled to the ground by the expert ex-professor from Wyoming. (John later informed me that this exact King Salmon, with Jim's fly still in its mouth, was caught 10 days later by another fly fisherman and from its measurements weighed out at 54 pounds.) One other member of our party, Alex, was as solid as rock with his fly rod. Alex hooked and landed several good fish in the 30/40 pound class. Joe, a fellow who was expert in lure presentation, played landed several very big Kings! In fact, our most able hostess, Amanda, hooked and landed several good Rainbows one afternoon. I was most impressed with her cooking/fishing/putting up with a gang of wild fly fishermen skills.

After three days of hooking and playing/fighting quite a few good fish in the 28/45 pound class. I had learned many hard lessons and my moment finally arrived.

MAIN EVENT

In the last fishing hours of the third day several truths had hit me head on. I had lost quite a few big fish, which under normal operating conditions one or two would be mine. The idea of pushing this little rod and reel to its very maximum time after time and still I had not fully mastered the touch needed to take the fish. Had I gone too far with this extreme dream and lost several fish I could have barbecued all summer? Then, SLAM, followed by all line gone in seconds into the backing and we are toe to toe. I let him run out the reel three times in twenty minutes. He takes three or four serious leaps complete with back or side/tail flips. He runs me out to the backing on the last run. I slowly keep him moving in between leaps or runs. I have him almost beached three times. We go at it for a final short twenty-foot run and I turn him hard into the beach. This time he goes sideways just as the tippet breaks. My guide, John Wilson, is there with net when he snaps off and nets him. It was more like a draw than a win!

He was everything I expected a serious King Salmon to be at 42 inches long, 23 inch girth, and 33 Pounds. Not the biggest King I hooked into on the trip. Yet, it may possibly be one of the largest witnessed King Salmon caught on a six weight Bamboo 2x tippet. If anyone who reads this has photos and story of bigger Kings caught on six-weight Bamboo, please drop this column an E-mail. This fish would not have been possible without the help of many people mentioned: Winston Rods, World Waters outfitters, Galvan Fly Reels, and last, but not least, the Wilsons and their perfect King Salmon - Large Bear habitat deep in the Alaskan woods. (Please see end of story for address/E-mail for these experts)

REEL GUIDES

My fellow fly fisher travelers will shake their heads together in the affirmative when I say trips are won or lost because of a guides general competence and knowledge of the local waters. I can say without hesitation the whole team at Lake Marie Lodge are top-drawer pros with great stories to tell of huge Bears and monster King Salmon. Contact Dave Wilson at (907) 733-7743 or www.lakemarie.com or contact me at (415) 332-3803. Those interested in possibly the strongest action Bamboo fly rods in the world contact Winston Fly Rods (406) 684-5674 or www.winstonrods.com. Those looking for outfitters can call my favorite local and international fly fishing outfitter whose assistance was invaluable and kind enough to loan me two fine GALVAN reels, World Waters Outfitters (415) 331-4034 or daveh@worldwaters.com. Those seeking precision hand made fly reels that can really take the heat contact GALVAN Fly Reels (209) 586-1112 or www.galvanflyreels.com. If the idea of learning about and finding out who makes and sells the finest Bamboo Fly Rods interests you, contact Bamboo Fly Rod Magazine at www.THEBAMBOOFLYROD.com. Editor Mark Metcalf is "very knowledgeable" and a good guy.

The ambience of the lodge and the caliber of the story telling and monster Kings will live forever! I highly recommend Lake Marie Lodge and the expert Wilson Brothers. If you are ready for a true Alaskan Wilderness Experience, and the biggest of the monster King Salmon, and if you don't mind catching three to five pound Rainbows one after another all day while waiting for the monsters to explode, and all that goes with such an adventure, then pick up the phone and call the Dave Wilson at Alaska's Lake Marie Lodge.

THE END

Written by Dan Fallon,

Dan Fallon
California
Dan Fallon's monthly column can be found on the World Wide Web at: www.algonet.se/~sjostran/English and then click on his name.