[jplee3]

Hi all,

Looking on any suggestions on where to fish around Skagway, Juneau and Victoria BC. I've actually booked a local guided trip in Juneau to fish near DiPAC and wherever the guide chooses based on local knowledge. I figure for Victoria I should give it a break. But for Skagway, we're considering driving up to the Yukon, and I've heard rumors of fishy water along the way. Wanted to get some insight. I have a couple 8wts and a Lamson Konic 3.5 - would this be overkill to bring? I figure for salmon not so much, but what about artic grayling and the smaller species? Another option if we decide not to do the Yukon is to check out the Dyea area. I'd prefer not to bring multiple setups. Also curious about wet wading - we'll be there in mid-July.

I've heard suggestions like Tagish Lake, Fraser, Conrad Creek, etc but was interested especially in smaller creeks or rivers where I could wade in and not worry about getting swept away lol...

Suggestions on lines (intermediate, sinking, or floating), flies, setups, and spots to try especially along the Skagway/Yukon/Emerald lake would be appreciated.

EDIT: also wanted to know about what to do if there are bears around..!

 

[Brookie_Hunter]

http://www.alaskaflyfishinggoods.com/fishing-reports/juneau/ .....here's some data points for Juneau

 

[diobsud]

...also wanted to know about what to do if there are bears around..!

Alaska? Canada? There are bears around. They want to eat salmon/rodents/berries, protect their young, and find shelter from the elements. Generally speaking, they're not interested in you unless you create a conflict with any of those things. They really don't like surprises, such as humans suddenly popping up in the brush. Especially if cubs are around. If they're not gorging on fish in the middle of a stream they'll usually scamper off when they know you're coming. Oftentimes you'll never even know that a bear was in the area.

Attend a bear-aware seminar (often required before travel in the backcountry). NPS, USFS, Fish & Wildlife, your local zoo and area fly/outdoors shops are good resources for this.

Some suggestions:

Make noise. 'Bear Bells' are a good investment. Attach them to your pack. Some people sing. Others whistle. I prefer bells.

Carry bear spray and learn how to use it. It's a last resort option and depending on how angry and/or scared the bear is and whether or not cubs are present it 'might' work.

Use the wind. Bears have an incredibly powerful sense of smell, but if you're walking into the wind they won't pick up your scent. If the breeze is at your back the bear will smell you long before you come close. (I've heard it said that when a grizzly senses you, they can smell the color of the dress your grandma wore to her high school prom.)

Avoid direct confrontation. Think of it as a potential bar fight with a middle linebacker. You're not going to win a punch out. Back away slowly, always facing the bear. If the bear charges, stand your ground, scream and yell, wave your hands over your head, try to look as big and scary as you can and hope that it's a bluff. If it's not, drop down into a ball with your face to the ground and your hands clasped over the back of your neck. Wait it out. The bear isn't interested in eating you so much as beating the crap out of you to determine that you're not a threat.

Don't run. The bear can travel at close to 40 mph. That's 50 yards in 3 seconds. Faster uphill than down. Of course if your fishing buddy runs slower than you, you're good to go.

Pack extra underwear.

~ diobsud

 

[jplee3]

How about wet wading in July around the lower Yukon area (Bernard Lake, Summit Lake, etc)

 

[g_smolt]

Taiya and Skagway rivers both run pretty dirty, depending on how hot it is and how much of the flow is rainwater and how much is snowmelt / glacial.

Abe will do you right in Juneau, if you want to get away from the crowds contact Bear Creek Outfitters and book a fly-out.

Wet-wading in snowmelt rivers or AK saltwater isn't advisable in any month.

Mostly good advice for Brown Bears above, but if a black bear wants to tangle with you, don't play dead or you will be. If a blackie gets in your business, beat the shit outta it with anything handy, or fight back in any way you can.

As previously mentioned, Alaska Fly Fishing Goods has great maps of Juneau fishing.

 

[jplee3]

Taiya and Skagway rivers both run pretty dirty, depending on how hot it is and how much of the flow is rainwater and how much is snowmelt / glacial.

Abe will do you right in Juneau, if you want to get away from the crowds contact Bear Creek Outfitters and book a fly-out.

Wet-wading in snowmelt rivers or AK saltwater isn't advisable in any month.

Mostly good advice for Brown Bears above, but if a black bear wants to tangle with you, don't play dead or you will be. If a blackie gets in your business, beat the shit outta it with anything handy, or fight back in any way you can.

As previously mentioned, Alaishing tripespecially where I will have more time and not feel rushed. ska Fly Fishing Goods has great maps of Juneau fishing.

Thanks! I'm looking forward to fishing with Abe. The fly-out trip is pretty pricey so I'd probably reserve that for dedicated Alaska trip where I'd have more time, etc.

Are Bernard and Summit lakes in the lower Yukon considered snowmelt rivers? I know they aren't saltwater - they hold Arctic Grayling, which is what I'll be targeting primarily. Someone I think in these forums mentioned that he and a group of his buddies wet-waded the area I'm thinking about in the JUly timeframe several years ago and that it wasn't that bad (there was the chill-factor from the air being colder than the water though). I'm thinking I'll bring my Teva sandals (with toe cover) and quick-drying zip-off pants (for fishing) and hopefully go no deeper than my knees.

Just curious if anyone else has ever done anything like this in that part of the Yukon.

 

[g_smolt]

Bernard and Summit were clear when I drove past them a month ago.

Then again, there was still ice on part of summit, and there was about 5 feet of snow on the pass.

They shouldn't be too bad, they are snowmelt and not glacial-fed. I haven't fished them, so I can't comment on what they may or may not hold.

 

[GorgeTony]

Re:Bears. They are everywhere. They're not going to fuck with you if you don't fuck with them. Make noise, have fun, and realize that if one attacks you it will be exactly like The Revanant. And also realize that you have a better chance of winning the lottery twice than getting attacked.