Lures and Flies we recommend
I prefer to use large patterns up here in Alaska. Whether you are fishing for Steelhead or
Coho Salmon I rarely use small patterns to get fish. If I had to pick a single pattern to use any
time of year I would use a Conehead Bunny Leach in size 1 or 1/0. A Bunny Leach stripped
through the holding water is deadly effective on our local streams. It is a universal pattern that
imitates a swimming bait fish or shrimp. For most of the Salmon species a weighted fly fished
with 6 inch strips will do the job. I use a tungsten conehead for more weight but any conehead
will do. As you will see below pink and purple are my standard colors but chartreuse, orange,
or red will work as well. Below are a few pictures of my standard patterns for Salmon.
Coho Salmon I rarely use small patterns to get fish. If I had to pick a single pattern to use any
time of year I would use a Conehead Bunny Leach in size 1 or 1/0. A Bunny Leach stripped
through the holding water is deadly effective on our local streams. It is a universal pattern that
imitates a swimming bait fish or shrimp. For most of the Salmon species a weighted fly fished
with 6 inch strips will do the job. I use a tungsten conehead for more weight but any conehead
will do. As you will see below pink and purple are my standard colors but chartreuse, orange,
or red will work as well. Below are a few pictures of my standard patterns for Salmon.
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For Steelhead I use heavily weighted flies most of the time, unless I am swinging a fly with a
weighted sink tip. For Steelhead any of your standard marabou patterns will work. Patterns
such as the Popsicle, Alaskabou, Prawn patterns, Leech patterns,and most of the traditional
flies tied on larger hooks. Again I prefer to fish larger patterns for the Steelhead, especially
early in the spring due the colder water. I have fished crystal clear streams sight fishing for
Steelhead and had trouble getting a strike until I worked my way up to some of the largest
flies in my box. Later I checked the water temperature and it was 37 degrees. The water was
pure snow melt so I had to work the fish with something that would get their attention at that
temperature. I have also seen egg patterns work well at times but it just isn't my preferred
pattern. The Steelhead also get very territorial in these small streams so larger patterns get an
aggressive response in many situations. Average stream temperature in the spring is in the
low 40's. Below are a few pictures of my standard patterns. I have a few prawn patterns as
well as a shrimp pattern I use with an indicator. The last flie on the bottom right is a fry or
minnow imitation. In the spring the dolly varden ambush the salmon fry on their way
downstream and that can be a lot of fun.
weighted sink tip. For Steelhead any of your standard marabou patterns will work. Patterns
such as the Popsicle, Alaskabou, Prawn patterns, Leech patterns,and most of the traditional
flies tied on larger hooks. Again I prefer to fish larger patterns for the Steelhead, especially
early in the spring due the colder water. I have fished crystal clear streams sight fishing for
Steelhead and had trouble getting a strike until I worked my way up to some of the largest
flies in my box. Later I checked the water temperature and it was 37 degrees. The water was
pure snow melt so I had to work the fish with something that would get their attention at that
temperature. I have also seen egg patterns work well at times but it just isn't my preferred
pattern. The Steelhead also get very territorial in these small streams so larger patterns get an
aggressive response in many situations. Average stream temperature in the spring is in the
low 40's. Below are a few pictures of my standard patterns. I have a few prawn patterns as
well as a shrimp pattern I use with an indicator. The last flie on the bottom right is a fry or
minnow imitation. In the spring the dolly varden ambush the salmon fry on their way
downstream and that can be a lot of fun.
Lures and jigs can be a very effective way to fish Prince of Wales Island. They work well
for Salmon and Steelhead. I prefer to use a size 3 or 4 spinner with size 1 siwash hook or a
spoons in 1/4 to 3/8 oz. Trust me on the single siwash hook, they hook up better and you
will land more fish. Jigs work well for salmon just like the flies. You will want jigs in
either 1/8 or 1/4 oz. ( 1/8 will work 75% of the time). Cast them out and jig them back with
short strokes to imitate a shrimp or bait fish. For Steelhead use the jigs under a float and
you have an extremely effective technique.
for Salmon and Steelhead. I prefer to use a size 3 or 4 spinner with size 1 siwash hook or a
spoons in 1/4 to 3/8 oz. Trust me on the single siwash hook, they hook up better and you
will land more fish. Jigs work well for salmon just like the flies. You will want jigs in
either 1/8 or 1/4 oz. ( 1/8 will work 75% of the time). Cast them out and jig them back with
short strokes to imitate a shrimp or bait fish. For Steelhead use the jigs under a float and
you have an extremely effective technique.
| If you have any other questions don't hesitate to give us a call at 1-866-434-8855 or email us at info@thornebaylodge.com |
Thorne Bay Lodge, Alaska
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