Species

Dolly Varden Char:   
These beautiful fish occur in every river and stream that we fish.  Dolly Varden Char (Salvelinus malma) are often confused with their close relative, the Arctic Char (Salvelinus alpinus).  The slight difference in appearance between the two can at times be puzzling, but they are different species and can be differentiated by external characteristics or by the habitat in which they occur.  The common anadromous (moving between salt and fresh water and spawning in fresh water) char in western Alaska is the Dolly Varden.  Arctic char, while present, are only resident in a few of our mountain lakes.  We have large populations of anadromous Dolly Varden in this area.  The fish range in size from 16 to 22 inches, with occasional fish reaching around 30 inches in length.  Young Dolly Varden live in freshwater for their first three years and then begin a migratory lifestyle moving to sea in spring and returning to freshwater in the fall to spend the winter.  Upon reaching sexual maturity, many fish will not migrate, but remain in rivers to spawn in September or October.  Sometimes Dolly Varden will follow salmon upstream from the sea in order to feast on their eggs that fail to be fully deposited in the stream bottom.  They also feed on newly emerged pink salmon fry in the spring as they move toward the sea.  The Dolly Varden is sought after by fly-fishermen for its beautiful colors, which can vary from bright silver with pink spots, to a darker shade with pink spots and a red belly.  When you hook into one of these fish, it will give you a fight worthy of a fish twice it’s size.  Watch out for their infamous roll, or they will quickly twist your line around themselves, break it off and be gone.    In early summer bring plenty of nymphs, woolly buggers, and fry imitations:  later in the summer fish with egg and flesh patterns.   

Arctic Grayling:
     
These unique fish demand clear, clean water to survive, the main reason that they are all but extinct in the lower 48.  They thrive on the Seward Peninsula, and are a great sport on a fly rod.  Arctic Grayling are the oldest fish in the bunch up here and are known to live for as long as 30 years.  Arctic grayling undertake annual migrations within the river seeking out spawning areas in the early spring and then moving to summer feeding areas where they remain until moving to a suitable over wintering location in the late fall.  Arctic grayling in Norton Sound streams can reach a very large size because of the influence of large runs of pink salmon on the productivity of watersheds.  Salmon bring tons of marine derived nutrients into fresh water each year.  In addition, they provide a more direct benefit to resident grayling in the form of salmon eggs and fry.   Grayling spend 8 to 9 months each year under the ice without feeding much, and after spawning in the spring they must feed heavily all summer in order to be able to reproduce the next spring.  In addition to salmon eggs and fry, Grayling feed primarily on drifting stream insects and have been known to even eat shrews.  Early in the summer and during late, sunny evenings, fish for Grayling on the surface with an Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Humpy, Mosquito, Ant or Mouse.  Later in the day and during the salmon runs, throw an egg-sucking leech, woolly bugger, egg pattern, gold ribbed hare’s ear, fry pattern, or almost any attractor fly.  Grayling on the Seward Peninsula receive very little fishing pressure, and we take care to release all of these fish very carefully.  We have caught several Grayling that would challenge the state record of 4 lbs., 13oz., but have never actually recorded one because it would require killing the fish.  We are content to get a great photo and release it.

Northern Pike:
These voracious eaters are famous for their large number of VERY sharp teeth (about 700), and the tenacity with which they feed on bait fish, mice, and even the occasional duck.  A very exciting fish to catch on a fly rod or with conventional gear, these prehistoric looking creatures will definitely provide a thrill.  We will search for these fish in the sloughs and backwater north of Nome.  The average size Pike in this area range from 20-35 inches and 5-15 pounds, however several 40+ inch and 20+ pound Pike have been caught in this area.  Fly-fishermen will need an 8-10 weight rod with a steel leader or 40lb monofilament for a leader section.  Pike will eat Bunny and Flash flies, the Gray Ghost, and Woolly Buggers.  They also respond very well to large saltwater flies such as Pacific Herring, Tarpon Flies, the Seaducer, and large surface flies that imitate small mammals.  Conventional fishermen will need a reel with 12-25lb test and steel leaders.  Pike love the Five-O-Diamonds and Daredevil spoons, as well as any other large, flashy spinners, plugs, or baitfish imitations.

 

Sheefish:
Sheefish (Stenodus leucicthyes) are the only predatory members of the whitefish family and inhabit only arctic and subarctic drainages of Asia and North America.  They are found naturally in the large northerly flowing rivers of Russia and in the Mackenzie and Anderson Rivers of Canada.  In Alaska they occur in the Kuskokwim, Yukon, Kobuk and Selawik rivers.  Early French explores in North America called it “inconnu”, which means “unknown fish”, and this is an accepted common name.
Sheefish have a silvery streamlined body, large scales and a strong lower jaw that projects past the upper jaw.  Their general body form is much like that of other successful predatory fish such as Tarpon and Snook.
Sheefish over winter in the lower reaches of rivers in or near estuaries and undertake long migrations to faster flowing upper reaches of rivers to spawn in the late autumn.  Sheefish may migrate over 1,000 miles to reach spawning areas in large rivers such as the Yukon. Females broadcast their eggs at the surface of the water as fall weather reduces the water temperature to near freezing.  Males fertilize eggs from below as they fall through the water column to lodge between stones in the streambed.  Mature Sheefish are very fecund, and a large female may release 400,000 or more eggs.  Sheefish generally do not spawn each year after reaching maturity.
Young Sheefish emerge from the gravel in the spring and drift downstream to rear in slow moving waters of lakes, sloughs or estuaries near the mouth of the river.  They feed on plankton during their first year, but soon switch to a diet of fish and begin to grow rapidly.  Sheefish may reach sexual maturity at a weight of 7 to 9 pounds at 7 to 10 years of age.  Sheefish can spawn repeatedly over their life that may extend for more than 30 years in the case of the largest individuals.  
Females generally live longer and attain larger sizes than males.  The Kobuk River holds Alaska’s slowest growing, longest lived, and largest Sheefish and here females may reach a weight of 50 pounds.  The State of Alaska angling record is a 53 pound Sheefish caught from the Kobuk River.  However, most of the fish in the spawning population are smaller and anglers visiting this river should expect to catch fish averaging around 15 – 25 pounds.  Fish over 30 pounds are considered large, and an angler fishing for more than a day or two can expect to catch several of fish in the 25 - 35 pound range.
In recent years, the Sheefish population in the Kobuk River appears to be at or near record levels of abundance.  It is likely that excellent conditions for survival of young fish occurred during 1997-1999 and these fish have recently recruited to the spawning population.  Fishing has been excellent during the past three years and will likely continue to be for some years into the future as this group of fish moves through the population.
Our guide on the Kobuk has many years of experience on the river and is very familiar with areas where Sheefish are seasonally abundant.   Their migration pattern puts fish in the upper river from late July through the end of September.  Sheefish tend to hold near the bottom is areas of fairly swift current and moderate depth of 6 to 10 feet.  Most fishing is done from a boat anchored near the edge of the current, although it is possible to fish from shore at a few locations.  Come prepared for large fish in swift currents.  A 10 wt rod with a deep sinking shooting head or integrated head line is recommended.  For those skilled in the use of a two handed rod, fishing from shore can be rewarding.  Again, deep sinking lines are required.  Sheefish tend to strike at brightly colored attractor patterns or baitfish imitations.  Standard salt water baitfish flies such as Clouser minnows and deceivers are very effective.
Kobuk River Sheefish offer one of the few situations were an angler can expect to catch a large number of large fish in a remote river situation.  If water conditions are reasonable, an angler can expect to catch 20 or more fish per day that will range from 7- 35 pounds, and there is always that chance of a real monster.  Moreover, the upper Kobuk River is one of Alaska’s more scenic locations and other than an occasional local subsistence user from Kobuk or Shungnak a visitor can expect to see few other people.

 

Chinook Salmon:
The Chinook, or King Salmon is the largest of all the Salmon species.  Seward Peninsula Kings average 15-25 pounds, with record Alaska Kings weighing in at around 90 pounds!  Chinook Salmon only occur in a few of our rivers in large enough numbers to make fishing worthwhile.  They are present on our float trip in reasonable numbers during the last week of June and into the first part of July.  Kings are not known for their acrobatics or feeding tendencies.  Their sole reputation lies in their size.  Hook into a King, and you may think you’ve just snagged a large rock or tree limb until it starts to move.  Anglers will need an 8 or 10 weight rod to successfully fish for these monsters.  Good fly choices would be the Bunny Fly, Flash Fly, Popsicle, and any attractor patterns. 

Coho Salmon:
Probably the best sport fishing for salmon is for the Coho, or Silver Salmon.  Coho rear in freshwater for one or two years before smolting and traveling to the sea.  They remain at sea for about 14 months and begin to enter our rivers during late July.  The run peaks in mid-August and continues into September.  Silvers are known for their acrobatic leaps and their long runs.  Many Seward Peninsula Rivers receive good returns of Coho Salmon.  Caught early in the run, you will get a beautiful bright silvery fish.  As they get closer to spawning, the fish will darken to a bronze or purplish color, and then finally turn all red.  But don’t think you’ve got the upper hand; a red-colored Coho can still put up a mean fight.  Fly-fish for these spectacular fish with a 7-9 weight fly rod.  Coho are very aggressive and will usually attack most bright attractor patterns.  Tie simple streamers with a combination of colors including red/white, orange/white, and pink/yellow.  A little bit of silver flash or sparkle will add to the appeal. 

Sockeye Salmon:
The Sockeye or Red Salmon is a beautiful fish and one of the best eating salmon available.  Once they get closer to spawning, their entire body turns red, and their head turns green. We catch these fish on two rivers in substantial numbers, and occasionally see a few on other area rivers.   Sockeye Salmon rarely bite anything offered on fly or conventional gear; these photos here show the results of a subsistence harvest using a seine net.  With persistence you may occasionally entice one to bite at a Green Eyes, Red Hot, or similar fly.  Dead drift these simple fly patterns with short, erratic jerks to catch the fish’s attention.  As they bite for the hook, allow slack in your line.  When the fish turns its head, then it is time to set the hook.  Post-spawn, these fish are much more aggressive, and you will not have a problem hooking into a beautiful red and green fish that will give you a considerable fight.  

Chum Salmon:
The Chum or Dog salmon is unfortunately one of Alaska’s most underrated sport fish.  They are one of the larger salmon in the bunch, with Seward Peninsula chum averaging 8-12 lbs.  Young chum salmon migrate directly to the sea after emerging from the gravel in the spring.  They return to spawn in fresh water after three to five years in the ocean.  Fresh out of the sea these fish are bright silver in color, turning darker with vertical stripes and growing large teeth as they near their spawning grounds. You don’t hear of many people targeting the Chum, however they are a strong fighting sport fish and will give any fisherman a challenge.  Many Chum salmon are caught each year by anglers fishing for other species.  Fly fishermen should be prepared with no less than an 8-weight rod when fishing waters inhabited by Chum salmon.  Use flies that you would use for any other salmon, such as bunny flies, flash flies, the Popsicle, or any multi-colored streamer. 

Pink Salmon:
The Pink salmon, or Humpy, runs in Seward Peninsula waters in larger numbers than any other fish.  Young pink salmon travel directly to the sea after emerging from the gravel in the spring.  They return the next year as adults ready to spawn, completing their entire life cycle in two years.  Males are easily recognizable by the large hump that develops on their back as they approach spawning.  Even our small Seward Peninsula Rivers swell with millions of fish during the strong even-year runs, and several hundred thousand fish run in the odd-numbered years.  Caught early in their run, these can be a good-eating fish.  If you’ve always wanted to catch fish until your arms ached, this is the fish for you.  They are comparable in size and fighting characteristics to a Dolly Varden.  Pink salmon runs provide tons of marine derived nutrients that fertilize our rivers, and provide food for other fish in the form of eggs, fry and flesh.  Conventional gear fishermen will catch these salmon on pixies or any other flashy spoon or spinner.  Fly fishermen will have luck with green woolly buggers, flash flies, or any other typical salmon attractor pattern.