Reel Times Newsletter
July 2021
Issue 43
Choices, Choices … Where will You Go Fishing Next?
There are countless fishing opportunities in Alaska. From quiet, unpopulated remote stretches of water to areas where “combat” fishing is the norm – July is when many anglers take to the water in pursuit of fish.
In this edition of Reel Times, we’ll share some resources to help better equip you for a day on the water.
We launched a new video series on our YouTube channel called “Alaska’s Reel Deal.” Be sure to check it out.
In this issue of Reel Times, we will share some online resources to get you out the door and onto the water. You can purchase licenses and stamps in our online store.
Are you following us on social media? If not, be sure to check us out on Instagram @wefishak. You can also follow us on Facebook at ADF&G - wefishak.
If you have a comment or story ideas for Reel Times, we encourage you to send them our way. You can send comments to ryan.ragan@alaska.gov.
We’ll see you on the water.
Division of Sport Fish - Alaska Department of Fish and Game
Check out “Alaska’s Reel Deal”
If you’re hoping to find some of the best spots to enjoy a weekend away, look no further! Alaska Department of Fish and Game staff have teamed up with staff from Alaska State Parks to highlight 10 State Recreation areas that are not only great for getting away with friends and family and enjoying nature, but also for fishing! In the video series, titled “Alaska’s Reel Deal”, both Park Rangers, and Fish and Game managers, will tell you the very best aspects about the locations featured, and even what fishing gear to bring out for a day on the water.
So, be sure to tune into “Alaska’s Reel Deal” before planning your next trip to hear from the experts! The ~5 minute videos will be well worth your time. The series launched in June and will run through mid-August with a new location being featured every Thursday. Stay tuned for more episodes throughout the summer.
Fish on!
Are you taking the challenge?
How many of the five species of Pacific salmon found in Alaska have you caught so far this year?
We encourage anglers to get out and fish together. The “Five Salmon Family Challenge” is a great opportunity to get out with a group of friends or family members and target all five species of Pacific salmon native to the freshwaters of Alaska. The challenge is open to all sport fish anglers.
We recently teamed up Shelly Marshall, who is a very talented Alaskan artist, to bring a new look to the Five Salmon Family Challenge certificate. Additionally, Shelly modified her popular “Alaska Salmon Species” poster to include the ADF&G logo. We are excited to have the opportunity to work with Shelly and make this poster available to anyone who completes the Five Salmon Family Challenge.
If you successfully complete the Five Salmon Family Challenge, you will receive a certificate with your name on it, and you will receive a poster designed by Shelly Marshall signed by the artist.
Learn more about the Five Salmon Family Challenge.
You can check out more art by Shelly Marshall and follow her on Instagram @shellartstudio. Get out and fish. Together!
Rod Loaner Program Will Be Reinstated at Select ADF&G Offices
Need fishing equipment?Beginning July 15, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game – Division of Sport Fish is reinstating the Rod Loaner Program at participating offices across the state.
The Rod Loaner Program lends fishing equipment to anglers at no cost for a period of no more than three days. There are six offices across the state that participate in the Rod Loaner Program. While equipment selections vary by office, gear type includes open water and ice fishing gear.
For additional information on the Rod Loaner Program and to learn more about the types of equipment available at participating offices, please visit us online.
Get out and fish. Together. Share your fishing stories with us on social media by using #wefishak.
Chasing Arctic grayling in the Togiak River drainage
When anglers prepare for a trip to the scenic Togiak River drainage, they are often gearing up to chase high profile species like king salmon or rainbow trout. These species garner much attention, which is well deserved as the Togiak drainage can produce fantastic days of fishing for these highly sought-after species. Anglers who are looking for a bit of a different experience will find Arctic grayling waiting to delight them if they are prepared to use a touch more finesse.
While Arctic grayling can be found in the main river at times, their true home waters are the small gravel bottom tributaries that feed the Togiak. One such tributary is Pungokepuk Creek, which can be found roughly 18 miles up the Togiak at the southern border of the Togiak National Wildlife Refuge. Other tributaries can be fruitful as well, but the “Pungo” as the creek is often referred to by locals, is one that is easier to access by boat directly from the town of Togiak. It empties the lower eastern portion of the drainage into the Togiak river and winds through the tundra in its lower reaches and into the foothills as it approaches Pungokepuk Lake.
Arctic grayling can be found throughout the creek but increase in size and frequency as you move up toward the pebble strewn upper reaches of the Pungo. Prior to salmon arriving in mid-June, Arctic grayling will be primarily keyed in on insects, so small nymphs and dry flies should work well. After the arrival of salmon, the grayling will switch their focus to egg imitations as the salmon build redds and lay eggs. They eventually develop an appetite for flesh imitations as the salmon finish spawning and begin to decompose. Spinners and spoons can also be effective options throughout the year and are less subject to the changing desires of the grayling and can produce strikes throughout the season.
Smaller tackle should be used when targeting Arctic grayling as small water and confined space combined with average sizes between 12 and 16 inches necessitate rod/reel/line combinations that provide a high level of feel. A 4 or 5 weight fly rod or a light/ultralight spinning combo would be appropriate for chasing Arctic grayling in most waters where they are present throughout the state.
If you are lucky enough to find grayling, you will be rewarded with an energetic and aggressive sport fish that is more beautiful in person than any picture could portray. The iridescence in the scales and the presence of a magnificent dorsal fin in males of the species provide a real visual treat that will leave a lasting impression. So next time you’re planning a trip, think about stashing some light gear in your pack in case you find yourself in proximity to good Arctic grayling waters in small gravel bottom tributaries.
How to fish for Arctic grayling on the Chena River
The Arctic grayling is one of the most beautiful freshwater fishes of Alaska, and it is just as fun to catch as it is to look at. If you are a youth that would like to participate next year, or if you would like to try your hand at catch-and-release for Arctic grayling in the Chena, try fishing with dry flies such as Mosquito, Adams, and Caddisfly patterns, black or brown nymphs. Salmon egg patterns work well, particularly when salmon are spawning in late July. Anglers using spinning gear will find that small spoons, spinners, and white or pink jigs also provide high catch rates. Try watching our How to Fish for Arctic grayling video for more tips, which was filmed on the Chena River.
Field to Plate - Recipe of the month
Recipe of the month: Cilantro Lime Baked Alaska Salmon
Try this delicious recipe for Cilantro Lime Baked Alaska Salmon from our friends at the Alaska Seafood Marketing Institute.
Enjoy!
If you have any questions about the Reel Times newsletter, please contact Ryan Ragan at ryan.ragan@alaska.gov