August is an exceptional time to be in Alaska. It is a month blessed with an extraordinary abundance of game fish, all quite eager to engage the visiting fly-fisher in continuous contest. It is a time when the much heralded silver salmon make their stage debut, entering the many small, flyfishing-friendly rivers throughout the state. This time of year also witnesses the aggressiveness of indigenous rainbow trout as they bulk up on the nutrient rich eggs of the millions of sockeye salmon now in full spawning mode. During August,one also has the opportunity to introduce a multitude of egg- fly patterns too large numbers of hungry grayling and char and Dolly Varden, since they too are now enjoying a natural buffet consisting of this unique form of caviar. The spawning salmon attract the magnificent bald eagles that feast on the remains of spent and dying fish. This is also a time when one of Alaska largest carnivores, brown bears, bulk up on a seemingly endless supply of spawning salmon, building fat reserves to carry them through winter hibernation. It is fair to say that the presence of salmon in Alaskan rivers attracts all varieties of wildlife that benefit from this most natural of all resources. The fish also attract an abundance of anglers. But Alaska is a big state and one can find spectacular solitude and fly-fishing beyond comparison. Yes, August is my favorite time to fish the Greatland, especially the AK Peninsula. When I am there you will be sure to find me on some remote tidal spawning stream, fly rod in hand searching for hard fighting and bright silvers. See you in the bush!
