I try to take the family to Maui once a year, but there is no way to break away to Kihei let alone other islands to do some fly fishing without finding divorce papers upon my return. But hey, I got mine on the gnarly deep swing which was all I wanted! My big bow was 10 on dot but only runner up to a 10 year old who had me beat by about 3-4 pounds, almost a lodge record. And while they may not boast the biggest fish in the state, we managed to find some nice bows anyhow - bows are all I really care about in AK. The lodge boasts extremely diverse and remote water, you're not going to see anyone else at all on any of the waters up there other than your own party (each party consists of 2 anglers and 2 guides) - you're always going to be by yourself and they make it a point to make sure you never fish the same water twice (unless of course you have an epic day). A beaver will drop you off and you'll either hike a remote mountain stream or find a stashed boat and tear off up a river.

The lodge is well stocked, more than well staffed with guides and pilots on standby plus boats stashed away all over the place. Also, every species in the state is available here, from bows and char to dolly's and grayling, and of course the normal suite of 5 salmon species (season dependent) - even monster lakers (like 40-50lb plus) and sheefish. Small water, big water, still water, fast water, high sticking, indicator nymphing, pegging beads, streamers and swinging, you can even skate dries and mice. Amazing mountain lakes, glacial lakes, alpine streams, large rivers, braids, tumultuous rapids, deep fjords.pretty much everything you can imagine. I've been to Alaska quite a bit over the past 29 years and this is undoubtedly the most beautiful part I've seen. This bad boy is located 60 miles north of Dillingham in the Wood-Tikchik State park.

Hell, just to get there you need a charter to Dillingham plus a beaver (thankfully they have 2 on site). Had the opportunity to go to the Royal Coachman's Lodge, a super remote and amazing destination which specializes in fly outs. A short little post from someone who doesn't have time to put into his blog anymore.

Fishing planet rocky lake rainbow trout