Salmon are an anadromous animal, meaning they travel from the salt to freshwater to spawn. Once reaching their native river all feeding stops, and living on stored body fats, the salmon struggle against rapids, falls, and of course anglers until reaching the proper spawning water where they were born. There are five Pacific salmon species in all, chinook, coho, chum, pink, and sockeye, there is also the Atlantic salmon which is one of the most prized fish to catch with a fly.
Pacific Salmon
Pacific Salmon are an anadromous animal, meaning they travel from the salt to freshwater to spawn. Once reaching there native river all feeding stops, and living on stored body fats, the salmon struggle against rapids, falls, and of course anglers until reaching the proper spawning water where they were born. With spawning over, the salmon's life is finished, and within a short time it dies, and the body drifts downstream which decays and fertilizes the river with rich nutrients.
Atlantic Salmon
One of fly fishing’s most prized catches, and with good reason, these fish grow large and aggressive. Encompassing the North Atlantic from Ungava Bay to Lake Ontario, and then southward to Connecticut, and from Russia’s White Sea to Portugal. Arriving to their native river between April and November, these Anadramous fish are most often fished with dry flies. After spawning, Atlantic salmon mends itself and makes the journey back to the ocean much like a steelhead.
Flies for Alaska
Planning a once in lifetime trip to the “Last Frontier”, you’re in the right section. Choose any of these tried and true patterns for the specific species you are targeting and you will ensure a great fly fishing experience.
