ACTIVITIES
Learn to Let Go
WITH THE PRACTICED FLICK OF A BACKCAST , the fly line arcs gracefully through the air . A light breeze ruffles the water and a bald eagle watches from the spruce trees nearby . Whether you consider fly fishing an act of meditation , or a kind of dance , it doesn ’ t get much more peaceful than this .
“ One of my favorite things about fly fishing in Sitka is that the waters here are easy , workable-sized creeks ,” says Kenneth Rear , who co-owns and operates Sitka Alaska Outfitters with his wife , Debbie . “ You don ’ t have to stand in deep , fast-flowing waters for extended periods of time .”
If you want to embark on an independent freshwater fishing trip , Sitka Alaska Outfitters provides rentals and a full-service retail shop . Other companies , such as Classic Casting Adventures and Sitka Fish Outfitters , offer halfday , full-day , and multiday freshwater fishing trips .
For Tad Kisaka of Classic Casting Adventures , the experience isn ’ t just about taking someone out to a river – it ’ s also about providing an education .
“ We know all the rivers on Baranof and Chichagof Island ... We really try to educate people on the basics of fly fishing and the gear that we ’ re using . If you ’ ve never fly fished before , this is a great place to learn because there ’ s plenty of fish to catch .”
Jamie Steinson , the owner of Sitka Fish Outfitters , agrees . “ Seeing people light up when they hook their first fish on a fly rod is amazing ,” he says .
Many people who visit Sitka choose to go saltwater fishing over freshwater fishing – and that ’ s not a bad thing as far as most of the guides are concerned . “ Saltwater fishing gets all the hype , which is fine with me ,” Jamie says with a laugh . “ The less people on the rivers , the better the fishing .”
Fly Fishing »
Classic Casting Adventures flyfishsitka . com / Dove Island Lodge doveislandlodge . com
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