Well, I didnt have internet access in Alaska, so I will pick a couple pics from each day as if I did, a little cheating if you will.

Day One – Saturday

We got into the Lodge about 2 PM and just enough time to hit the river for a few hours.  The lodge also had some Nashville Singer/Songwriters on site to entertain nightly…Scott Laurent, Mike and Scott Harder, Bruce (Badass) and Earl Bud Lee of “Friends in Low Places” fame.

The Bob White

Day 2 – The “Pak” with Bob White

We flew out to the Pak river with our guide Bob White.  It was a great day with our other guide Mitch and they cooked us a great riverside lunch.  Beer batter fried Salmon with cheesy potatoes and Bob’s famous “guide pie.”

Day 3/4 – Togiak River then to Rainbo Outcamp

The 3rd day we fly to the Togiak, where the King Salmon are the Kings!  The King fishing was slow, so we leaned towards the other Salmon and trout.  Had a great time with Ryan and then flew to the overnight camp called Rainbo Camp.

Midnight at the lodge…pretty light for that late!

Day 5 – The “Wok: River with Chris Franzen

We fished with a NC native who found his way to Alaska.  He had us on as many Char that morning that we wanted to catch, it was a blast.  Then we went up river and started getting Rainbows on dries, nymphs then I leaned toward the big streamer.  At this point I just wanted to catch one big fish, that was the goal.  We hit a few good ones between grayling and a had a great day!

John Gierach and Bob White are two great guys.  John is a great writer, very witty and creative and gave a couple readings.  Bob is a great artist and a great person, he is who I owe my invite to for this amazing experience.  Also, not pictured, Steve Laurent who runs BBL has quite the job.  With all the logistics and stress that an amazing lodge on the middle of Alaska takes, he handles it well and makes it look easy!

Day 6 – Back to the Togiak to fish with Taylor Bussey

We fished with Taylor who I met in Charleston as he came through town on the Flyfishing Film Tour this past spring.  He is a blast to fish with, very intense and light-hearted.  He wants to catch fish and makes sure his people do…We finally got a big bow, not as big as I wanted, but will keep me coming back!

Bristol Bay Lodge….check it out, an amazing place!

Paul