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Polly Wanna Wog?
The still water coho of Big River Lake
There are some places in Alaska that are just plain unique.
These idyllic locations separate themselves from even the most popular Alaska fisheries. Their lore lives largely through the tales told by those that have been there, as most have not.
One
of these places is Big River Lake on the West Side of Cook Inlet. Beginning
in late July, the lake and its slow moving tributaries attract thousands
of fresh coho. What follows can easily be characterized as some of the
most remarkable still water salmon fishing in all of South Central Alaska.
Due to their relatively short journey from salt, the newly arriving coho
enter the lake within hours of leaving the ocean. Clear water outlets
that feed the lake and its tributaries are magnets for the fresh salmon.
Sensing their natal gravel, they amass by the thousands. With unmatched
intensity, they will pursue and attack nearly anything in their path.
When
Lamiglas called and asked me to take a group of outdoor writers on a
day or two of fishing in late August, I immediately thought of this
location. After
generous clearance from Alaska West Owner/Pilot Doug Brewer, I met the
guys and we flew out to some of the best silver salmon fishing Alaska
has to offer. I
explained that the choice of flies was wide open. Pink Crystal Flash
Flies and Bead-Headed Tinsel Nymphs will absolutely get bit on every
cast. And then there's the visually enticing, but less consistent top
water flies, the most popular being the Pink Wog. All three insisted
on fishing top water polly wogs and over the next 3-4 hours, these experienced
fly casters brought countless silver salmon to the surface and over
a hundred to hand. With multitudes of schooling silvers roaming the
shallows around the boat, a long cast and subsequent retrieve would
sometimes yield more than a half dozen takes. 
Truth
be known, this fishery requires very little experience to master. Even
first time fly casters can become seasoned pros with this many fish
to target. This particular day was exceptional yet not unlike most days
to this silver salmon paradise. Throughout August and into early September,
these still water schools will amaze visitors with their strong numbers
and sheer ferocity. All you really need is a good pilot, a good guide,
and the Wog!
Above: STS editor Nick Amato used a Lamiglas EC907 fly rod to land one of many top water coho.
Right: Located at the base of the Alaska Range almost directly across
the Inlet from Kenai, Big River Lake offers top water silver salmon
fishing at its best.
Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker
33361 Keystone Drive, Soldotna, Alaska 99669
1-800-622-1177
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2003-2007, Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker
This site developed by Philip
R. Gantt
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