Kings on the Swing

“Every fishing trip is a crapshoot. A roll of the dice. Particularly when migratory fish are involved. There are so many factors that can stack against you including run density, run timing, water conditions, weather, travel complications and any other number of unforeseen circumstances waiting to raise their ugly head along the way. My experience has shown that trips tend to follow a Bell curve – the statistical model that assists in explaining probability. If you happen to be fortunate enough to visit the same river at the same time each year for a five-year period, there is an expectation to encounter one remarkable week, where everything lines up perfectly, a couple that would be considered average, and another two that drop below. Based on this history the chance of a great week seems to be about 20% or possibly less. It’s best not to think about it, but it is now top of mind.” – Rick Kustich

As the Cessna Grand Caravan cruises over the Alaskan landscape at around 2,000 feet, you quickly gain perspective and appreciation for the vast wilderness of western Alaska. The hardy tundra interspersed with low lying potholes gives testament to this harsh environment along the Bering Sea. As the plane is guided toward the Yupik village of Quinhagak, the excitement is palpable. Our four-flight, two-day journey was about to reach its end point on the banks for the Kanektok River.

While being immersed in a deepening connection to Alaska would make the trip worth it by itself, the main objective is to intercept some of the river’s bright king salmon on their annual migration. I have chased fresh run kings along the Pacific coast a handful of times in the past with mixed results. But this magnificent fish always draws me back. Its combination of size, power, attitude, resilience, and beauty command both respect and deep admiration.

At the airstrip Paul Jacob, co-owner of Reel Action Fly Fishing, greets us with a warm infectious smile as we step off the plane. I have known Paul for nearly 30 years with us both growing up in upstate New York. He is a highly accomplished angler who brings his knowledge and enthusiasm to his guiding and operation of an Alaskan camp. After introductions, our gear is packed first into trucks and then transferred to the boats used to reach our ultimate destination.

Along with the first Swing the Fly hosted trip to Reel Action are Ed, Ray, Todd, Terry, Mike, and Sam – all experienced spey anglers that I have fished with in the past. Also, can’t forget about Bill, who was not “with” our trip, but after our time together, is an honorary Swing The Fly member! The exhilarating feeling of walking into a classic Alaskan fishing camp is immediate. Each guest has their own cabin tent equipped with a comfortable bed and heater. As luggage and equipment are distributed, there is a bit of time to soak it all in while making the tent feel homey.

On any adventure in pursuit of migratory fish proper timing is always the concern. Are the fish here? Are the water conditions right? Does the weather forecast look favorable? At dinner that evening speaking with Paul and the other guides we get answers – yes, yes, and yes. In fact, the run seems to be building each day. The news pours gas on our excitement. Despite exhaustion from the travel and jet lag from a four-hour time change, falling asleep the first night is difficult with dreams of silver dancing in our heads. 

The first day of fishing begins with meeting our guides at the boats beached along a small inlet next to the camp. More introductions are exchanged; bonds are effortlessly forged. Each of the guides is friendly, accommodating, unpretentious, and very knowledgeable. 

The first day does entail some trial and error while dialing in rods, lines, and tips, but there is no time to waste as a burst of fresh kings has moved upriver with the most recent tide. Getting in tune with the personality of the river will need to be fast tracked. 

After our guide Mike works us through the nuances of our pool, I connect with a couple two-salt kings that tease their power. A good warmup. But it doesn’t take long for a step up in weight class. Half-way through the next pass of the long placid pool, the swing is rudely interrupted with a heavy pull and explosion on the water’s surface. Even with the drag tightened down the backing quickly shows itself as the big king seems intent on continuing its migration with me in tow. Eventually control is gained, and the encounter ends with a tense close quarters battle as the heavy silver brute is slowly guided into the net. The big king is dripping with sea lice. It looks both mean and beautiful all at once, clearly annoyed that its journey has been detoured. But after some admiration of such a stunning creature and few quick and classy photos the king is released to go about its duties.

We have all had the experience of catching a fish on the first cast and then turns out to be the only one of the day.  So, catching your target fish so early in a trip could signal great things to come or the only one for the week. Fortunately for us, it proved to be the former. The number of big adult kings seems to grow each day leaving everyone in the group pinching ourselves after three or four days. The fishing is bolstered by perfect overcast and light rain conditions encountered throughout the week.

The Kanektok is a spey angler’s dream. Long pools that set up perfectly for the swing some taking an hour or so to work through properly. We also benefit from ideal water levels and flows. During late June the river typically runs a bit higher, but lower flows push the runs toward the deeper troughs in the middle or far side of the river. Big casts and long swings dominate the approach. Skagit heads with a short piece of T-14 place our tube flies at the proper level. 

The body of a king salmon is built for strength, a fact that is put on full display with every hookup of a mature fish. And each encounter with a big king seems to have its own unique qualities. Most begin with a heavy pull. It is best to allow the fish to chew and turn before lifting or sweeping the rod. From there it could be violent trashing, forceful runs up or down river, and even an aerial display. Sometimes chasing the fish rapidly down river is involved. A big king doesn’t give up easily and bringing one to the net takes finesse and patience. Loosen the drag when in close and be ready for anything while maintaining a deep bend in the rod applying just the right amount of force. When you get your chance and work its head up, take advantage by sliding it to the net.

The fishing was truly only part of the full experience. The Reel Action camp provides all the amenities needed after 10 hours on the river – wonderfully prepared meals, a hot shower, and a warm cozy central meeting and dining tent where stories of the day are shared by both anglers and guides. There is even a fully functioning wader and drying tent that is crucial for comfort after rainy days result in soaked clothing.

While the daily opportunity for big kings exists each day, sometimes being in the exact right place left you thinking you were dreaming. Each angler in our group experiences this (at least) once through the week. This wasn’t all by simple good fortune, but rather the coordination each day between Paul and the other guides that work as a team to give everyone the best experience possible. For me, it was the last day fishing with long-time friend Mike Foley and our guide Matt. It was a classic case of the right place at the right time. From first stepping into the pool in the morning until early afternoon we encounter chrome-bright kings with sea lice along with a few chums sprinkled in the mix. 

We spend more time with big fish attached to our flies than we do casting. A rare occurrence these days.

On the evening of the last day our group sits around letting the events of the week set in, and justhow special the experience was was lost on no one . There is a sense of euphoria and satiation along with a deep appreciation for a river that hosts healthy runs of magnificent native salmon. The fortunate timing and great fishing were only part of the equation. We gain a greater appreciation for the Yupik culture. A week on a beautiful Alaskan river recharges the soul. he Reel Action crew is top notch. Paul, Mike, Matt, Sarah, Ethan, Julius, and Mike quickly became friends. Experts in their field readily and happily share knowledge and tips to make you a better angler. This attention to detail truly makes the trip.

Suffice to say the first Swing the Fly trip to Alaska and Reel Action was a glowing success. We’ll be going back hopefully for many years to follow.

Swing The Fly has two remaining seats for our 2027 trip to the Kenektok with Reel Action, hosted by editor Daniel Ritz. For more details, check out the Travel page on SwingTheFly.com . 

Photo Gallery