Fly Fishing For Leopard Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden On The Kanektok River

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Fly Fishing For Leopard Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden On The Kanektok River

January 22, 2013 by reelaction

Kanektok River rainbow trout and dolly varden / arctic char are some of the most gorgeous fish in Alaska. The rainbows are called leopards and are among the most stunning rainbows in Alaska – bright red lateral stripes and large, prominent spots across their entire body, even their eyes! These rainbows average 18-24”, with some 28″ fish caught every season. Excellent trout fishing can be from early July through August. You can sight cast for the rainbows and they can be caught using a variety of flies and techniques including mouse patterns, leach patterns, egg flies, flesh flies, dry flies and nymphs.

The dollies enter the river as a bright silver army and gradually change color as they get closer to spawning. They have neon bright orange / red bellies that almost seem to glow and sport a fantastic green and blue, sometimes almost turquoise upper body. This coloration is made even more vivid by the many vibrant orange spots that dapple their body. In a nutshell, dollies are the ‘tropical fish’ of Alaska. It is not uncommon for people who catch these magnificent fish to say that they are the most beautiful fish they have ever seen or caught. Averaging 18-24,” larger fish range up to 28.” They can be caught on leaches, dry flies, mice and egg patterns.

Enjoy some of the pictures below taken in the summer of 2012!