9/12/2024 Fishing Report

Sheep Creek is back in a big way.  It is still the most productive spot in town by a long shot.  Yes, its busy, but it is busy because there are that many fish.  Thane has produced some really stellar tides this last week, especially last Sunday, but day to day can vary greatly and there just aren't always coho there willing to bite.  The other side of the channel (5-mile, 9-mile, Bayview) is not consistent yet, but it starting to get there.  Just within the last couple days anglers started finding decent numbers of cohos.  Most of the cohos around last week were extremely bright and that seems to be the case this week as well.  It's looking like this could be an absolutely dynamite week of fishing.

The other noteworthy thing we have noticed in the last couple days is the size of these fish is HUGE.  We have heard of several coho caught from Sheep Creek the last couple days over 20lbs!  If you have a 9wt now is the time to bring it out.  If you have always wanted one, now is the time to get it.  Tired of throwing a Dolly Llama on your 8wt?  We are too, and we couldn't be happier with bumping up one rod size.

The Dolly fishing has been good recently.  You need to walk a bit further than normal, but for folks putting in the work, the reward has been excellent.  Cowee Creek and Montana Creek are our two favorite fall systems.  Beads will work, but it is worth trying various small flesh and other streamers too. The Dredge Lakes system can be a lot of fun in the fall and if you want a shot at trout before the fall fully sets in this is where you should go.  Keep in mind, lakes will fish well when the creeks are high, so if we get a ton of rain these lakes are where you should focus your time.

As always, we love featuring your photos for our fishing reports.  If you have a great fish, scenery, or action photo that has to do with fishing around town send it our way!  You can email photos or videos to cory@alaskaflyfishinggoods.com.  Please remember to handle fish with care, especially if you are practicing catch and release.  Consider getting a net with a rubber basket to help land fish quickly, pinch your barbs and keep them in the water until you are ready to snap a quick photo.

See you on the water!

The Crew at AFFG

Listed below are the hot patterns of the week.  Fisheries change here through-out the season and so do the best patterns to use.  Below are some of the recommended flies for the current fisheries.  Happy fishing!

Hot Flies - Coho

Hot Flies/Beads - Dolly Varden

Hot Flies - Cutthroat Trout