Fishing the Ivishak River 1999

In the fall of 1999, fellow pilot Doug Bradbury and myself flew in my Cessna 180F to a gravel bar on the upper Ivishak River.   The Brooks Range mountains loomed over the landing site.

On this upper section of the river, Doug and I found the Arctic Char very abundant and quite willing to take a fly.   We were even able to hook a few on Dry Flies.

This colorful fish is the first we encountered that had the classic spawning colors.   I was able to hook this fish, and Doug took the photo while I fought the fish with my 3 WT.

This beautiful spawning male measured 29 inches and had spectacular color.   This was the only mature male that I caught, as these were much less aggressive.

Though it is still unclear to me whether these fish are Arctic Char or Dolly Varden (The latest interpretation by AK Dept F&G is that only Dolly Varden are anadromous in Alaska), they were nevertheless very impressive.

This fish will spawn this fall/winter then possibly return to the Beaufort Sea next spring.   The offspring will stay in the river for a couple of years before their first migration to the sea.

Doug and I caught dozens of fish like this nice Char.   We ate one every night and found them to be outstanding table fare.

We were also able to find some very nice Arctic Grayling on the upper Ivishak.   Doug prepares to release a nice fish that he caught on a dry fly.

Doug caught the best fish of the trip.   This amazing fish measured 31 inches and was as beautiful as any mount that I have ever seen.

The colors on this specimen were unbelievable.   Photography simply did not do justice to the beauty.   The opportunity to pursue a fish such as this make the Ivishak River one of my favorite spots in Alaska.