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Help return water to the Eklutna River
For nearly 90 years, the abandoned lower Eklutna Dam blocked salmon migration on the Eklutna River, contributing to the downfall of the salmon fishery. In September of 2018, we, along with many others, rejoiced the successful removal of the lower dam. This dam removal marked a first step in reconnecting 22 miles of salmon habitat and securing a free-flowing future for the Eklutna River.
For the most part, Alaskans enjoy healthy habitat and thriving fisheries. Because of this, our work is primarily focused on protecting this habitat that enables us to continue fishing with our families and friends. There are areas in Alaska, however, where we have opportunities to go back and right a wrong for the sake of the fish and the local…
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The mouse-muncher
I can feel myself shaking but for some reason I still hold my hand out for visual verification. The sort of tremble a fish hasn’t left with since putting a rooster fish in the net or landing my first steelhead. My adrenaline is spiked and the only way my grin could be any bigger is if I’d brought the fish to hand, but that’s of surprisingly…
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Goldfish in Alaska?
“Let’s go catch some goldfish.” This is not the phrase an Alaskan angler, or likely any angler, anticipates hearing. However, this summer it was brought to Anchorage residents’ attention that goldfish have been gleefully parading around an urban pond in colorful schools for some time. With plans to eradicate the invasive species, and orders to catch and kill…
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Tangle Lakes
We were headed northbound for our second wedding anniversary. We had a van full of fishing gear and were set to explore fresh water that had been on the hit list for years. My wife, Brittney, and I were all smiles. What started as a seemingly innocent rhythmic vibration in a wheel upon rolling into…
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Saying ‘no’ to Pebble: This one’s different
What makes Pebble different? Size, type and location.
Photo by Ben Knight I don’t enjoy politics. I pay attention to the best of my ability, but life and enjoying the wild offerings of this world comes first. My love for fishing, and the wild places it brings me, pushes me into advocacy and ultimately getting entangled in some of the inescapable politics associated with…
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Alaska’s Koktuli River on display
Simply put, the rivers you will see in Koktuli Wild are ground zero for impacts from the Pebble mine if it were to go through.
All photos courtesy of Brendan Wells and Eric Parker In the face of the proposed Pebble Mine, Trout Unlimited and other groups representing sportsmen, commercial fishing, and Alaska Native Tribes have been sharing stories for more than a decade of the pristine wilderness, intact ecosystems of the Bristol Bay region and their critical importance to…
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Entrenched in the salmon cycle
“We are products of our environment.” There is much truth to this adage, and I know I am a product of my Alaskan fly-fishing environment and exposure. Six years ago when I arrived in Alaska, I was still a mere "padawan" with the fly rod. With time, I found more seasoned anglers to fish with, picked up some tips at the…
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