Question:

Any info on best streams or pretty much anything on Admiralty Island in August? Specifically, we are staying at Church Bight Cabin and will be there in August. It will be an unguided trip , so we are venturing out on our own, so any hot spots or really any info on this area would be helpful. ~ Chris

Answer:

Hi Chris,

This is Mike from Alaska Fly Fishing Goods. Thank you for the inquiry email. There isn’t large streams down in Gambier Bay, but there are some decent medium sized streams that should have some pink salmon, dolly varden and cutthroat trout.The closest creek is on the other side of the bight (southside). There is a similar sized creek at the head of the next cove in (left side heading into the bay). Both of these should be fishing. If you have access to a boat, the two other streams worth looking at are up at the head of Gambier on the northwestern end. Both are a little larger than the closer streams, so they should hold more fish.

Fish the incoming tides in the estuaries for the freshest pink. They will follow the tides in and stage before staying in the creeks. Humpy Hookers, black, pink and purple Egg Sucking Leeches will get them to eat. If there are a lot of pinks, you can probably get them to come to the surface and eat Pink AK Gurglers or Jerry’s Waker Maker.

Most of your dollies/trout will be found at the upper stages of the estuary on up. These guys will be pretty focused on eggs, so egg patterns and beads will be the ticket. Try 8-10 mm beads in Peach Roe, Montana Roe, Peachy Kings and Tangerine. For egg patters try, Battle Creeks, Fish Emission Eggs (Oregon Cheese) Alaska Omelettes and Gorman’s BH Eggs. Tungsten Mini Dolly Llamas in blk/wht, salmon pink/white white/red throat will also work. If you want to try and bring these guys to the surface, try the Mini AK Gurglers in flame and orange.

7-8 wt with a floating line and a 7-9′ 10-12# leader will work for pinks and a 4-6 wt with a floating line a 8# leader will work for trout. If you have any questions or would like more info, please shoot me an email to mike@alaskaflyfishinggoods.com

Tight Lines,

Mike