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Fishing for King Salmon in Alaska with Chris Childs - Togiak River, Chinook, Steelhead
Season 10 Episode 693
Show Notes: https://wetflyswing.com/693
Presented by: Togiak River Lodge
Sponsors: https://wetflyswing.com/togiak
Chris Childs shares his insights on fishing for king salmon at the Togiak River. Discover the thrill of targeting Chinook, steelhead, and Atlantic salmon. Chris offers tips on swinging flies and adapting techniques to changing tides.
Learn about Alaska's top king salmon rivers and gain valuable advice for your fishing adventures. Whether you're a seasoned angler or a beginner, this episode is packed with inspiration and insider knowledge from the Alaskan wilderness. Tune in now!
Episode Chapters with Chris Childs on Fishing for King Salmon in Alaska
2:13 - Chris shares that he began using a two-handed rod about 15 years ago and has been guiding in Alaska for seven years. He initially got involved through a job opportunity in Southwest Alaska, attracted by the variety of fish species that could be targeted with a two-handed rod. Currently, Chris guides in Alaska from mid-June to the end of July and spends the rest of the year working on the Deschutes and John Day River back home.
5:38 - Unlike the crowded Deschutes River, the John Day has limited access, although more spots are becoming available for bank anglers. Chris describes the logistics involved in fishing the river, including four or five-day overnight trips, which limit pressure due to the commitment required. For more information on fishing the John Day, Chris suggests contacting the Deschutes Angler or local ODFW biologist for advice on timing and access points.
9:25 - We dive into fishing for Chinook salmon on the Togiak River, focusing on a program that uses two-handed spey rods. Chris provides details on the timing, structure, and operations of the fishing program.
11:52 - We discuss fishing strategies for the Togiak and Kanektok rivers, highlighting the importance of timing with tides to catch fish, particularly king salmon, in southwest Alaska. Chris explains that fishing success is closely tied to the tides, as they determine when fish move through the bay. Anglers aim to be in the right spot as fish enter, often targeting areas where fish can rest before continuing upstream. These spots, resembling steelhead fishing locations, include soft inside waters and back channels where slower water meets the main river.
14:18 - Chris talks about the logistics and fishing schedule for a fishing trip in Togiak. Travelers typically arrive in Anchorage the night before their trip begins to prepare and adjust for any jet lag, especially international clients. The first full day of fishing starts early, spanning four days.
On changeover days, departing anglers leave as new ones arrive, with a seamless transition facilitated by powerboats and planes. Chris explains how tides influence fishing strategies, dictating where fishing starts based on water flow, with adjustments made throughout the day as tides change.
18:10 - We ask Chris about the gear setup. He explains that they provide a gear rundown for clients ahead of time, allowing them to prepare or purchase necessary equipment. The clientele includes both seasoned travelers familiar with various types of fishing and newcomers to two-handed rod techniques.
For Chinook fishing, Chris recommends a 14' 9wt rod for better castability, especially in larger pools. The standard setup includes a floating Skagit head with a 10 or 12-foot sink tip, and anglers are encouraged to bring two setups if possible. Chris also mentions using Airflo lines, particularly the F.I.S.T (Floating. Intermediate. Sink Three) and Skagit Scout.
21:08 - We discuss the differences between fishing for steelhead and chinook using a two-handed rod. Chris notes that while there are
Published on 1 year ago