WFS 406 – George Cook on Fly Fishing for King Salmon in Alaska – Kanektok River, Spey, Alaska West
Show Notes: wetflyswing.com/406
Presented By: Mavrk, Dalton – Country Financial, Drifthook Fly Fishing, Trxstle
Sponsors: wetflyswing.com/sponsors
George Cook is back on the podcast today and takes a deep dive into swinging flies for kings. We get a rundown on some of the history around the Kanektok and Nushagak Rivers. We find out when you should be planning your trip if you want to target rainbows, kings, and chinooks in Alaska. George tells us his gear setup to up your Spey game and we also talk a little bit about his passion for hunting. George also talks about what he calls, “Pillow Water” and how to do a cadence cast.
Show Notes with George Cook
05:45 – We’ve done a hunting episode before with Jay Scott in episode 354.
07:30 – George will be at the Pacific Northwest Sportsmen’s Show on February 15-19, 2023. They will have a hunting boot booth there.
14:30 – They hooked 105 fish in 8 days on the Nushagak River last year. But none of those fish were over 18 pounds.
19:30 – George talks about doing a DIY float trip on the Kanektok River, swinging for chinooks, kings, and rainbows.
35:20 – June 15 to July 8 would be the period to mouse for rainbows and chinook. George recommends doing a guided trip if you want to target chinooks.
38:10 – Dave Duncan Sr and his sons have over 30 years of experience guiding in the Kanektok River. George also noted Alaska West who’s been at it for a long time.
44:00 – George went full Spey since 2010. He rarely uses the single-handers nowadays.
44:45 – We mentioned Jim Teeny. He was one of my first guests on the podcast at WFS 05.
52:10 – They have a saying for flies “if it ain’t chartreuse, it ain’t no use”. George explains.
1:00:25 – George explains what he calls a Pillow Water.
1:04:20 – George tells us one of the greatest stories he’s ever heard.
1:06:11 – We dig into the recommended gear.
1:16:20 – George describes how to do a cadence cast.
Show Notes: wetflyswing.com/406
