693 | Fishing for King Salmon in Alaska with Chris Childs - Togiak River, Chinook, Steelhead

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 similarities in technique, the primary differences lie in the type of water and casting angles. For chinook, he recommends casting at a broader angle to present the fly broadside and maintain tension, which is crucial for kings as they tend to strike early in the swing.

24:08 - Chris explains that when king salmon grab the fly, the angler should feel a strong, unmistakable pull due to the tight line presentation. He emphasizes the importance of letting the fish dictate the next move after the grab, which typically involves holding on tight and allowing the fish to lead the initial part of the fight. Unlike steelhead, which may give a subtle bite, king salmon are more aggressive and will often grab the fly multiple times.

28:01 - Chris talks about the differences in fishing habitats between the Togiak and Kanektok rivers. He says that while the Togiak does have large sweeping gravel bars similar to the Kanektok, it also features cut banks and deeper troughs where anglers fish differently. Unlike the gradual drop-offs of the Kanektok, the Togiak offers varied water types, including pools ideal for casting from cut banks, reminiscent of Atlantic salmon fishing.

31:33 - Chris highlights that there are only a handful of notable rivers in Alaska for Chinook fishing. Other significant rivers in the area include the Naknek River, with a healthy salmon return, and the remote Sandy and Hoodoo rivers on the peninsulas, known for their exceptional fishing and beautiful landscapes. Chris also notes the Goodnews River as another excellent spot, although he hasn't personally fished there.

33:11 - Chris emphasizes the importance of not fishing too deep, as this could result in missing opportunities if fish are not visible. He explains that warmer water temperatures allow for lighter setups since fish tend to be suspended in the middle water column rather than at the bottom.

35:37 - We ask for his fly recommendations for Chinook fishing. Chris explains that the key to successfully catching Chinook is getting the fly in front of the fish at the right speed and depth. He typically uses flies around four inches long with bright colors like chartreuse, blue, white, and pink, which are effective. These flies often feature materials like marabou and angel hair for flash, and are equipped with medium or large dumbbell eyes. While larger flies and heavy sink tips were initially popular, Chris notes that smaller, moderately weighted flies can also be effective and more enjoyable to cast throughout the day.

37:10 - Chris provides advice for new anglers preparing to cast with large rods in extensive river systems like the Togiak. He emphasizes the importance of staying relaxed, as both physical and mental demands are high. Chris suggests thinking of fishing as targeting a "river within a river," focusing only on the water where casting and fly presentation are feasible.

40:06 - Chris emphasizes the significant difference in power and challenge between fish as they increase in size, particularly beyond the 20-pound mark. He highlights the importance of strategic boat positioning to be able to chase fish that make powerful runs out of the pool.

42:38 - Chris explains that king salmon are powerful fish and during their initial run after being hooked, there's little that can be done to stop them. He advises maintaining tension on the line with a relatively tight drag, but not too tight as to cause issues like a bird's nest if the fish changes direction suddenly. Chris prefers starting with a looser drag and adjusting as needed, emphasizing the importance of allowing the fish to run while keeping control.

45:23 - We talk about the drag settings for fishing steelhead compared to king salmon. Chris mentions that while some people use click and pawl reels for king salmon, he advises against it due to the risk of the reels failing. He recommends using disc drag reels.

47:04 - Chris advises against the assumption that heavy setups are necessary for these king salmon. Instead, he suggests using principles similar to those for trout and steelhead fishing. The region offers forgiving wading conditions with small substrates, making it comfortable for anglers. Essential gear includes reliable rain apparel due to the proximity to the Bering Sea, where weather systems frequently change.

48:57 - Chris talks about the Epic Waters program, which is primarily focused on Chinook fishing, led by Steve Morrow. Steve operates in Togiak, Alaska, and is passionate about fishing for Kings.  While Steve mainly pursues steelhead in British Columbia, his enthusiasm for Chinook leads him to explore opportunities across the Western hemisphere.

50:18 - We ask about his bucket list of fishing destinations. He aims to explore rivers in Norway, Sweden, and Iceland. He also expresses interest in fishing in South America to experience their chinook and steelhead.

53:36 - We ask Chris for advice on improving spey casting skills, especially for fishing Atlantic Salmon, Steelhead, or Chinook. Chris recommends visiting a local fly shop for a casting lesson. He emphasizes the value of having experienced individuals assess and guide one's casting technique.

54:42 - Chris shares his diverse music taste, mentioning his Spotify playlist which includes punk rock bands like Dead Kennedys and Misfits, as well as jazz artist John Coltrane and country singer Colter Wall. He also mentions listening to podcasts, including ours, and enjoys content from The MeatEater podcast due to his interest in hunting.

56:02 - Chris discusses his hunting experiences and practices. He hunts various game throughout the year in central Oregon, including upland birds like pheasants, turkeys, and big game depending on the opportunities available through Oregon's lottery system.

Show Notes:  https://wetflyswing.com/693