Issue link: https://www.e-digitaleditions.com/i/528216
S P O R T I N G C L A S S I C S 1 3 6 of us could fish in a lifetime. Some of my favorites aren't even on the list. It's hard to find a stream in the Panhandle that doesn't host steelhead, although in some of the smaller drainages the annual return may be fewer than 50 fish. But some hold a lot more, and the Situk, near Yakutat, tops them all both in terms of fish numbers and angler popularity. Other perennial favorites include the Naha near Ketchikan and the Karta on Prince of Wales Island. Many steelhead streams are so remote they require a major expedition to reach, while others, such as Ketchikan Creek, run right through the middle of town. Southeast can be a challenging destination for do-it-yourself anglers. The easiest, most efficient way to sample this fishery is by staying at one of the area's numerous full-service angling lodges. During the summer salmon and halibut seasons, most of these operations focus on saltwater fishing with conventional tackle, but some are located near good steelhead water and know how to help their guests get flies in front of the fish. The visitor who wants to fly to Alaska, rent a car, and go steelhead fishing will have an easier time of it on Kodiak Island or the Kenai Peninsula during the fall. However, anglers who enjoy adventure, wish to economize, or want both certainly have options in Southeast. S P O R T I N G C L A S S I C S 1 3 6 T his steelhead struck a single egg imitation drifted like a nymph. (Bottom) A little current and a lot of fish make for a long fight. Many of the region's population centers (such as they are—this is Alaska) lie just a short bush-flight away from good steelhead streams inaccessible by road. Flight services in Ketchikan, Sitka, and Juneau among others can arrange reasonably priced day trips (weather permitting, as always). At a bit more cost, unguided mothership operations offer a great way to