Hey guys, I’m sure that most of you have these early Kings on the brain (That header pic is an old one I like of Dennis, my client for September 1st and 2nd, and it’s just to grab your attention fyi… 🙄) so I’ll start with that, but I do also want to mention right out of the gate that we are still seeking help at the shop if you or anyone you know might be interested! Scroll to the bottom of this report for those details…
Time has been flying since our return from Alaska and I still haven’t personally made it downstream for Kings, but I did see a few decent (fishable) pods and a fair number of stragglers pushing upstream in a mid-river section while out on a trout trip on Thursday… (Keep in mind we are still very much in the “here today, gone tomorrow” part of the season so those fish won’t necessarily stay bunched up like they were or even in the same section. In other words, don’t count on it.)
Outside of that all I have is some good, reliable word of mouth as well as a few social media posts from some of my trusted friends and colleagues. A few of them have been “downriver” just about daily and they are hitting a few fish most of those times, but nothing “gangbusters”. (In other words, about the same as most years! Super charged hot fun fish in less(er) crowds, but not a ton of them yet.)
From the sounds of it all of the usual tactics are working, but with the warm(er) water temps and low/clear water beads and/or skein under a bobber is outperforming hardware by a bit and swinging or stripping streamers, while super exciting when it works, is coming in last. (This is usually the case anyway once the sun gets high regardless, but with this low and clear water even more so.)
As luck would have it… We carry absolutely everything you would need right from the rod, reel and line for fly, pin, float or pitching on down to the terminal tackle, lures, beads, skein or flies for all of these methods right here at the shop! (As well as the waders, clothing, fly tying materials, boxes, bags, swag, etc… 😎)
The guys have been busy and the shop is looking good! Stop in and see them if you get a chance; the advice and maps are always free and as always, we truly appreciate your patronage no matter the size or scale.. Besides the products at the shop we also have some guide and motel dates available yet as well!
Personally, I’m going out on the big pond tomorrow then I have a downriver trip on Wednesday before I go in for some oral surgery on Thursday… (My bone graft of four months ago took well so now they’re going to remove a very visible canine tooth and I’m gonna be sporting a bit of the toothless hillbilly look for a while until those new implant sites heal! 😅🤷♂️) I’m taking Friday off to recover even though I was told I “probably” didn’t need to and then it’s one more trip in Stumpy out on the big pond Saturday before the river stuff really kicks in…
We have scattered openings with several of our guides thru out the season open to any and all takers so call the shop to check on those dates or motel room openings… (231) 745-3529 8am to 6pm daily “for now.” Personally, and once again, I am limiting myself to “repeat clients” only during the peak King season of September 1st to October 15th, but late October, November, December, (great fishing!) January and February Steelhead is open to one and all!! 😎
As of “this moment” I still have August 30th & 31st open to book. After that (and if you’ve been in my boat before) my next available dates in September are the 3rd, 6th and 7th, then we have two boats on the 9th and three boats on the 13th. (9th & 13th were unavoidable group trip cancellations.) I currently have the 20th and the 29th for any regulars also…
Trout fishing is just ok over here judging solely by the trip I took on Thursday and then the one John took on Friday, but we are in that period of time where they can be finicky also with the new arrivals making them a bit nervous at first… (Neither one of us had any action worth mentioning after dark those days either when I actually thought it would be great, but that can be something else entirely some days… 🤷♂️)
Regardless, every day is different so it’s never not worth trying if you want to and every day is a great day if you’re on the river! Toss some streamers, float some rubber legs or do some nymphing like I probably should have… Once those eggs start flying its definitely game on again and bait or hardware might just surprise you anytime…
Alaska 2026 was a huge success as John already stated in his report and I want to echo his thanks to everyone involved from my cousin(s) the Johnson’s that own the place to the staff that helps run it, the fantastic guides that work so hard to put you on fish and ensure a great time to the clients that joined us in making it all possible!
Next year’s dates are on our website (August 7 – 14, 2027) and you can call the shop if you’re interested in going for our exclusive 2027 rates! (It has begun to fill already! 😎)
I’m about 100% sure that there were a few more things I wanted to touch on today, but I’ve been at this long enough already and I do have some other chores to attend to! (I’ll make a note when it comes to me and catch-up next time! 😜)
We hope to see you soon, but until then, have fun, be well, be happy, please be kind when you can and stay safe always! 😎🇺🇸🎣🦅
-Steve-
There are still opportunities to join our team….
BBT Fly & Tackle Shop is seeking full and/or Part Time Retail Sales Associates
Description:
We are seeking a passionate, knowledgeable individual to provide top-tier customer service, assist with rod, reel, fly, tackle and accessories selections, manage point-of-sale operations in an often fast-paced environment and take reservations for Guide Trips & Motel Rooms.
Requirements:
A solid foundation of knowledge in fly, spin and bait fishing as well as the equipment needed, experience with POS systems, and strong interpersonal skills. (Interpersonal skills is the only actual unconditional requirement as the right person could be trained on the rest.)
Responsibilities Include:
Assisting customers with gear, taking reservations, managing inventory, and maintaining a clean and inviting shop/work environment.
Experience Needed:
This varies a lot depending upon your work ethic, personality and ability to learn, but being “experienced in fly and/or spin fishing” is most certainly a major bonus as is some history in retail sales…
Benefits:
Employee discounts are nearly universal, alongside product discounts direct from many of our manufacturers and a very laid-back work environment despite the fact that it can and does get hectic at times. Pay raises will be quickly granted based on good performance as we are looking for long term employee(s).
“It’s the shop environment, spending time with quality like-minded individuals, talking hunting and fishing all day…, quality of life, low pressure work environment… the list is long!!!”
So, please call the shop and talk with either Jake or Jimmy if you have any questions about the position. Applications can be picked up at the shop and résumés can be dropped off there or emailed to [email protected]
(231) 745-3529
