I have been flyfishing for trophy sized Rainbows in Alaska, every October for the past 3 years. This year was extra special because we ran into lots more bears than usual. These are coastal brown bears ( Grizzly bears living within 100 miles of the ocean). Anyway, my big Rainbow this trip was a 30.5" beauty from the Naknek River, which flows into Bristol Bay. Not bad for a resident Rainbow, although they go up to 36" in this region.
For your entertainment, here are shots of:(1)my big fish, (2) me getting too close to the bears at Kulick

and (3) a closeup shot of a bear wading through my fishing hole near Brooks Camp. No antiques (except me

) were used. Ross big game fly reels cool-thumb were my weapon of choice. They have recently become discontinued, so will become collectible one day.

30.5" Naknek Resident Rainbow

"Paul, why are you moving so fast?"

The beauty of nature from up close. Very intimidating and not recommened for the faint of heart.
Season's Greetings,
Paul M
canadian