How to Catch Alaska Dolly Varden with a Fly Rod

This video will explain everything you need to know to master the art of fly fishing for Dolly Varden. For this video I used a 10 ft 4 wt fly rod with wf floating line and a tapered leader to 4x tippet. All of the Kodiak Island streams in this video are easily reached using a 2WD vehicle and a short hike.

[@e2dub]

Great footage, especially the underwater shots! I made a few incredible fishing trips to AK in the early 90’s. On one of my trips, and on a very similar looking creek, we found a nice looking pod of dollies to cast to. On my second or third cast, with a wet fly, I apparently hooked a snag because I felt a lot of resistance but I didn’t feel the typical fish tug on the other end for longer than normal. Also, I had seen a big object on the bottom, among the pod of fish that appeared to be stationary, so I assumed it was a submerged log. Then it pulled, and hard… it was a big dolly! Once landed it was without a doubt the biggest dolly any of us had ever seen, including our seasoned guide. We took a few quick snap shots and then put it back to hopefully live many more years and make many more offspring with the same incredible genetics. Thanks for sharing your slice of paradise with us.

[@CampfireKodiak]

Excellent!

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

Looks to be some phenomenal Dolly fishing on Kodiak. I have not fly fished for quite a few years and I did not really know what I was doing even back then. This week I have got my fly rod out on the water and have caught several Rainbows and Grayling using dry flies. I am enjoying learning online how to be a better fly fisherman. Thanks for the great video. Thumbs up.

[@CampfireKodiak]

You are so welcome! It's a true honor to have a compliment from my favorite Bushcrafter! Thank you! Love your channel!

[@Far-North-Bushcraft-Survival]

@@CampfireKodiak Thanks for the kind words.

[@Charlie41A]

Informative and awesome quality, Neil! Subscribed! Looking forward to future vids... Stay on em!

[@CampfireKodiak]

Thank you!

[@zulutango150]

Excellent information..

[@MorielNessAiver]

I come to Kodiak once per summer for business. A couple of years ago I caught a pair of Dollys off of Mission Beach but I've never actually targeted them. It looks like a lot of fun. This year I will be in Kodiak the last week of August. I'll have two days dedicated to fly fishing... Any suggestions where to target the Dolly's at that time of the month? Thanks!

[@CampfireKodiak]

If I'm available I'll take you fishing! Stop at Fish & Game and ask for Neil. All of the streams will have excellent fishing for Dollies. Great timing! Start at Buskin lake and work your way down

[@MorielNessAiver]

You can count on it. Fishing with a buddy, particularly a local, let's you share in the joy! As you said in your video, you do it for the fun and I can't agree more (although, I DO like to eat the fish too!)

[@MorielNessAiver]

Quick question... what camera are you using for those great underwater shots?

[@CampfireKodiak]

GoPro 11 mounted to piece of 2" blue board to make it float. I would walk downstream, wade into the river and catch it with my hands after the float. Worked great! I didn't even use my underwater housing.

[@cordawg25]

Some beautfiul Dollies! I have a quick trip the middle of June to Kodiak, if I could hit only one stream on the road system which one would you recommend? Any chance you are around June 16-17? Would love to go out with you if you're around. Thanks!

[@CampfireKodiak]

The Dollies will be in the ocean most likely although there might be a few in Buskin lake. That is a good time for sockeye fishing however. I might be around although I usually am out remote in June. Check with me when you arrive

[@cordawg25]

@@CampfireKodiak you around Friday or saturday? arriving tomorrow morning

[@CampfireKodiak]

@@cordawg25 I have bad news for you. They just closed the Buskin river due to poor sockeye returns. Friday is the last day it's open. Dollies are not in the rivers yet. I will be at my office Friday ADF&G but will be gone Saturday and Sunday. Stop by if you can. I have to work Friday sorry