Pulling a Fish Wheel Out of the Yukon River - Stan Zuray

Some videos are non stop exciting but this one is to show how to do something very tedious and time consuming yet key to the lifestyle up here. Each year fishwheels are pulled and jacked off the land and put in rivers and the reverse in fall, all to protect them from the ice breakups we have up here in spring. My objective was to give a deeper idea of what is involved in pulling my wheel and so a longer video. You are still looking at just 1/5 the time it took. I suggest some fast forwarding if it gets long watching. This is real life on the river. Thanks for watching. Best from Here, Stan
Also "Carry On: Stan Zuray's Journey from Boston Greaser to Alaskan Homesteader" is now available on Amazon in paperback, eBook, and audiobook. Amazon reviews always appreciated. www.amazon.com/dp/1521098891
Anyone interested in a signed copy has two options:
- Go to: www.thestanproject.com/mercha... and buy a pre signed book (the simplest)
- Buy a book on Amazon and follow these instructions. (Many have done this and it has worked well. Done hundreds and no mail failures yet).
1. Get two 12.5 x 9.5" priority mail flat rate envelopes at post office.
2. Self-address and put postage on one envelope.
3. Address other one to: Stan Zuray, Box 77172, Tanana, Alaska, 99777 and put book and other envelope in it (folded) and signing instructions if any and I'll sign and return.
Please send no money - my privilege to sign but an Amazon review would be appreciated. Flat rate both ways will cost you under $15.

[@jimunderwoodthepilot]

Im giving this a thumbs up before I even watch it. You are the MAN Mr. Zuray!

[@PaulaKirsti15]

Thanks Stan. There is just something about you and how you share life and work in Alaska that I really enjoy. Its the beautiful simplicity I think....the peacefulness.

[@Jennifer-qo4kz]

thanks so much for the video Stan, we get a glimpse of how much work it takes to live in your parts. but I know you wouldn't change a thing. and it isn't easy getting these videos out to your fans. you giving us an extra treat with a lengthy video!!! we appreciate that. thanks again Stan.

[@katericochran4634]

Jennifer I absolutely agree with Jennifer, Stan. Thank you.

[@stanzuray]

I am just figuring out how to do editing as my daughter Kate has been doing that mostly. The filming of this one was mine and it took 1 1/2 days to upload video on this molasses Satellite dish connection. But at least I got something to communicate with.

[@farside1951]

I canoed down the Yukon from Whitehorse to the Bering in 1977 and came across many of these wheels along the banks of the river. I often wondered how difficult it must have been to set them in place and to beach them in the fall. Now I know, thanks to this incredible video. These people who live off the land are resourceful, resilient and survive by their wits, dogged determination and hard work. People like Stan have my greatest respect!!

[@JM_Dealings]

Always Looking fwd to your uploads. Wow 55 minute Video, Awesomeness!! Now Then. Time for some Hot Coffee, Kick Back and enjoy the show.. Thank You Stan.

[@jimunderwoodthepilot]

Heck yea J&M.

[@stanzuray]

Glad to hear all this as this video was an experiment but wanted to try it as I wanted it to be something someone could use if by any chance they ever wanted to do something like this even years from now.

[@jimunderwoodthepilot]

We purchased a small lot on the Kenai River on Dow island. Only accessible by boat in warm weather and when the slew and river are frozen in winter. Building on frozen ground is not going to be fun. The light went completely on for me after watching this and I will be building a small trailerable portable barge now that I can use for hauling a 4 wheeler, lumber, roofing, and all of my other gear & materials during warm months to and from the lot now thanks to you! I will be barging on a much smaller scale obviously vs moving your 12 ton fish wheel thats for sure. Also good to know that 50hp will be WAY MORE power needed to do my job. We need to figure out a way to start getting you paid for being a "Bush Consultant" Stan!! Your everyday life, what you do every day, and how to do it is invaluable information and I have the utmost respect and admiration for you. May God continue to Bless and keep you and your family! Thank you agin, I will watch anything that you want to publish!

[@scottinbristol]

Yes to "A day in the life" videos! Thanks, Mr Zuray.

[@Big_John_C]

Hello from Michigan, thanks for sharing that beautiful scenery and a glimpse into your lifestyle up there. Take care

[@gavinstirling4301]

Thanks Stan, greetings from Scotland. Great video and nice to see another way of life.

[@SuperOlds88]

Stan never looked at a phone or smoked one cigarette, my hero.

[@MrGoosePit]

No fast forwarding for me. I loved watching every minute of the video. That is some really hard work, and to take the time to film it made it even harder. I appreciate all your effort. Thanks Stan!

[@pacco9532]

Massive respect to you for the things you do for tananna from the UK

[@jimunderwoodthepilot]

Learned a bunch and figured out a bunch. Thank you Stan! Cant wait to start our own adventure and start uploading our videos.

[@jediwarrior9347]

Your energy, resolve, willpower and determination is awe inspiring.

[@sashcraft51]

Was fun to watch and go along with you. Such crazy dangerous work. That Yukon scares me.

[@stanzuray]

Not that bad - if you fall in you just get wet. Just no swimming after boat when water gets cold in fall like now.

[@sylvaindespatie6984]

Greats video thanks for sharing and be safe

[@fookutube501]

Awesome video as alway Stan..Love the long video,its like watching "behind the scene-yukon"which i love!!....Much Aroha Stan

[@stanzuray]

Good to know - was wondering if it would be liked.

[@stokbrkr]

Stan Zuray/ hello from South Carolina Stan. I've been watching the show since the beginning and have seen all the episodes. I think it's great but what I wanted to say, you're a super Dad to your children. I watched your son and daughter grow up basically on the show, and they've turned into fine young adults. Good job sir, congratulations! On another note, you're the best MacGyver I've ever witnessed. It's always neat to see your thought process on how to get things done with what's on hand. Thanks again for your time and enjoy the fall and winter. Good hunting sir!

[@CreatingEssence]

Love seeing the details of how all this works. Thanks for sharing, Stan!

[@guardianiam6353]

I think alot of people drop everything amd move to Alaska and don't really consider all of the hard and constant work that comes with living a sustainable lifestyle.

[@robhill3378]

It is alot of work but so worth it. My wife and I are headed there first to visit and hopefully move there in a couple years.

[@lawrenceoliver9827]

great vid stan ty for sharing your day to day struggles compared to the tv show this is way better

[@deborahmiddlemass8586]

Absolutely outstanding video, such great work Stan, I really respect you stay safe thank you so much.

[@robhill3378]

We love your lifestyle Mr. Stan. God bless from georgia.

[@wickedmainah7118]

Ready for some new Videos Stan. Really enjoy all that you share.

[@TheKentuckyWoodsman]

It's hard doing everything by yourself. I work construction by myself(my 3 sons moved away). Building decks and pole barns takes a while longer by myself. Great videos my friend, I like your KZbin channel much better than the TV show. This is much more real life. "Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble." Ecclesiastes 4:9-10

[@hoffi9327]

Super Film! Danke schön.

[@benjaminwalsh289]

Watching and learning Stan! This time next year you wont have to do that alone! I'll be there to help with whatever you need assistance with! All I can think about everyday is moving up there next summer!

[@stanzuray]

I did a video on moving to Alaska. I have gotten a thousand requests at least on this question. Some things to think about. Talk soon. Stan kzbin.info?o=U&video_id=xue3o53gp8E

[@markbrayton5391]

Thanks for sharing your day with us. I find it very interesting how you use the simplest of tools and get what I would call a large job done. At 67 and can till do a project around the house but with increased spine pain what use to take a week to do now takes two months. Thanks again, keep sharing and may you and your family be blessed.

[@deborahmiddlemass8586]

Absolutely wonderful, informative video, you are such a hard working, mindful and inspiring person Stan I have so much respect for you thank you so much for sharing.

[@justmyhorses8997]

Love your videos Stan! Kansas City

[@janefreyermuth5841]

Greetings from Plymouth, Mass. just found these videos. This one is my favorite!

[@name-ey5it]

Pretty talented 👌. For one man , right now Stan, keep videos coming.

[@coinsfan2010]

magic Alaska people.....hard workers. Th. Blessing.

[@jenniferkraus2323]

wow thats alot of work! interesting to see how things are done and how you get ready for winter Thanks for the video!

[@williehill7919]

Thanks for the videos and thanks for the look at your part of the world. Its a lot different than it is here in South Carolina. Maybe one day I can come see it with you?? That is a dream of mine anyway. God bless y'all.

[@JM_Dealings]

William, I live in South Carolina. Your rt, An Alaskan Lifestyle Would Be a Dream Come True. My wife said she couldn't handle the cold Unfortunately. Hopefully we will visit up there on our 20th anniversary lol. That would be nice to hang out in Anchorage during the spring or fall..

[@jimunderwoodthepilot]

Took me almost exactly 20 years to talk mine into it. We are leaving at the end of this month for the Kenai Peninsula. No where near as cold ;).Fly into ANC in mid May and spend a week. Book all of your hotels well in advance. All of the hotels and "tourist stuff" is still very cheap. Rent a car, go to Walmart, get cheap cooler and grill, drive 2 to 3 hours in EVERY direction from ANC where you have booked a room. She will fall in love with it. Further south from Anchorage you go the warmer it gets.

[@mikeryan6601]

Your one cool dude Stan,Stay Healthy BROTHER

[@adaminma]

Thank you for the video and the content. It's interesting to see how much actual work is done in what we would normally see in 3-5 minutes on the show.

[@karenmills3742]

I loved this, never watched anything like this, I am a quilter...more, more from Alaska,k

[@northernfishing6922]

New subscriber I am so glad you have a channel I watch every episode and I love the traditional aspect and you and Charlie are my favorite but love all yas guys be safe out there

[@skepticalmechanic]

Love your videos Stan! Carry On!

[@thomaslamont7957]

Great vids stan we all appreciate you making them I'm watching it from an army guardroom in Scotland so they get around the globe

[@stanzuray]

How amazing - stay safe. Stan

[@andydouglass1374]

I like these longer videos for when I don't want to look for something to watch every 5 minutes.

[@stephenhope7348]

Very educational video I enjoyed it thanks

[@phillips.english1442]

I used to have a 50 horse Evinrude with a work prop on my 14 ft glaston tri-hull ski boat !!! I have owned 3 of the 50's in my life & loved every one of them !!!

[@WhatsUpWithSheila]

OMG... I can't believe you winched that up by hand! The accident and injury rate in Alaska has got to be very high. *I love the way you live*

[@MegaRas73]

Thanks Stan, God bless.

[@georgedubois76]

Awesome!

[@paulinedevlinshepherd3270]

Stan could get out of any bad situation, 👌 Joey you must be so Proud of your Old Boy 😀

[@stanzuray]

Always figured they were bad situations just because there was a high probability of not making it. Believe me my time will come.

[@paulinedevlinshepherd3270]

Stan Zuray Stan, when you were a kid did you ever think you would be living the way you do. Loved watching the Grandkids getting the fish , Strong wee nippers 😛 Grumpy Grampa love it x Stay safe Stan 👍 Your doing Top Oh The Pops ❤❤❤

[@kohosalmon3637]

Stan the Man , great video you can outwork a team of city workers on a job easy . you have amazing work ethic love it . cheers from Canada

[@davidg9927]

Stan you are the man

[@gungrabber970]

Liked and sub'd so glad I found this channel. What an amazing source of well shared knowledge. Thanks for all your efforts to share your skills and way of life.

[@ridgerunner6211]

Hello from Corydon IN. Well Stan as usual great video brother , looking forward to the next one.

[@loveistheanswer8137]

Still watching in 2021. Hope all is well Stan. Cheers from Ontario Canada.

[@danfraser7479]

What a job... Wow!

[@NautiRulz]

Awesome

[@cindystreet2750]

think i enjoy these as much as the show ty stanley

[@paulinedevlinshepherd3270]

Cindy Street . Lol after I watch the show. I'm right back on my phone 👍😜

[@willoldfield630]

Very interesting stuff. I hope to visit Alaska one day, I'm in the uk and small children at the moment when they grow up I'll be there for sure.

[@OdinMan64]

Great video Stan

[@tomscott3939]

it is hard to do by yourself don't worry about camera time . I enjoy the videos keep them comming

[@johnnymcblaze]

That's a cool boat.

[@warrenlancaster286]

Shit that was pretty tiring just watching it from here on the couch . Thanks for taking the time to create this video Stan when were obviously having a very busy day .

[@stanzuray]

Funny comment - Made it kinda fun to video as we did it. Especially with my camera shy buddy Russ.

[@shed43a]

I just wanted to give Stan a helping hand when I saw this vid.

[@deanfulford69]

Glad I found your channel I subscribed

[@tracyjustice4385]

Hey Stan I just run across you on here. I going to start watching you. Haven't seen you on TV in a long time. Be safe out there. I really enjoyed watching you . So keep them videos coming. I would like to find your son if he is on here.

[@allenzackery1639]

Pretty persistent guy ! Mind made up ! All figured out type of person ! Nice job 👍

[@fatoufefathe9765]

Best fishing I love her

[@RayFMak]

I enjoy all your videos and find them all interesting. I'm surprised one of the camera men from Yukon men didn't offer to help shoot all these videos and sell them to a tv network. You could edit 30 minute shows with all your videos. Keep posting Stan....love them all.

[@stanzuray]

That would be a conflict of contract but I know what you mean. Have that skill set and editing ability and the videos would be great and people could see in more detail what it takes to do things here.

[@paulinedevlinshepherd3270]

Stan would you not be able to put up on your channel, what the TV show doesn't. That would be a bonus. Keep up the good work x Love from Dundee, Scotland. 😘

[@deborahmiddlemass8586]

After seeing the whole video, I couldn't help but think my that is so beyond a one man job please get any help you can stay safe and take care.

[@xev790]

this is like life below zero youtube version

[@fritzschwanserhauser2266]

Man, I’d close myself in that little ca bin a d take a nap dude!

[@realitytvjunky6332]

I think Stan is quit the man! Living Alaska strong with all those natural non processed foods will only make u live longer

[@arleyberrio955]

No sé inglés pero el video es excelente.. Felicidades

[@D.M542]

The McGyver of the Yukon ✌️

[@andreys3374]

Молодец, хорошая рыба,привет из Красноярска.

[@davidphillips2259]

Should never work like this get some help ,,,, crazy 😜 good job 👍🏻

[@balkwelldunnyd7381]

Stan is the river always that fast flowing ?.you drop anything and it's gone no doubt!.great video 👍.Paul from UK

[@stanzuray]

By the wheel it's 3 MPH and out a ways it's about 5-6. Bottom is probably littered with hammers and tools lost for countless generations of people fishing here.

[@balkwelldunnyd7381]

Stan Zuray ,looks daunting working alone Stan,especially with the flow of that mighty river.landscape is out of this world what a place to call home/work.keep up your good work Stan

[@josephzupan8953]

@@stanzuray magnet fishing would be I interesting for the kids up there to do.

[@fritzschwanserhauser2266]

He’ll of a dangerous job for one guy out in the wild river! The trap is so ungainly, must weigh Upwards of 500! Impressive and scary!

[@stanzuray]

After a season in the water we figure 10,000 or more lbs.

[@pacificbushcraftandfirecra6358]

Haha...the only thing that goes wrong is me too!!! Done that once or twice , have ya? Quite the process for sure...TFS

[@pacificbushcraftandfirecra6358]

I watched this whole thing...twords the end, felt like I was sitting on the bank just watching you...had this overwhelming feeling of wanting to jump up and help you!!! lol...Way to handle it Stan!

[@silverstacker6505]

Hi Stan , how deep is the water there. A lot of water moving bye. Take care and be safe out there buddy.

[@stanzuray]

35 - 55' at deepest part of channel depending on water height of course. That's slightly over average for most of the river in this area as we are in a canyon.

[@chuckw1021]

Love watching you Stan. Your a hard worker. But how many times have you fallen in the cold ,cold river?

[@stanzuray]

Enough to have great respect for it. You get your breath cut in half and your limbs don't move right pretty fast if it's close to freezing water.

[@petersymons9170]

PLENTY FISH IN THE SEA. KEEP ON KEEPING ON. GOD BLESS YOU STAN I LOVE YOUR VIDIOS. KIWI HUNTER DIVER TRAPPER FISHERMAN.

[@davidg9927]

Real life real time

[@wayanert]

All your videos are awesome Stan. Hope to see some more. Yukon men was my favorite show to watch. How long does it take to build one of those fish wheels? Wish you the best Friend.

[@stanzuray]

Can take months for one like in the video. On the other hand a smaller less well built one, done by a number of people can take say 3 weeks.

[@mikewright678]

Bring back Yukon men

[@micjam1986]

Medfid!! :)

[@robertgoodnow5069]

Madfah Firah Depahtment. Lol (sending you Best Wishes from West Roxbury)

[@WhatsUpWithSheila]

"when things go wrong all summer, it's me" sounds like Mercury in retrograde to me : )

[@jonnywaselectric]

I really enjoy your videos, I am from Australia and it never snows where I live. Regarding your dogs, I am guessing they are for pulling a sled? Does the river freeze over and you travel with them there? It appears it is either the river or hills where you live, have you got a video of your dogs? Dogs are awesome. Regards, John

[@stanzuray]

My Channel is full of dog driving videos. kzbin.info?o=U&video_id=91Ji5aZ1ipE

[@oneshotme]

Yeah we've a a very cool summer here in Florida as well. I see you doing your best to not get wet. Is that habit or is the water that cold and if it is how cold is it??

[@randmayfield5695]

Catch as many as you can while you can. Get em all.

[@D.M542]

Comment va la vie là-bas maintenant depuis la nouvelle route aussi la pêche ?

[@portdawg52]

Stan ole boy, you talk about inventing things to make your life easier or improve a process....Im surprised you haven’t thought of a contraption that will catch the salmon you need for you and your pups!! Something that’s not so taxing to move or even repair. That fish wheel is a monster!...that’s too much work for one person and you’re not getting any younger!!! Keep pushing!

[@stanzuray]

I need to invent a robot to do it all and I can sit back and relax all day.

[@portdawg52]

You could train an army of grizzlies to catch em!! I was thinking like a submerged bag tunnel system where the fish swim in and can’t get out!! One end of the tunnel is closed so the fish can’t get out...

[@realitytvjunky6332]

portdawg52 dude did u not see the wicked cool coolent system he put in Joes snow go! ?

[@user-yx5fi8sf2p]

@@stanzuray heloy! Как можно к вам приехать жит из России???

[@fritzschwanserhauser2266]

Stan, might there be any gill netting done through the ice in winter, for kings or something?

[@stanzuray]

Can do for whitefish but why when it's 100 times easier now.

[@fritzschwanserhauser2266]

If you fell In the currentd push your head into the timberson top of shock and hypothermia!

[@user-lb2pp9zl5q]

🔔👍🙏

[@winpullen4497]

kirim 1 dong kesini. pengen makan salmon original nih...

[@georgedubois76]

have you ever fallen in and how far do you get down river before you can get to shore?

[@stanzuray]

About once a year I fall in. The danger really is before you get in the water and hitting your head or body on the logs before you go in. It is an easy swim to shore if not hurt and if you have a life vest on. The silty water drags you down more.

[@georgedubois76]

@@stanzuray I'm sure when your tired or complacent it would happen. I figured for sure I would fall in every now and then. Keep doing what y'all do its great to see! I would like to meet you one day. I go to AK as often as I can and my cousin lives in Delta Junction.

[@NautiRulz]

Bro, what speed is the river running at... 8plus knots?

[@stanzuray]

4 to 6 average but slower and faster in places

[@dontworryaboutit4079]

Hey Boston Stan how goes the battle, I’m up in Maine close to Mass

[@stanzuray]

All good here at present. Getting first traps out and running line and still getting ready for winter which is here.

[@stanzuray]

Used to love running my motorcycle up roads that way. Along the ocean mostly.

[@wickedmainah7118]

Stan I'm on the ocean in MAINE. A popular vacation spot. Wonder if you ever rode to Old Orchard Beach?

[@josephzupan8953]

Hey Stan how old is your fish wheel in the video?

[@stanzuray]

Think about 12 years which is a very long time but it was built well

[@FISHBREATHH]

Question , does anyone know what brand the boat is, thanks

[@stanzuray]

Alweld 22" probably the most numerous boat in this section of the Yukon

[@fritzschwanserhauser2266]

I’d hate to see the river in full flow as judged by your Swim beach! Looks like the river could be what 60 or 80 feet deep during flood stage?

[@stanzuray]

60 when real high but varies.

[@richardcapellesr7031]

You commented on a tiny fraction of fish!... now you got no fish!... because everyone overfished!.. what's your next video going to be on!..? There's just no more fish😅😅😅

[@NautiRulz]

5 ta 8 knots I reckon..