Wild Trout Safaris Alaska Trips

Hello everyone. The fishing year of 2011 has been lots of fun! Even thought the economy was way down this year, all the beginning classes were still sold out, again. Crazy! Like always, I met some really nice people in the beginning classes, nevertheless it appears that the "stay-cations," are what the doctor ordered in 2011. I think this, because we were down in the total numbers for Extreme and Advanced Class students. Also, for the first time in 12 years the Advanced Class did not sell-out.

The Advanced Classes were still good but the Spring Classes did face lots of high water. This meant for the first time ever, in both the Extreme and Advanced Classes we had to change or postpone, some trips in an effort to find fishable water. We had some real run-off issues and some flooding rivers! Nevertheless, the 2011 Extreme Class drew even closer together as a group, maybe it's because we were a smaller bunch this year.

We are not extreme with our fishing abilities but we are extreme with our friendships! (However, don't underestimate our fishing abilities; if you want to compete, say $1 dollar a fish, I'm sure a few of us would take that bet!) In truth, we care more about whether everyone else catches a fish than whether we catch a fish ourselves. THIS IS TRUE! That is not an exaggeration either, in fact it is our mantra! I mean that. We are, ALL about looking out for each other! We don't take kindly to selfish fishermen. Even though most of us are not beginners we treat everyone as if they are just starting off in fly fishing.

It makes it more fun, even for us "old dogs," it keeps it fresh. We love the new guys catching fish and we are sad when one of us doesn't catch as many as they want. Furthermore, we take it personally if that is the case and we all try to focus on the stragglers, to lend a hand and offer help. Bear-in-mind, most everyone in the Extreme class acts as a "red hat," (helper) in my beginning class. That means we love to help, in fact it is what we prefer.There is no doubt that the highlight of the year was the Alaska trip! We had lots fun people and everyone had a blast. Alaska did not rank at the top for fish numbers this year, (high water here too) but I'm very sure people were more than happy with how many fish they caught in my Alaska river. It was rainbow heaven. As good of rainbow fishing as one could ever want, I mean lots and lots of these colorful

beauties and almost all of them over 24", some going over 27". Also a huge run (best ever) of sea run Dollies. These silver guys hit it hard and never give up. Big too, all of them range from 24" -28" and we caught tons of them, literally as many as you wanted.But the highlight of this year's trip was the people. There was never a cross word uttered. We laughed and laughed from the time we woke all the way until bed time. Mickey said before we left, "Who cares how the fishing is going to be, this year's trip is "loaded," (meaning we have some of the best guys ever on the list, lots of veterans) you guys are going to have a blast." But with both Chief and Gene on board look out! He was so right, it was great fun. Better still, Tim Hughes and Russ Smith, my boys from the radio show, KSL Outdoors, were along for the ride. They got along swimmingly, I might add, and I don't mean they fell in, (much). I mean that they fit right in and are now full-fledged members of our crazy gang! They were a blast!

Sorry to say that there will be no Alaska trip for next year in 2012. Bummer I know, but the Extreme Class is still going to Canada. Yes, our hopes are high of netting a few Bull Trout in some of the most beautiful rivers in the world! Just so you know, the Extreme Class has been all over the western United States in search of the best fly fishing destination this country has to offer. So you know, in all of our travels, of all the places we have visited, none have been more beautiful than BC Canada. That is where we are headed next summer! Oh, and the fishing is good too. Here are a few photos from a past BC Canada trip that should wet your appetite. Plus 8 other destination, join us for the Extreme Class 2012. It's going to be great. -mike

It's like we all huddled together in a tent, in the rain and laughed off the crazy water year. (We really did that in Alaska this year, but that's another story.) All in all, we are now a family and we are very bummed if, even one of us, miss a trip. We have always had great groups in the Extreme Class but this year's bunch, are like brothers (and sister too; Susan). I truly hope all of us in the class come back next season; I couldn't cope if we lost someone from the group into next year's class. (Hear that Matt "man"?) In 2012, we are in need of some new people for the Extreme Class. If you are reading this and have had my beginning class, then join us. The class needs a minimum of 20 persons to meet as a class each year. If you are considering joining us, there is no greater time then now to get in our Extreme Class group. We have sooo much fun; I promise you will not regret it.

Fly Tying Classes are taught trough out the year at the shop. They are not expensive. They cost $50 and take place over 4 weeks. Students will tie 20 flies', different patterns that cross a wide range of techniques. The class is popular but is limited to only 12 students. Call the shop for schedule and registration. Call 801-503-5557.