Fish, Flies & Fun: Alaska Fly Fishers

The Alaska Fly Fishers (AFF) first came together in February of 1973. Officially the Club was formed “to improve and increase the sport of fly fishing in Alaska,” especially fly fishing for trout. It adopted the Alaska Mary Ann – a streamer derived from an Eskimo Lure – as its official club fly.

One of the noteworthy events held by the AFF is its Annual Spring Seminar. Four consecutive Monday evenings in April are dedicated to teaching fly fishing fundamentals. Presentations dealing with equipment, the how – where and when of fly fishing South Central Alaska, fly tying and casting are presented by club members. Since its beginning, this educational opportunity open to the public has provided a basic fly fishing orientation to more than 2,200 Alaskans and plans for next year are already being put together. 

Socializing is something most fly fishers enjoy and Alaskans are no exception. Several times a year, club members get together and share the same water. Mid Summer brings Alaska Fly Fishers together on the world famous Russian River, looking for those large rainbows feeding on Sockeye salmon eggs. In the Fall, the Club hosts a potluck picnic, again at a location where water and experiences can be shared by those attending. Recently, with the advent of the Kenai River Clean-up project, AFF members have found another opportunity to share time together.