Today we accepted the greatest challenge that Alaska can throw at modern man: keeping Mrs. Fuzzy warm.

Technically, it's summer up here. It's just that an Alaskan June feels like an Oregon February.

Mrs. Fuzzy says she didn't notice the cold until she came inside and realized what she'd been missing. After a hot shower, a cup of tea, and a nap in a tepid room while wrapped in a comforter, she felt more civilized.

Serves her right if she got a little cold, since she outfished me today. She probably had ten fish by the time I'd landed my second. Eventually I caught a few and narrowed the gap, though.

Arrival at Rainbow River Lodge.

Arriving at the Source of the Rainbow

Last evening, a floatplane delivered us to Rainbow River Lodge, which is in the Lake Iliamna drainage. After a scrumptious dinner of perfectly cooked filet mignon, we retired to our modern, well-appointed cabin with flush toilets, hot showers, electric lights, a heater, and a comfy bed.

I'm afraid I might get used to this kind of living, and sleeping in the back of the truck eating freeze-dried won't seem so luxurious any more.

Looking for Rainbows in the Copper

We were on the Copper River around 8:00 this morning. The Copper was the first fly-fishing-only river in Alaska. It's a beautiful small stream, with frequent braids, many gravel bars, and the kind of riffle-and-dump structure that makes my heart go pitty-pat.

Mrs. Fuzzy with one of her MANY rainbows.

We are on the cusp of the dry fly season, but not quite there yet. Today, trout were feeding primarily on sockeye fry and an occasional lamprey eel. Mrs. Fuzzy caught a lot of rainbows on a Prince nymph with the biots cut off. It's the right size and color for a sockeye fry, but also looks a bit like a brown stonefly nymph. Most of the fish were 15-20 inches, and she lost a nice 22-inch fish at her feet.

I caught fish on a sockeye fry pattern tied by our guide-du-jour, Dorian Thompson. Dorian, BTW, frequents Westfly (nympho on the Board), as several of the other guides here, most of whom are from Oregon.

Mama bear and her yearling.

My biggest fish were caught on a leech-like pattern that imitates a lamprey. Dorian uses about half a rabbit to tie it, and it's a real beast to cast, even with a 7-weight. Productive, though.

Eventually Mrs. Fuzzy caught so many large trout that her arm grew tired, and tired arms make her feel cold. So we dropped her off at our cabin for rest-and-reheating. Dorian and I prowled the lake in search of pike, and soon found one. We also had a good grizzly bear sighting.

First pike on a fly.

So I have to say, it was one fine day. Lots of trout on a beautiful river, bear photos, and my first pike on a fly. Mrs. Fuzzy has warmed up and feels human, and we await another culinary creation from Mel, the cook. Heck of a way to start the week.

Sooooo jelious:)
Looks like a great start to a great trip.

Keep the reports commin.

Sean

WOW- way to go Mrs. Fuzzy!!! And what an amazing adventure you're on! Can't wait for further installments.

Uncle Fuzzy,

The Copper is a beautiful place. I am sure I will see you out on it next week. I will keep an out out for you. Tell Kathy that Jason says Hi.

Way to go Mrs Fuzzy!! Beauty of a fish.

And way to go Uncle Fuzzy!! First pike on the fly is awesome. I know that feeling. Almost as good as the first steel on a fly.
So, was there a few large boils before the take? Or.....inquiring minds want to know.

Your driving me crazy Scott, 8 more days then I'm on my way up there to float American Creek. Keep the fishing and weather reports coming.

-Ben