The Fishing Club Journal - Issue #30
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Welcome to Issue #30 of the Fishing Club Journal!
This issue, we’re zeroing in on Alaska—a place that truly lives up to its wild reputation. Arguably one of the most raw and untamed fly fishing destinations on the planet, Alaska offers massive salmon runs, steelhead in glacier-fed waters, and trout tucked away in hidden river bends. Its fishing grounds are in a league of their own.
Below, you’ll find stories, tips, and insights from those who’ve been there, waded through it, and returned with plenty to share.
— Kirk Marks, Guest Curator
A Follow — Oliver Ancans is one of the fishiest guys I know—by which I mean, if there’s a body of water with fish in it, he’ll find a way to get there, cast a fly, and somehow hook the biggest one in the mix. A couple of years back, I joined Oliver on a ten-day trip through Alaska. We chased coho, steelhead, rainbows, and grayling, and I came away with a lifelong friend and a slightly bruised ego. Oliver’s feed is a window into Alaska’s fisheries—the kind of images that will make you pack a bag and start researching flights.
Check out his Instagram and give him a follow.
A Video — Bill Betts, owner of Iliamna River Lodge, says it best: “In a world that seems to have gone crazy, up here is a world that is wild…but it’s far from crazy.” Follow along as Flylords takes you to the heart of Alaska’s wilderness through the story of this unique lodge. Perched on the shores of Iliamna Lake, it offers anglers a true escape, surrounded by unspoiled waters brimming with salmon, rainbow trout, northern pike, and more. Here, life’s pared down to simple things: cold water, clean air, and fish that seem to know just how good they’ve got it.
A Read — John McPhee’s Coming Into the Country is an ode to Alaska, a look at its untamed heart and the people who call it home. With humor, grit, and a reverence that sneaks up on you, McPhee guides you along icy rivers, up unyielding mountains, and through the stories of Alaskans who live by the rhythms of land and water. If you’re headed to Alaska, thinking about it, or just want to lose yourself in a tale of hard-earned freedom, this one’s for you.
Dive into the adventure here.
Call for Curators and Writers
We’re looking to expand our editorial staff and what better place to start than with the community we’ve built. If you have a passion for fly fishing and storytelling, and are interested in curating future issues of the Fishing Club Journal, we’d love to hear from you.
A Fly — The Intruder was designed for action—large, sparse, and tied with hackle for lifelike movement beneath the surface. It casts easily, shedding water quickly while maintaining a bold profile. Whether you’re targeting steelhead, salmon, or even bass, the Intruder taps into a fish’s natural instinct to defend its turf. As the name suggests, its key feature is the ability to provoke aggression by stealthily entering a fish’s territory with minimal disturbance. The best Intruder patterns not only trigger a “defend” response but also mimic familiar prey, eliciting a “kill” response.
In steelhead rivers where fish hold tight and the bite is slow, this fly hangs in front of them just long enough to catch their attention—and, hopefully, provoke that critical strike.
Learn more about the Intruder and its creation from Jerry French, the inventor himself, on episode 26 of the Anchored Podcast with April Vokey.
See how it’s tied below:
A Recipe — After a long day at fish camp, nothing brings the crew together quite like a couple of cold ones and some good food. Exhibit A: Crab Hush Puppies. My buddy, Wade Truong of Elevated Wild, cooked up a batch recently, packed with local blue crabs we had caught just a couple of hours beforehand. They were a hit—the kind of hit that forces you to show some discipline and not eat more than your fair share. Whether you’re located north or south, chances are there’s a crustacean nearby that would make a fine substitute. Alaska has plenty of crabs to fit the bill—king, snow, Dungeness, or box crab would all make a delicious addition to a savory pup.
Check out the recipe here and give them a follow for more recipes and adventures.
Gear — Alaska isn’t a place for half-hearted gear. If you head out with a kit that falls short, you’ll likely come home with a great story but wet feet. Dryft Waders, on the other hand, have been put through the gauntlet by some of the most hardcore anglers I know. Made for rough conditions and long days, their waders are comfortable, durable, and built to last. Beyond performance, Dryft partners with One Tree Planted, putting some green back into the world. On top of that, they also use 50% recycled fabrics in their waders—no cutting corners, just solid, dependable gear with a clean conscience.
Check them out online.
That’s a wrap! Thank you for reading and we hope to see you on the next issue or on Instagram. If you don’t already, you can follow the Fishing Club Journal on Instagram and feel free to reach out with tips, feedback or just to say hello.
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Our Mission
To inspire stewards of our fisheries so they thrive for future generations.
The Fishing Club Journal (FCJ) is our vehicle for advancing this mission. We’re a reader-supported publication curating stories that illuminate the passion, and positivity inherent in the world of fly fishing. To unlock full member benefits, consider becoming a paid member.
