Welcome to our exciting journey through the pristine wilderness of Nome, Alaska! Over the course of five incredible days, we explored this remote region, fished in crystal-clear waters, and made lasting memories
Welcome to our exciting journey through the pristine wilderness of Nome, Alaska! Over the course of five incredible days, we explored this remote region, fished in crystal-clear waters, and made lasting memories. Let's dive into the details of each day of our thrilling adventure.
Day 1: Arrival in Nome
Our adventure began with an Alaska Airlines departure at 3:45 pm, landing us in Nome at around 5:00 pm. The anticipation was palpable as we eagerly awaited our luggage. It felt like time was standing still, but in reality, it was just our excitement to get started.
After a few quick stops in town for snacks and some close encounters with muskox, we visited the town square, where we snapped pictures of a giant gold pan and the iconic Iditarod burled arch. Soon, we headed to Council, marveling at the stunning scenery along the way. Our guide and host, Tom, regaled us with fascinating stories of his life in Nome and White Mountain. Tom's wife, BeeJay, followed in her truck and had a delightful surprise for us – a mouthwatering spaghetti dinner awaited us at camp. A brief boat ride took us to our home for the next four days, making for a late but memorable night for everyone.
Day 2: Casting and Catching
Our first day on the water started with a hearty breakfast of eggs, biscuits, and gravy. We sorted our gear and found a perfect spot along the gravel riverbank near camp for some casting practice. Tom provided invaluable casting lessons, emphasizing the importance of skittering the fly. Speaking of Tom, he spent the day teasing one of us about closed cell foam flies, which provided plenty of laughs throughout the day. In our initial fishing session, Kerry, a newcomer to fishing, surprised us all by catching the first and most Grayling of the day. Beginner's luck, perhaps?
Our adventure continued with multiple stops, including a fantastic honey hole where the air was filled with excitement as everyone hooked into fish after fish. The weather was perfect, with broken clouds, occasional sun, and a brief rain shower, making it an ideal day for fishing and fun.
Day 3: Trophy Grayling Extravaganza
Day three was all about trophy Grayling. We ventured well above Council to small streams, with the biggest fish measuring a whopping 21 inches or more (although we regretted not having a tape measure to confirm). Each fishing spot seemed better than the last, and the weather threw everything at us – from light rain to sunshine and wind. We returned home at 7 o'clock to a heartwarming dinner of moose stew and a delectable meringue cake prepared by BeeJay. We were too exhausted for any fly tying, but the closed cell foam ants proved their worth with an A+ rating.
Day 4: Pursuing Pike and Trout
An early start led us to our pursuit of pike. After a delicious breakfast of eggs, bacon, pancakes, and coffee, we made our way to Pike Slough. The excitement was palpable as we reeled in pike after pike. Tom guided us through various fishing spots, and Angie, in particular, had an impressive catch, leading to a photo rodeo. Talk of "Trout" had piqued our interest, and Tom took us to the Fish River for a long boat ride. The journey was well worth it, as we encountered massive Dolly Varden and strong, huge Grayling, all measuring around 18+ inches. At this pristine spot, we caught fish on nearly every cast, making it a day that felt like heaven for all of us, despite the rain and relentless mosquitoes. After a fantastic dinner of barbecue chicken, corn on the cob, and potato salad, we couldn't stop talking about the epic day we had experienced.
Day 5: A Final Fishing Fling
With a desire to maximize our time on the water, we packed our bags early and left camp with fully loaded boats. Our goal was to savor every moment of fishing before our departure. We explored fishing spots near Council and experienced the thrill of catching Grayling. Tom kept us moving from one hotspot to another, ensuring everyone had their share of excitement.
As we headed back to the van for the two-hour drive to Nome, we made a quick stop at the Train to Nowhere and observed storm damage on Safety Sound from the previous winter. Finally, at the airport in Anchorage, we bid fond farewells, reflecting on an exceptional adventure and the wonderful new friendships formed.
In conclusion, this expedition to Nome, Alaska, was an unforgettable experience. The beauty of the wilderness, the thrill of fishing, and the camaraderie among our group made this trip truly exceptional. Put "No Place Like Nome 2024" on your calendar – you won't want to miss it!
