Steelheading in Oct.

[Meadowlark]

Anyone been to Kodiak or other Alaskan venues in early Oct.? I'm headed there for rumored world class steelhead fishing this fall and concerned about the weather...not to the point of not going but just being prepared.

Interested in any experiences....maybe spare me if its "survivor" type experience.

[cantstopfishin]

Average temp is 28-40 F. 2" of moisture. So cold and wet and probably snowing.

[Worm Drowner]

Well, I used to fish for steelhead while exiled to the Great Lakes region. You really want to invest in some 5mm neoprene waders. Stockingfoot waders give more support, but bootfoot are much warmer. Get a good stocking cap to keep your head warm and layer your clothes. You'll want some Stanley's Ice-off paste. Put it on your eyelets before you start fishing. Your hands are gonna get cold & wet. Fingerless neoprene gloves will help a little. Keeping hand warmers in your pack helps even more. I've fly fished rivers with the water temp at 34-35 and the air temp around 27. You begin to question your sanity when you have ice floes bouncing off of you as they go downstream. I know I was seriously missing Galveston about that time!

Good luck and stay warm!

[Meadowlark]

Originally Posted by Worm Drowner

.... You begin to question your sanity when you have ice floes bouncing off of you as they go downstream. I know I was seriously missing Galveston about that time!

Good luck and stay warm!

LOL...I'm already questioning my sanity, as in what was I thinking when I signed up...but steelhead makes otherwise sane folks do insane things.

Thanks for comments and the weather history.

[davidb]

Good Rain gear is way up there on the priorities list. Helly Hanson Impertech is what most people in Alaska recommend. Gore Tex can give up the ghost especially if you are running by boat to get to your fishing. Lots of layers of wool and synthetics and you should be good.

I fished the Norton sound area and there October was still prime Silver fishing with top water bites possible. Probably too late on Kodiak but ask and if there is a chance bring some pollywogs and sliders.

You'll love the trip if not the weather.

[Meadowlark]

Yes, the silvers will be running the river, the Karluk, when I'm there....thanks for the tip on the pollywogs and sliders....any thoughts on colors/sizes?

I've heard its some great silver fishing during that week.

Man, I learned the hard way about Gore Tex "giving up the ghost" one year up in a remote river outside Aniack. It almost cost me my life. We were floating a very remote river, far from anywhere, and it rained every day and night. My Gore Tex rain jacket literally gave up on the third day and started leaking. I went into early hypothermia before my partners could get my clothes off, get a fire built, and get some dry clothes back on. We fashioned some protection out of a plastic trash bag covering layers of clothing including the fire dried out Gore Tex. Recovered, but it was far too close for comfort.

Thanks for your comments.

[ctt17]

If Gore Tex doesn't do the trick, what does?

[Meadowlark]

Gore Tex will do the trick....but over time it will loose its 100% water repellant properties. I was not aware that this could happen and the jacket I used was probably 6,7 or more years old. It did fine for a few days and then got saturated and did not turn water...leaving me in a dire situation.

There is a product, called Renew, that will fix this problem and bring your Gore Tex back to its original 100% water repellant condition. FTU has it in stock.

I'm taking that jacket to Kodiak this fall, fully treated with Renew....and expect to stay dry and warm (but will also take a second one along for insurance)

[ctt17]

Thanks for the clarification