One Last Cast – Chapter 49

One Last Cast
From Alaska Outdoors Radio Magazine
By Evan Swensen
Chapter Forty Nine
Ten Top Fishing Rivers

I’m often asked where I think the best place to fish is. If my first quick response of “Whatever river you’re standing on,” is pressed further, I’ll usually come up with a list of the ten most popular rivers. My list includes: Karluk River, Situk River, Kvichak River, Naknek River, Talarik Creek, Ugashik, and of course, Kenai River, and Susitna River.

In my opinion, these are the ten most popular. Many will challenge my opinion, giving valid reasons for including their favorite. On any given day, I, too, may select differently. I have fished with guides who have taken me to their secret spots where I have enjoyed Alaska’s best. I respect their trust in sharing their hard-earned and sometimes expensive discovery. I have found some special streams, and even sections of streams on my own, and I’m selfishly keeping them to myself. Every angler should have their own secret Alaska fishing hole.

I had the urge to tell what my favorite river is, but decided against it. I have not fished my favorite stream for three years. The last time I was there, I got skunked, but it was an enjoyable trip with a group of old friends. It was more of a reunion than a serious fishing outing. It’s not the size or number of fish that make the memories; it’s who you’re with.

Evan, who lives in Anchorage, has 9 children, 25 grandchildren, and 6 great grandchildren. As a pilot, he has logged more than 4,000 hours of flight time in Alaska, in both wheel and float planes. He is a serious recreation hunter and fisherman, equally comfortable casting a flyrod or using bait, or lures. He has been published in many national magazines and is the author of four books.

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