Spring is Here

Light Spring Dusting

You all know the saying "Spring Time in Alaska It's 40 Below", well it's not quite that chilly, but spring has brought a lite dusting of snow and 20 degree temps for the last two days. This typical for this time of year in SE Alaska. It's the time of year when the fishermen (and fisherwomen) are gearing up for the Herring fishery(bait herring) and have been fishing for the first fresh halibut of the year. The trollers are still on the water looking to catch the elusive winter king salmon, one of my favorites.

Bringing Down Old Visitor Center

New Ketchikan Public Library

 These aren't the only folks in SE that are hard at work. In Ketchikan, we are busy finishing up the projects that have been in the works all winter. Over the winter the locals have seen 2 buildings demolished and the opening of our new library. The library was started last summer early fall and was completed just before Christmas and opened to the public in mid-January this year. 
Because of the improvements being made to the dock, the visitors bureau was brought down and the NEW   visitors center is being raised and should be ready for the first cruise ship visitors of the season. These are just the major projects, there are many smaller ones going to make your visit to Ktown as enjoyable as possible.

Ketchikan's First Hospital and Bawden St. Apts.

  We also lost a little bit of Ketchikan history over the winter the old "Bawden St. Apts." building was finally torn down and the eyesore will no longer be seen. The building started out as the Ketchikan General Hospital back in 1924( I have many friends that were born there) and functioned until a newer hospital was built in the mid '50's, it was then remodeled and ended as the apartment building. Sad to see it go! 

Well that's it for now, be sure to check back to see what's happening K-Town.

Till Then,
Shane, the K-Town King

Trout Fishing in Alaska? Here's 5 Useful Tips

In fishing, trout are known to be "fishin friends" to most anglers. These cagey fish are abundant everywhere. The native habitat of these cagey fish depends on the type of trout.
Now, as for brook trout their territory ranges from Labrador to Saskatchewan, while the rainbow trout covers a territory from Alaska to California.
On the other hand, the brown trout has found it's way into waters of every state in the US except  Florida, Arkansas, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, North Dakota, Oklahoma, and Texas. It has been reported in the waters of some of these states, but according to local officials, no authentic reports have been received. It can be found in many parts of Canada.
In trout fishing, some factors should be considered if your going to be successful.

1) Make sure the the leader remains greaseproof. It will not sink far enough to cause any terrible when picking  the line and lure from the water, but if it is allowed to float; it will cast a shadow and scare the trout.

2)Trout are usually caught using a dry fly. When fishing for trout be sure to work the current as well as the pools. At times it may be difficult to keep the fly from sinking or dragging because of the conditions of the current, but it's just something the angler will have to figure out himself.

3)It is not good practice when fishing for trout to fish directly upstream so the flies, lines. and leader will float over the fish. The fisherman should make the cast from one side of the stream so the fly will only float over the fish.

4)It is important to make the first cast the best. A feeding trout will usually strike the first lure presented if it is cast so that it will float over his private domain. The angler should never fail to fish the lower end of the pool first even if the trout are rising in the middle or upper end.

5) Trout are sometimes very moody or selective and will try the patience of most anglers, hence, possibly a fly with less hackle will do the trick or it may be necessary to use a spent-wing fly or a fan wing.

Indeed, catching trout fishes can be a lot of fun. The anglers just need to remember these useful tips in order to bring fresh trout.

See Ya On The Water,

K-townking

Fishing License

Fishing is just one of the many forms of enjoyment I get to do with my family and friends. It's a time for relaxation, bonding with the grandson and a great escape from the pressures of daily life.

To be able to fish, you have to obtain a fishing license since it's required by law and the regulations regarding fishing varies from state to state.

Getting a license to fish is really quite simple. You may obtain your fish license in just a matter of minutes and be ready to go catch your limit.

The fishing license allows you to fish or possess any aquatic creature as long as it is authorized by the Alaska Dept. of Fish and Game regulations. The license is non-transferable and is not refundable. Your license is only valid for one year or season.

Fishing licenses vary from state to state, a fishing license can either be a resident license or a non-resident license. To qualify for resident license, you should been a resident for about 6 months, should be a local tax payer, must be a registered voter and have a valid driver's license from that state. In addition,one can not possess or apply for any resident hunting, fishing or trapping privileges in any other state or country. A non-resident fishing in another state must be accompanied by a person from that state.

There is no age limit for anyone to acquire a fishing license.People both young and old can obtain it.Usually a person under 12 may fish without one and in Alaska retired people get theirs for life. Everyone in between must obtain a fishing license.

Now that you have your license, grab some bait, fuel the boat and your ready to go FISHING !!!
See Ya On the Water

K-townking

T'is the Season

Man, I can't believe how fast the year has flown by. It's really been one filled with learning alot of new things and having a ton of FUN doing it. If someone had told me this time last year that I would have accomplished the things I have, I would have told them they were NUTS!! I hope those of you who have taken the time to read this blog will continue to follow the K-townking and that you will learn a little about Ketchikan, Ak. and some of the many things to do and see when you visit SE. Alaska. Whether you come by cruise ship, plane, Alaska state ferry, or your own boat this is the place to learn about our BIG little town, of Ketchikan, Alaska.
I know that things have been on the slack side here lately, but life got in the way and I needed some down time. So, now that I'm all rested and ready to get back at it, things will start rolling along shortly after the HOLIDAYS. I want to wish all of you the very best that the season has to offer. May you all find PEACE and HAPPINESS in the coming year, make it a good one, I know I will.

MERRY CHRISTMAS &
HAPPY NEW YEAR !!!!!

Till Then, K-townking

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