Bo, Chris and Jerry checking a subsistence gill net on the Takotna River. They caught whitefish, sheefish and silver salmon.

Chum (dog) salmon - typically used as dog food but not bad to eat either

Jerry gets the prize for the fish with the most color.

This is the very first fish I have ever "taken care of" all by myself. We were catching them so fast that I felt bad making Bo stop and come get my fish off. I know it may seem weird that I have butchered moose, skinned marten and beaver but have never smacked a fish in the head!!! I just don't like doing it, but I'm trying.

More cabin pictures

Now the real work begins

Bo, Jerry, Tim, Abby and I are loading up boats early Saturday morning to go 100 miles down river to catch silver salmon (coho). The plan is to stop at the Nunsatuk and fish for awhile before continuing another 30 miles to fish the Tatlawiksuk. But like all trips in the great outdoors, plans change! The fishing was so awesome at the "Nun" that we decided to wait until the next day to try the "Tat". The rain and wind changed our minds. Sleeping in sounded like a much better plan. After Bo cooked a big breakfast of bacon flavored Spam, fried eggs and Texas toast made with hotdog buns, we headed home on a very rough river!!

Our little otter, Abby. This is what she did to entertain herself while we got the boats loaded.

Bald eagle 

Believe it or not, this is a fledgling. It was born just this year and has not left the nest yet. 

First stop - The Nunsatuk River

Jerry and Tim stopping for a quick lunch before we start fishing.

Fishing on the "Nun"

The silver salmon were running like crazy. We were catching on every cast. So much fun that we didn't even mind the weather!!

Jerry and his catch

Tim and his catch

This is not all we caught-just all we could pick up!! HA!

Yay, for a little heat to warm up and dry out!

After a rainy, chilly and productive day of fishing, we decided to heck with those tents- let's find a cabin. This is an Alaska Department of Forestry cabin that can be used for shelter when the weather is bad!!

The plan was to continue down river and fish the Tatlawiksuk River this morning, but it was pouring down rain and very windy. We finally saw a break in the weather and decided to load up and head back to McGrath. Abby (to the right), getting in one last swim before we leave.

Bo and our first sheefish

FUN DAY ON THE RIVER

Hot dogs on the river bank, 3 sheefish and LOTS of swimming!!