Haines Heliskiing Preview
Posted on | January 27, 2012 | No Comments
The 2012 heliskiing season in Haines, Alaska is right around the corner. With nearly 27 feet of snow at sea level already this winter, this season could end up in the record books.
There’s still availability throughout the season, but seats are filling up fast.
There is only one place like it on earth. We’re lucky enough to call it home. Don’t miss out on this historic season! Contact Expedition Broker for availability, pricing and itineraries.
Tags: Alaska > Expedition Broker > Haines > Heli Ski > Heliskiing > Snow Report
Home Sweet Haines
Posted on | January 17, 2012 | No Comments
A short film called Last Light was recently released by Sweetgrass Productions featuring Patagonia ambassadors Stephan Drake (DPS Skis), Johan Jonsson and Forrest Shearer. The three hike and ride lines around Haines, Alaska with the assistance of Drake Olson as pilot.
Artistic shots and soulful music complete this showcase of our local mountains. A few years ago, I recall running into Drake heading off the Haines Highway an hour before sunset to ski in the alpenglow. We were headed home from a day of touring, he was headed out. This film captures those magical moments in the mountains.
Tags: Alaska > DPS Skis > Drake Olson > Expedition Broker > Haines > Patagonia > Ski-Plane > Sweetgrass Productions
Drake Olson-Alaska Wing Men
Posted on | January 9, 2012 | No Comments
My office mate, Drake Olson, makes his National Geographic Channel debut tonight on Alaska Wing Men at 10PM et/pt.
Here’s what NatGeo has to say about the show:
Airplanes are the lifeblood of Alaska, transporting critical supplies and rescuing the lost and injured in areas where roads don’t reach. But violent weather and extreme terrain make these the most dangerous skies in the country, and bush pilots often go beyond the call of duty to get the job done. Alaska Wing Men goes inside this perilous profession to witness firsthand the risks they face.
Film crews are a little obsessed with Alaska right now. But if you can stomach one more reality show about the 49th State, watching Drake always makes for quality entertainment.
Tags: Alaska Wing Men > Drake Olson > Fly Drake > Forecast > Haines > National Geographic Channel > Reality Television > Ski-Plane
2013 BC Heliskiing Discounts
Posted on | January 6, 2012 | No Comments
While most of us are solidly fixed on this year’s phenomenal season, it’s not too early to be thinking about 2013. Ripley Creek and Bell 2 are offering fantastic discounts for 2013 early bookings. 
You can secure 2012 rates for the 2013 season with a deposit received by Expedition Broker on or before January 31st, 2012. Additional 5% savings can be had if your travel is paid in full by March 31st, 2012. This combination of discounts can save you nearly $1,000 for prime weeks for 2013!
British Columbia and Alaska are experiencing historic conditions right now, and last minute deals can still be had for 2012. It’s not too late!! Don’t live this season vicariously through shots in magazines and videos, come experience the steep and deep for yourself!
Photo Credit: Dave Silver, Randy Lincks, Andrew Doran
Tags: Bell 2 > British Columbia > Expedition Broker > Heli Ski > Heliskiing > Ripley Creek
Fly Fishing With The Fonz
Posted on | December 31, 2011 | No Comments
I idolized Henry Winkler as the Fonz. I quoted him continuously in his role as Barry Zuckerkorn, legal counsel to the Bluth Family in my favorite television show of all time, Arrested Development.
His new book I’ve Never Met an Idiot on the River, continues his legacy of making me smile. Written in a casual style, as if you are enjoying a conversation over beers with Henry, he discusses his passion of fly fishing and the role it plays as a long-anticipated escape from his daily life in Hollywood.
His passion often crosses the line into obsession, with the details of the meticulous notes he takes on each fish caught, including weight, length and a trophy photo (sometimes up to 60 trout in a day!!). This is reminiscent of my Grandfather who kept journals of his family’s camping trips, where my Dad was labeled “personnel”, and he redrew topographic maps by hand.
If you are an avid fly fisherman, you can not only relate to Winkler’s addiction, but you’ll thoroughly enjoy his manic compulsion with all things fishing. I hope to run into Mr. Winkler on the river one day and have a moment sharing our common infatuation.
Tags: Expedition Broker > Fly Fishing > flyfishing > Henry Winkler
Happy Holidays!
Posted on | December 23, 2011 | No Comments
Hope your New Year is filled with Adventure!
Clouser Lust
Posted on | December 12, 2011 | No Comments
How can one fly pattern be so versatile in catching fish? I was given my first Chartreuse Clouser Minnow by a local Cape Cod fisherman on the Monomoy Islands at the age of 14. We were fishing for Bluefish and Stripers in the river-like, heavy current, tidal flats surrounding the islands and this was the “go to” fly for those conditions.
My version of Bob Clouser's Original
Nearly twenty years has past and the Clouser still remains my “go to” fly in an entirely different setting- Haines, Alaska. I tie a diverse selection of fly patterns and love to experiment with new creations on the local rivers. However, most fishing sessions create a similar narrative- I throw a half dozen different patterns at the fish and work different sinking tips at a variety of depths for an hour and a half with little luck. Then, I finally give in to fishing the Clouser and the action is non-stop. One evening this July, after going fishless for well over 3 hours and trying eight patterns, I switched to my standard Chartreuse Clouser and landed two Dolly Varden, three Pink Salmon and a Sockeye within 45 minutes.
A Nice Dolly that fell for a Stinger Clouser
Is it in the eyes? Do they fool fish into thinking they are bait, or are they heavy enough to sink the fly down to the fish? Why don’t I have similar success with other patterns with the same eyes? It can’t be the color combination. I work plenty of other patterns with the familiar white over chartreuse combo.
Stinger Clousers tied with 30# Coated Spectra
I think it comes down to confidence. I fish a Clouser with confidence because I know it catches fish. Maybe I pause that split second longer on the swing before I lift the line knowing that fish are interested. Perhaps my subtle twitches of the line make it dance enticingly like no other fly in my box. I just don’t know.
Chilkat Silvers All Day on Chartreuse Clousers
But Humpies, Silvers, Kings, Cohos, Reds, Dogs, Grayling, Dolly Varden and Cutthroat all can’t be wrong- This fly can fish!
Clouser Retirement - A couple of flies that put in their time on the river!
Tags: Alaska > Clouser Minnow > Cutthroat > Dolly Varden > Expedition Broker > Fly Fishing > Fly Tying > flyfishing > Haines > King salmon fishing > silver salmon fishing
December Silver Salmon
Posted on | December 6, 2011 | No Comments
Five of us skied into Chilkoot River on Sunday, hoping there might be a few Coho still milling about. After 130 inches of snow in the month of November in Haines, a warm weekend with temperatures in the 40s and a little fly fishing was a much needed break from relentless shoveling.
The River's low and fish are finning.
I don’t think any of us anticipated the number of Silvers still holding at the Lake’s outlet.
Jedi Master Dick Rice on left; Just happy to catch anything in December on right.
Double D with a BIG blushed Buck.
A couple of dozen landed fish later, we headed back on our skis, grinning like Chershire cats.
Chromers with Sea Lice in December??
Check out more of Andy Hedden’s work at 9 Mile Photography.
Tags: Alaska > Andy Hedden > Dick Rice > Fly Fishing > flyfishing > Greg Schlachter > Haines > silver salmon fishing
11/12 BC Heliskiing Begins
Posted on | December 3, 2011 | No Comments
The British Columbia heliski season kicks off today! Conditions are prime and early season skiing looks phenomenal thanks to La Nina.
Gothics November Pit on Left. Early Monahees on Right. 26 Nov. 2011
There are still some deeply discounted early season trips available. Check out our full line-up of BC Heliskiing operators or contact Expedition Broker for the latest conditions and availability.
Is this really November? Blower in the Monashees
Tags: British Columbia > Expedition Broker > Forecast > Gothics Lodge > Heli Ski > Heliboarding > Heliskiing > Monashees > Snow Report
New Alaska Small Ship Cruise – M/V Discovery
Posted on | December 2, 2011 | No Comments
We’re excited to announce the addition of a new small ship to our fleet of Alaskan vessels. The M/V Discovery is a twelve passenger vessel exploring the rich and remote waters of Prince William Sound.
With a home port of Whittier, Alaska, the Discovery’s multi-day cruise itineraries focus on the natural history of Prince William Sound. Kayaking, whale watching, glacier exploration and hiking can all be anticipated aboard the 65 foot vessel.
Her home port’s proximity to the Interior of Alaska makes a trip aboard the Discovery a perfect pairing with a stay at one of our remote lodge offerings in Denali, the Arctic, Bristol Bay or Kenai. Contact Expedition Broker for additional details regarding her diverse itineraries and view all of our Alaska small ship cruise options at Expedition Broker.
Tags: Alaska > Alaska Charter Yacht > Alaska Expedition Cruise > Alaska Small Ship Cruise > Cordova > kayaking > Mothership > MV Discovery > Prince William Sound > Whittier