Mark Martin / Big Alaskan Rainbow Trout

This week Clint and Dawson sat down with Mark Martin. Mark was President of Marmot Mountain for 21 years. Mark is an avid fly fisherman and has an obsession with fishing for rainbow trout in Alaska. Mark grew up on the Rogue River in Oregon. He has fished his entire life. Mark says he has had a passion for fishing but pretty sure it has “morphed” into an obsession for big trout and steelhead. His first trip to Alaska was almost 20 years ago with the family. Got to experience the vast wilderness of Alaska from many points of view (kayak, boat, plane, hiking) and also got a taste of how different Alaska is for fishing. Mark returned in 2010, as part of a “buddies” trip to the Bristol Bay area for gigantic rainbow trout. These first trips were self-guided, with lots of lessons learned about how to best fish the rivers and creeks, what gear to bring for the day, where to walk and where to avoid, plus proper bear etiquette. He was able to learn enough to succeed on the early trips but also realized that a guide was essential to really access the best locations. Mark explains float planes are essential to travel to the remote rivers and creeks. Since 2010, he has been on 17 trips to the Bristol Bay area for rainbow trout fishing. And while there are opportunities to fish for salmon (Kings, Silvers, and Sockeye) in the area, it is the allure of an Alaska Rainbow Trout that keeps him coming back. They are strong, feisty, and acrobatic unlike any other freshwater fish in his opinion. Mark shares stories, tips and discusses the fishery, the Bristol Bay area and the grandeur Katmai National Park and lots and lots and lots of bear stories. Thanks for listening! Find all our episodes at dayfirepodcast.com This podcast is powered by ZenCast.fm