September 16, 2017
It’s the last day of my Sitka salmon spree trip, and the forecast is for a steady rain all day. I toy with the idea of calling my guide Tad Kisaka and begging off. My idea of a good day fishing doesn’t include water dripping off my nose. But miraculously, after breakfast I look out my hotel window and see the rain has stopped, and the sun is making a valiant attempt to break through the clouds shrouding Baranoff Island where Sitka is situated.
So I suit up in my warm neoprene waders, pull on 3 layers on top, and descend downstairs to meet with Tad. Our destination today is the Katlian River, only a short half hour run to the northeast.
Like the first two days, the boat ride in is spectacular. As we motor into Katlian Bay, we see rugged peaks lining the shoreline that is cloaked in a mist, conjuring up images in my mind of the Tlingit (p. Clink-It) war chief Katlian leading his fierce warriors into battle against the invading Russians just over two centuries ago.