Mark Stopha's Life in Alaska Blog

Person in rubber boot beside animal paw prints on dark sand

Fishing with Roy, 2026

July 12, 2026

Got Roy from the plane and went right to the boat to get… Continue Reading Fishing with Roy, 2026

Salmon fillets smoking in a Big Chief electric smoker

Big Dogs

July 4, 2026

Back in Craig after Sara’s surgery, I headed straight to my favorite fishing drag and landed a massive 30-lb king salmon using a cop car king candy lure! Continue Reading Big Dogs

18 Jun

Day Trip

June 18, 2026

I headed out yesterday planning on my last multiday solo trip for awhile. Roy was to get here next Tuesday, and it would be nice to have someone else catching the fish. Continue Reading Day Trip

Colorful fishing lure spoon with blue green yellow pattern

Overnighter

June 15, 2026

Third fishing trip. Landed some kings on coho killer spoons, hit a snag with the foundation delays, and had an anchor mishap at 3am. Continue Reading Overnighter

Tall evergreen tree by coastal water with mountain backdrop

Fishing Trip number 2, 2026

June 12, 2026

Solo trip out near Noyes Island — landed some king salmon and halibut, but ended with a hung anchor and a bit of a Houston-we-have-a-problem moment. Continue Reading Fishing Trip number 2, 2026

Calm lake reflecting pastel sunset sky with distant mountains

2026 Shakedown

June 4, 2026

Everything in Craig was as I left it. Seemed like I’d only been gone a weekend. Continue Reading 2026 Shakedown