Fishing Traveler

I am fortunate as my fishing trips have never included a bear encounter.  I realize that some would say I am unfortunate as these magnificient creatures can certainly add a memorable experience to a fishing trip.  This is ok as long as that excitement never puts you in danger.  Those who travel to Alaska perhaps know the most about fishing with bears.

Bill Hodges in his fishing trip report in Alaska at the Naknek River discusses the dangerous moments that can come along with fishing in bear country.

After the mile walk back to the Brooks Lodge and lunch from the cache, we went lake fishing. Mike explored the banks of the river and Jim and I waded to a sandy island about 100 yards from the pontoon bridge and the first viewing stand. After awhile, we heard quite a commotion. A large mama bear and her cub were perched in the middle of the bridge, looking for a salmon to leap on. The crowd of tourists was therefore cut off from the lodge, and the dozen or so floatplanes waiting to take them back.

Two things happened in rapid order. First, the mama bear stood up and stared right at Jim and me…a long stare, like “why fret the salmon when there’s food on that thar’ island over there”. She then jumped in the water and started our way! We didn’t exactly start to panic, but we were planning our options pretty quickly, and decided there really weren’t any. She’d cut us off before wading back to the lodge, or drive us across a rapid into the bush…a nice little killing ground. Believe me, the cameras and VCR’s in that crowd in the stands were trained on our expressions.

Just as we thought it was time to make a move, we heard the crowd yell to the other end of the bridge. “Go back! Go back! Don’t get on the bridge.” They were yelling at young Master Mike Spurlock emerging from the already bear-infested bush at the river’s edge, about to get on the bridge. Just as he realized what was going on, the baby bear wandered into the bush, and mama took off after him, removing the threat. Whew!

That said, bear attacks are exremely rare and should not stop you from taking fishing trips to places like Alaska.  You should use basic ommon sense and do some reading on how to prevent bear encounters before going.  Here is some excellent information put out by Alaska Department of Fish and Game that applies to any fishing trip where there are bears.

Wherever there are good fishing spots, there are likely to be bears. The same characteristics that make a place attractive to anglers make it attractive to bears. That can lead to conflict if anglers are unwilling to exercise some common sense and make an effort to avoid unnecessary problems. 

You can reduce the risk of running into bears by not fishing in salmon spawning areas or in areas where bear tracks are abundant.  Avoid camping along salmon streams and bear trails. Instead, fish in the main channel and, if possible, fish from a boat or island. Camp well away from bear trails or places where bears have been  congregating.

Fish during the heat of the day when bears are least active. If a bear approaches, stop fishing. If you have a fish on your line, either give it slack or cut the line. Do not let the fish splash on the end of your line. A bear will quickly make the connection and you’ll lose the fish anyway. Not to mention the dangerous behavior the bear will learn.

Once you catch a fish, keep it in the water, preferably away from the bank, until you are ready to leave. If time and conditions allow, keep the fish intact and clean it when you get home. If you do clean fish on the scene, clean them in moving water away from your campsite.  Toss heads and viscera into the fastest current. Where cleaning tables and/or dumpsters are available, use them. Keep cleaned fish in a bear-proof container. Ice chests and coolers are not bear-proof. Nor are aircraft. Bears have been known to tear into aircraft to get food.

Likewise, store food, bait, garbage or pet food in bear-proof containers, a locked vehicle, an elevated cache or a dwelling—not in tents, on stream banks or in coolers.
Change out of clothes that have fish and/or bait smells on them before sleeping in your tent. Those smelly clothes belong in a bear-proof container, not being used as a pillow.

Never provide any bear with any food.  Never try to reclaim a fish from a bear.  Never approach a bear. Never throw rocks at a bear. Never run from a bear.

For more information on how to travel and live in bear country (most of Alaska), pick up a copy of the brochure “Bear Facts” at most ADF&G, State Parks and National Park Service offices.

Alaska law allows a person to kill a bear in defense of life or property, provided the person did not create an attractive nuisance that tempted the bear. In other words, if a bear is attracted to your camp or fishing spot by improperly stored fish, food bait or garbage, you are the one at fault. And even though the bear may very well be a threat, you may be prosecuted for shooting it—because you were the one who attracted it there. The salmon you just caught is not considered your property for purposes of this law, so you may not shoot a bear simply because it is stealing your fish.

The bottom line is this: fisherman are present at their own risk. With a little effort and common sense, they can share Alaska’s abundant salmon resources with
the bears, who depend on the same resources.