Brett’s Birthday Fishing Trip

Ok, so the trip may not have been entirely for journalist Brett Prettyman’s birthday, but for blog title’s sake (and to make Brett feel special) we’ll say it was.

Already in Alaska for the Outdoor Writers Association of America’s annual conference, we twisted the arm of Brett and friends and convinced them to make a trip down to Tordrillo to hang out with us and end their time in Alaska with a little fishing.

With dreams of big fun and even bigger fish, Prettyman, Reed Sherman and Mark Freeman took the Alaska railroad from Fairbanks to Anchorage, hopped a float plane to Judd Lake and Tordrillo Mountain Lodge and then proceded to fish to their hearts content with a TML heli.

From September 8-12, the group hit the Talachulitna River, Coal Creek and Judd Lake, hooking Dolly Varden, sockeye, rainbow and even a “first fish” along the way.

True, the fishing was stellar, but there was something else that Brett will always remember:

“I have never felt so far away from the chaos of the world as I did on Tuesday. Feeling that way cleared my mind in a way I’ve never experienced and lifted me spiritually. I already crave to experience that feeling again.”

When was the last time you got away from the chaos?

For a more complete look at the crews time with us, check out Brett’s blog posts on the Salt Lake Tribune:

1. Alaska adventure: Rainbows, Dollies and John’s first fish

2. A Backcountry Birthday Adventure in Alaska with a helicopter, a chainsaw and a bear gun

Happy Birthday, Brett. Hopefully we’ll be seeing you again soon.