“Now where did I leave that fish?” A big Kodiak Bear looks for salmon on the Frazer River of Kodiak Island.
“Are you down there?” The submarine approach to finding fish.
Peggy and I are off in Alaska as you read this blog. Since I won’t have time for blogging or reading blogs, I decided to repost a few blogs from the trip we made to Alaska three years ago. If you have been following me for a while, you will have read these blogs previously. I will try to respond to comments. –Curt
I hadn’t been fishing for 40 years. That changed this last week. I’ve now been out fishing for salmon three times and halibut twice. Kodiak Island will do that to you. Ask the bears.
Peggy and I hold up a string of Salmon that we caught along with our son Tony and his wife Cammie. Peggy caught the majority, as she is quick to tell everyone. (grin) (Photo by Cammie Lumpkin.)
On our trip out to the Frazer River on the south part of Kodiak last week, we watched the large Kodiak Bears land fish after fish. It was all about eating sushi. Catch a live salmon and down it on the spot. Move on and catch another one. Sushi can’t get any fresher. And these are large fish. No wonder the big bears reach the size they do.
Another thing we quickly noted was that the bears used different fishing techniques. Some behaved like submarines. Walking through the river with their heads under water, they would catch their fish like a diving duck. Other bears chose to chase their fish down, charging across the river on the tail of a desperate salmon and then pouncing.
A Kodiak Bear discovers a salmon and takes off in pursuit.
Across the river he goes. “You can run, Mr. Salmon…”
Pounces!
And catches dinner.
She wanders off…
And settles down to eat.
I’ll conclude with this photo of a solitary bear fishing the Frazer Ri
Wandering through Time and Place 
Love that pic of you two with all the fish! WTG Peggy!
Peggy grinned when I showed her your comment. –Curt
I believe you can’t eat raw salmon?! You’re not a bear… or are you?!
I wonder why bears fish differently – if it’s temperament, or different conditions, or just impulse. Clearly, your technique worked! Now I have my own impulse toward salmon for dinner. I’m not much of a fish eater, but salmon’s good, and I’ll be that really fresh salmon was wonderful!
The “action” shots are great, but I do love that last photo.
Part of the bears fishing habits depend on the status of the bear. The biggest bears get the best fishing spots. I once watched a large Brown fishing in Katmai. He was in the center of a pool and rarely had to move. He would submarine, come up with a large Salmon, and then eat it like we would eat corn on the cob if we also ate the cob. Then he would drop down and catch another one. No wonder he was a giant. When a smaller Brown Bear decided to join him, the big guy emerged from his hole and chased him through our camp site. I was somewhat amazed to see hoe fast the bears could move. –Curt
May I use some of your photographs a “bear models” for sketches and drawings of bears?
Of course. Have fun. Let me see the results. Give credit if appropriate but not necessary. –Curt
Thank you. I haven’t done anything yet……
So you were fishing right where the bears were also fishing? Incredible.. That’s alot of salmon too. Yummy fish!
Tell Peggy she gets a ‘high-five” from me!
Peggy laughed. She is still high over her fish. 🙂 It is a little nerve racking when you are sharing a stream with the world’s largest carnivore. –Curt
What an awesome experience for you and Peggy! Kodiak; the bears, the fishing, the mountains and the glaciers all look stunning.
We took full advantage of our son being there and flying for the Coast Guard. 🙂 The drive up the Alaska Highway was also a treat. –Curt
Just beyond belief beautiful. How amazing that you got to see this. Awesome.
It was a great trip on Kodiak. As was the one we were just on. First blog should be out today. 🙂 –Curt
So jealous! We love Alaska!
It is an incredible state. I lived there for a while and wandered the backcountry. Incredible. We are just back from our trip. Should be some fun blogs. –Curt
I want to go back…
When were you there?
Almost two years ago? We did the whole cruise deal. I’d love to do the land next time I go, or some combo therein.
Out of Anchorage it is an easy day drive to Denali National Park or Homer, both very worth while. This time we took the train from Anchorage to Fairbanks. Wow! But we had a beautiful clear day. –Curt
I better have hit the MegaMillions last night. 🙂
Those bears are very photogenic!
Big teeth and claws always help, Dave. –Curt
Alright… How far is the bear from you… Great pics, but I don’t know if I would take them..
Out in the water about 100 yards. Next to us, about ten yards. 🙂
Always learning something the second time around… I notice how intelligent Peggy is… She smartly wore rubber boots while you……………….
Thrilled for you. Salmon and photographing those magnificent bears. You and Peggy are having too much fun on this trip!
We always have fun, JoHanna. 🙂 –Curt
Not sure how close you were to the bear for these great shots, but it makes me nervous. Better you than I, however. I’m not cut out for National Geographic work, but you’ve got a portfolio to show them!
They are only worrisome if they are hungry, surprised, or have a cub. (grin) Hmm… three out of three. Laughing. –Curt
Oh I love these shots!! The sunshine! The sparkling water! So much bear activity, I can almost hear the splashing and smell that stinky wet bear. Love them. 🙂
The bears can be quite fun to watch! And they are quite handsome… form a distance, mind you. 🙂 –Curt