2013 BC Heliskiing Discounts
Posted on | January 6, 2012 | No Comments
While most of us are solidly fixed on this year’s phenomenal season, it’s not too early to be thinking about 2013. Ripley Creek and Bell 2 are offering fantastic discounts for 2013 early bookings. 
You can secure 2012 rates for the 2013 season with a deposit received by Expedition Broker on or before January 31st, 2012. Additional 5% savings can be had if your travel is paid in full by March 31st, 2012. This combination of discounts can save you nearly $1,000 for prime weeks for 2013!
British Columbia and Alaska are experiencing historic conditions right now, and last minute deals can still be had for 2012. It’s not too late!! Don’t live this season vicariously through shots in magazines and videos, come experience the steep and deep for yourself!
Photo Credit: Dave Silver, Randy Lincks, Andrew Doran
Tags: Bell 2 > British Columbia > Expedition Broker > Heli Ski > Heliskiing > Ripley Creek
Fly Fishing With The Fonz
Posted on | December 31, 2011 | No Comments
I idolized Henry Winkler as the Fonz. I quoted him continuously in his role as Barry Zuckerkorn, legal counsel to the Bluth Family in my favorite television show of all time, Arrested Development.
His new book I’ve Never Met an Idiot on the River, continues his legacy of making me smile. Written in a casual style, as if you are enjoying a conversation over beers with Henry, he discusses his passion of fly fishing and the role it plays as a long-anticipated escape from his daily life in Hollywood.
His passion often crosses the line into obsession, with the details of the meticulous notes he takes on each fish caught, including weight, length and a trophy photo (sometimes up to 60 trout in a day!!). This is reminiscent of my Grandfather who kept journals of his family’s camping trips, where my Dad was labeled “personnel”, and he redrew topographic maps by hand.
If you are an avid fly fisherman, you can not only relate to Winkler’s addiction, but you’ll thoroughly enjoy his manic compulsion with all things fishing. I hope to run into Mr. Winkler on the river one day and have a moment sharing our common infatuation.
Tags: Expedition Broker > Fly Fishing > flyfishing > Henry Winkler
Happy Holidays!
Posted on | December 23, 2011 | No Comments
Hope your New Year is filled with Adventure!
Clouser Lust
Posted on | December 12, 2011 | No Comments
How can one fly pattern be so versatile in catching fish? I was given my first Chartreuse Clouser Minnow by a local Cape Cod fisherman on the Monomoy Islands at the age of 14. We were fishing for Bluefish and Stripers in the river-like, heavy current, tidal flats surrounding the islands and this was the “go to” fly for those conditions.
My version of Bob Clouser's Original
Nearly twenty years has past and the Clouser still remains my “go to” fly in an entirely different setting- Haines, Alaska. I tie a diverse selection of fly patterns and love to experiment with new creations on the local rivers. However, most fishing sessions create a similar narrative- I throw a half dozen different patterns at the fish and work different sinking tips at a variety of depths for an hour and a half with little luck. Then, I finally give in to fishing the Clouser and the action is non-stop. One evening this July, after going fishless for well over 3 hours and trying eight patterns, I switched to my standard Chartreuse Clouser and landed two Dolly Varden, three Pink Salmon and a Sockeye within 45 minutes.
A Nice Dolly that fell for a Stinger Clouser
Is it in the eyes? Do they fool fish into thinking they are bait, or are they heavy enough to sink the fly down to the fish? Why don’t I have similar success with other patterns with the same eyes? It can’t be the color combination. I work plenty of other patterns with the familiar white over chartreuse combo.
Stinger Clousers tied with 30# Coated Spectra
I think it comes down to confidence. I fish a Clouser with confidence because I know it catches fish. Maybe I pause that split second longer on the swing before I lift the line knowing that fish are interested. Perhaps my subtle twitches of the line make it dance enticingly like no other fly in my box. I just don’t know.
Chilkat Silvers All Day on Chartreuse Clousers
But Humpies, Silvers, Kings, Cohos, Reds, Dogs, Grayling, Dolly Varden and Cutthroat all can’t be wrong- This fly can fish!
Clouser Retirement - A couple of flies that put in their time on the river!
Tags: Alaska > Clouser Minnow > Cutthroat > Dolly Varden > Expedition Broker > Fly Fishing > Fly Tying > flyfishing > Haines > King salmon fishing > silver salmon fishing
December Silver Salmon
Posted on | December 6, 2011 | No Comments
Five of us skied into Chilkoot River on Sunday, hoping there might be a few Coho still milling about. After 130 inches of snow in the month of November in Haines, a warm weekend with temperatures in the 40s and a little fly fishing was a much needed break from relentless shoveling.
The River's low and fish are finning.
I don’t think any of us anticipated the number of Silvers still holding at the Lake’s outlet.
Jedi Master Dick Rice on left; Just happy to catch anything in December on right.
Double D with a BIG blushed Buck.
A couple of dozen landed fish later, we headed back on our skis, grinning like Chershire cats.
Chromers with Sea Lice in December??
Check out more of Andy Hedden’s work at 9 Mile Photography.
Tags: Alaska > Andy Hedden > Dick Rice > Fly Fishing > flyfishing > Greg Schlachter > Haines > silver salmon fishing
11/12 BC Heliskiing Begins
Posted on | December 3, 2011 | No Comments
The British Columbia heliski season kicks off today! Conditions are prime and early season skiing looks phenomenal thanks to La Nina.
Gothics November Pit on Left. Early Monahees on Right. 26 Nov. 2011
There are still some deeply discounted early season trips available. Check out our full line-up of BC Heliskiing operators or contact Expedition Broker for the latest conditions and availability.
Is this really November? Blower in the Monashees
Tags: British Columbia > Expedition Broker > Forecast > Gothics Lodge > Heli Ski > Heliboarding > Heliskiing > Monashees > Snow Report
New Alaska Small Ship Cruise – M/V Discovery
Posted on | December 2, 2011 | No Comments
We’re excited to announce the addition of a new small ship to our fleet of Alaskan vessels. The M/V Discovery is a twelve passenger vessel exploring the rich and remote waters of Prince William Sound.
With a home port of Whittier, Alaska, the Discovery’s multi-day cruise itineraries focus on the natural history of Prince William Sound. Kayaking, whale watching, glacier exploration and hiking can all be anticipated aboard the 65 foot vessel.
Her home port’s proximity to the Interior of Alaska makes a trip aboard the Discovery a perfect pairing with a stay at one of our remote lodge offerings in Denali, the Arctic, Bristol Bay or Kenai. Contact Expedition Broker for additional details regarding her diverse itineraries and view all of our Alaska small ship cruise options at Expedition Broker.
Tags: Alaska > Alaska Charter Yacht > Alaska Expedition Cruise > Alaska Small Ship Cruise > Cordova > kayaking > Mothership > MV Discovery > Prince William Sound > Whittier
1% for the Planet
Posted on | November 22, 2011 | No Comments
Haines, Alaska, 22 November 2011 – Expedition Broker joins 1% for the Planet, pledging a portion of its sales to support non-profit organizations focused on sustainability.
“Expedition Broker is a great addition to the network. By signing on to 1%, it shows they’re really walking the walk in their sustainability efforts,” says Terry Kellogg, 1% CEO. “They’re using generosity as a tool with which to build their business and enabling valuable environmental work along the way. We’re excited to welcome them to the 1% family.”
“1% represents the very best in corporate responsibility,” remarks Greg Schlachter, Expedition Broker’s owner. ” Adventure travel is taxing on the environment, but we can work to decrease the footprint of both our operators and our client’s experience.”
Members of 1% contribute one percent of revenues directly to any of the approved non-profit environmental organizations in 1%’s network. Non-profits are chosen based on referrals, track record and environmental focus. Over 2,500 non-profits worldwide are included in the 1% program.
“We’ve been averaging at least one new business member a day, and have nearly 1,400 members in 44 countries. 1% members have contributed over $70 million of critically needed funds into the hands of environmental non-profit groups to date,” comments Kellogg. “We are thrilled by the support we have gained as it proves the environmental ethic is trickling upward to larger corporate entities. The shared belief that you can do well as a business by doing the right thing with respect to the environment is clearly apparent. There’s a paradigm shift happening here and it’s happening organically.”
New Alaska Small Ship Cruise – M/V Sea Wolf
Posted on | November 20, 2011 | 2 Comments
We’re excited to work with M/V Sea Wolf, a 12 passenger, beautifully restored 1940s mine sweeper. Her home port is in neighboring Gustavus, the gateway to Glacier Bay National Park.
Captain Kimber Owen and crew offer 6 & 8 day itineraries in Glacier Bay National Park. Exploring the lesser traveled portions of Glacier Bay, the focus of their trips is on the natural history of the region with daily hiking and kayaking excursions. 
Contact Expedition Broker for details regarding their special “Taste of Alaska” cruises focusing on wild foraging within Glacier Bay National Park.
The Sea Wolf is available for single stateroom or full ship charters and space is becoming increasingly limited for 2012. For more information regarding the Sea Wolf, please check out our full selection of Alaska Small Ships and Glacier Bay Yachts.
Tags: Alaska Expedition Cruise > Alaska Small Ship Cruise > Expedition Broker > Glacier Bay > Glacier Bay National Park > Glacier Bay Yacht > hiking > kayaking > Sea Wolf
A Bit of Snow in Haines
Posted on | November 16, 2011 | No Comments
I can’t believe it is mid-November! It has been snowing hard (2 inches an hour at times) since Saturday morning. A solid 36+ inches is on the ground already with more in the forecast. Usually this time of year is reserved for rock skis and hockey. But once it stops, it is gonna be deep!!
Pelly Needs a Snorkel for the Morning Commute