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Stacey Simmons is Sugpiaq/Alutiiq. Born and raised on Kodiak Island, she shares her home with giant brown bears and teeming salmon runs. Stacey spends her free time enjoying all that the wonderful Kodiak Archipelago has to offer. Whether it’s elk hunting on Afognak Island, fly fishing the Karluk River on western Kodiak Island, or rallying her jet skis, she is always up for an adventure. Stacey is the senior director of shareholder services for Koniag, an Alaska Native regional corporation. She also works as the director of operations for the Kodiak Brown Bear Center and Lodge, a luxury bear viewing and fly-fishing lodge. She loves showing people from around the world the bears, beauty, and wonders of her island.

Product descriptions by Stacey Simmons.

Orvis + Fishe Sling

Orvis + Fishe Sling, like a backpack with one strap

This was my latest birthday present, and I am in love! It not only holds all my fly-fishing gear for the day, but it is lightweight and is built for range of motion for fly fishing. The first time I used this, I got a 30-inch steelhead on Karluk River. The pattern is beautiful. I just love the Fishe line.

Sitka Gear Cloudburst Jacket and Pants

Camouflage rain jacket

This is by far the best rain gear I have ever used, and I live in a temperate rainforest. I purchased the set for deer and elk hunting but use it for all my outdoor activities. It is ultra-lightweight and packable, and the best part is that it is 100% waterproof and breathable.

Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket

blue puffy Patagonia jacket

My Nano Puff is a necessity in almost all Kodiak weather. It’s warm, windproof, and water-resistant. Whether I wear this jacket on my boat fishing or under my hunting or fly-fishing gear, I find it to be incredibly lightweight and easy to pack.

XTRATUF Boots

XTRATUF rubber boot with salmon design on inside

What kind of Alaskan girl would I be if I didn’t mention our favorite boots? I grew up in a small village, so these boots have been a staple my whole life. The perks are they are just getting cuter. They keep my feet dry and comfortable.

All Rigged Hydra Lure

salmon caught with a All Rigged Hydra Lure

I was so excited to try out my new Hydra Lure this summer! My friend, fellow Kodiak Sugpiaq/Alutiiq Sarah Lukin, and her family recently started the All Rigged Company. They focus on creating quality, rugged, reliable lures made by Alaskans for Alaskans. Her father, Ivan Lukin, has been a guide for years, and he said that this is the king  (salmon)  slayer! I cannot wait to start loading up my fish freezer!


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Author

Bjorn Dihle is Alaska magazine's gear editor and a lifelong resident of southeast Alaska. You can follow him at instagram.com/bjorndihle or facebook.com/BjornDihleauthor.

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