Outdoor briefs

Curry and Kesugi Ridges in Denali State Park close to snowmachines

The Mat-Su Area Office announced that certain areas of Denali State Park are closed to snowmobiles last Monday due to insufficient snow cover.

Curry and Kesugi ridges on the east side of the Parks Highway, as well as the Peters Hills in the west end of the park, have had most of the snow scoured from the exposed ridges by last week's north winds.

The closure affects Curry and Kesugi ridges above 1,500 feet elevation and the Peters Hills above 3,000 feet. These areas may open again this winter if adequate snow falls to protect the fragile alpine vegetation.

The area has been fluctuating between open and closed on a nearly weekly basis. Make sure you check the regulations before you head out.

The rest of Denali State Park remains open to snowmobile use, though riders are cautioned that ice over flowing water is thinning and numerous open leads exist on the Chulitna River. Overflow is present on most lakes in the park.

For more information, contact the Mat-Su Area Office at 745-3975.

Learn to fly fish at seminar

The Alaska Fly Fishers are hosting the group's 29th annual Fly Fishing Seminar April 5, 12, 19 and 26 at Stellar Secondary School in Anchorage, from 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. all nights.

The seminar includes facts, fun and photos of fish. Club members lead attendees through discussions and demonstrations of all the basic information surrounding fly fishing.

On April 5, the top of discussion will be basic equipment for the first hour and a hands-on knot tying demonstration in the second hour. On April 12, there will be fly tying demonstrations and a display of good local patterns. On April 19, there will be a panel discussion including members of the club, Mike Hudson of 3 Rivers Fly and Tackle in Wasilla and a biologist from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The seminar concludes with a fly casting demonstration and instruction.

The cost is $30, which includes a $15 Alaska Fly Fishers membership and a $12 book. Door prizes are drawn each evening, and on the final night, a complete fly fishing outfit will be given away.

Visit the organization's Web site at www.akflyfishers.com for more information.

The Alaska Fly Fishers is hosting its April meeting at the Millennium Hotel in Anchorage.

A number of gear experts will be on hand to give tips on how to get ready for the summer. Topics covered range from leaders to repairing rafts in the field.

The meeting begins at 7 p.m. on April 9 in the Redington Ballroom on the third floor of the hotel.

Sportsman show set

It's a rite of passage into spring for many Alaskans, and this year's show is promising to be bigger than ever -- the Great Alaskan Sportsman Show opens Thursday and runs through April 4 at the Sullivan Arena and Ben Boeke Arena in Anchorage.

Hundreds of exhibitors will be on hand, from guides to boat dealers to tackle representatives. As always, there will be seminars presented throughout each day in different locations inside the Sullivan Arena. And make sure you bring your little one -- the kid's trout pond will again be at the show.

Hilltop opening early

Hilltop Ski Area is opening early on April 5 through April 8. People can ski and snowboard there for half-days starting at noon.

On April 9, Hilltop will open at 9 a.m. and is offering a special ski and snowboard camp during the day.

For more information, visit hilltopskiarea.org.