Alaska, the Last Frontier, is known for its inspiring landscapes and second-to-none fishing. Alaska is famous for adventure, hunting, and fishing. This fame is partly due to its size, where there is so much land to cover. A few locations stick out as the cream of the crop, like the Brooks Range with its vast lakes and rivers that flow through to theinterior. The legendary Kenai Peninsula has ranges and rivers flowing to the Pacific Ocean. Each location offers an incredibly varied experience, like the Mat-Su Valley north of Anchorage, where gorgeous mountain ranges surround you. In the Kailsof River, you can pursue the legendary Chinook salmon. The Chinook salmon is just the start of the massively diverse fish population that mirrors the diverse Landscapes of Alaska. In the lakes, rivers, and streams, you can find species like Trout and Grayling, to name a few. The ocean is even more beautiful, with the whole family of salmon, halibut, and rockfish … the list goes on.
Spring (April – June)
Spring rolls in as the great thaw begins following the long Alaskan winter. With this seasonal change, the fishing season begins to pick up. As the waters begin to warm, the days become comfortable, with some chilly nights that provide a truly Alaskan experience. Starting in May, King Salmon will begin their journey into the river, which will last until late June. They are followed closely by the opening of trout season in June, and later in the month, the Sockeye start to arrive. This time provides a unique window when summer has yet to show up fully, and winter is fleeting away. During this time of year, the conditions are fantastic. May can be mainly sunny with a few rain days, allowing you to optimize your days on the water.
Summer July- August
July through August is really when the fishery comes alive. The king salmon start rolling in. They are present in numbers, and Sockeye and silver salmon join them! With the trout season in full bloom, you can take advantage of the numerous species of Trout that call this ecosystem home. There are so many different fish, and you have many options on what to go after. Those could be going after record-breaking Kings or filling your freezer with Trout and Sockeye—endless opportunities in the summer. The ability to have that opportunity is also significantly increased because of the longer daylight hours, allowing you to stay out there more and more time fishing, which is never a bad thing. The conditions are also fantastic: sunny days and little rain, with the average temperatures in the mid to high 60s during the day and getting into the 40s at night.
Fall September – November
As the fall rolls in and the scenery changes into bright oranges and yellows, the rivers and coastline still have ample opportunity for fantastic fishing. Comfortable temperatures during the day and chilling at night make excellent conditions for chasing rainbow trout. Regions like the Canine River are well-known for their 20-inch+ rainbow trout during this time of the year. Silver and pink salmon are plentiful until late September and early October—a perfect season for excellent conditions and great fishing as winter approaches.
Flies for Alaska
Packing the right flies to target the species you’re after is critical.
- Alaskan Salmon: For the salmon family, you want to use bright colors and attractors, specifically streamers, which are very effective at triggering a strike. It would be best to have a range of flies varying in weight and size to help target Chinook salmon, pinks, or Silvers. They all exist in different water levels, and having these varying sizes and weights can help you succeed.
- Trout: Trout are similar across the country. Dry Flies like Caddis, Parachute Adams, and others can be highly effective!
- Eggs: One of the significant parts of fly fishing in Alaska is watching the salmon migrate to spawn. This migration provides a unique opportunity to utilize egg patterns.
Fly Rods, Fly Reels, and other Gear
- Clothing: Different clothing will be required depending on the time of year you go. You should wear a rain jacket, your fishing hat of choice, sunglasses, and comfortable fishing clothing throughout the year. Throughout the Seasons, it would not hurt to bring a lightweight jacket to help keep you warm on the chillier mornings and nights. During the Spring and late fall, bringing warming layers, beanies, gloves, and the clothing items you usually use to keep yourself warm will ensure you can keep your body warm and enjoy fishing. During the summer, you will want to bring clothing that protects you from the Sun.
- Fly Rods and Reels: Much like with your flies, you must bring the proper Reel and Rod combos for the fish you are pursuing and your style. To target Chinook Salmon, you must bring an 8 through 10 wt. For Silver and Pink Salmon, you can run anything from 6-9 wt. For Trout, a 4-6 WT will do just fine. It never hurts to bring a combination of rods and reels that are effective for your fishing style!
- Fly Fishing Pack or Backpack: Whether you prefer a chest pack, a sling pack, or a separate backpack, you need to bring something to keep your gear in on the boat or in the river. We strongly recommend that this bag be waterproof.
- Insect Repellent: This is key throughout the year. It can get pretty buggy in Alaska, and you want to enjoy the fishing, so bring wipes or spray whatever you use to help protect you from mosquitoes and other insects.
- Other Tools: Remember to bring all the necessary tools, including forceps, nippers, a knife, and any other fly fishing gear you prefer.
Now, you’re prepared to take the first step in your Alaskan fly-fishing adventure! All that’s left is booking your trip and packing your bag for the trip of a lifetime.