Alaska is a state full of fishing opportunities and trout, including rainbow trout, is a popular choice. Anglers from around the world travel to Alaska to fish the lakes, rivers and streams in search of trout. To fish trout in Alaska, you can use a variety of equipment from spinning reels to fly-fishing tackle and practice a variety of fishing strategies. Following a few trout fishing tips can increase the success on your Alaska fishing trip.
Follow the Seasons
Change your trout fishing strategies as the seasons change in Alaska. According to the Trout Fishing Alaska website, Alaskan trout will change their feeding habits in the spring, summer, fall and winter. Adjusting your tackle, bait and fishing strategies can increase your success. As the snow and ice melts to begin spring, the trout in Alaska will stalk nourishments, making nymphs, shrimp and smolt imitations effective baits. During the summer, trout will feed on insects so switch to dry flies or nymphs. Casting or trolling small crankbaits, spinners or spoons can be effective fishing strategies during the summer. As fall approaches, the trout will follow the salmon as they return and deposit their spawn. Use bait that resembles the eggs of the salmon along shorelines and shallow underwater structure. For winter ice fishing, the trout will swim just below the ice biting on small jigs, waxworms and minnows.
Fish the Spawn
Fish during the spring spawning season to catch the largest trout. In Alaska, the large rainbow trout will swim out of the lakes and migrate into the rivers and streams to spawn. Use a boat or fish from the shoreline to travel up and down the tributaries as you search for trout over 30 inches. Search for trout around log jams and behind obstructions where the current slows. Watch for the salmon swimming upstream as the trout will be close behind feeding on the protein-packed salmon eggs. During this time in Alaska, the trout are opportunistic and looking for an easy meal. Use flies or lures that have an egg pattern or milky flesh.
Avoid the Pressure
Avoid the fishing pressure in Alaska. Certain rivers and streams in Alaska, such as the upper Kenai River, receive high fishing pressure with the large groups of anglers. If you are hunting a high pressured area, change your fishing strategy and reduce the size of your bait. With the high pressure, the fish may become accustomed to seeing the traditional sizes of bait making them hesitate before biting. Brad Hanson from the Alaska Fishing Online website recommends using a “less is more” approach where you avoid pressuring the fish.
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