Alaska is a favorite location for fly-fishing, with a large variety of salmon and trout in its waters. Home to 10 national parks and countless rivers, Alaska has no shortage of opportunities to fish. Planning a vacation here, or even a quick weekend jaunt, is just a matter of deciding what you want to catch and whether or not you should hire a guide.
Types of Fish
Alaska is well known for its several types of salmon: king, coho, pink, chinook, chum, sockeye and silver. Rainbow and steelhead trout are also favorites, as well as pike, Alaska grayling and halibut. Bristol Bay is one of the most famous locations to catch rainbow trout and most types of salmon by fly-fishing, but it's far from the only source.
Fishing Guides
Even if you've been fly-fishing for many years, if you don't know the Alaskan terrain very well you may miss out on some important hot spots. Local guides will be able to maximize your fishing time by pointing out where and when you should fish for the best catches. Mystic Waters Fly Fishing guides offers full- and half-day trips along the Kenai River, along with the convenience of not having to bring your own fishing gear. Although Mystic Waters guides accept credit cards, not all guide services do. Make sure you ask before taking your trip.
Alaskan Fly Patterns
Several types of fly-fishing patterns are known and proven to attract fish specifically in Alaskan waters. The wooly bugger is considered one of the most versatile patterns to catch a large number of species, as it imitates food source like lamprey or leeches, and, in bright colors, can attract salmon as well. Other salmon attractors are the popsicle and flash fly, two brightly colored patterns that are almost standard gear when you go fly-fishing. On the other hand, a glue egg will mimic a salmon egg in the water and will attract Alaskan fish at any time of year.
Fishing License
An Alaska fishing license is required for anyone over 15 years old. Residents who have lived in Alaska for 12 consecutive months can purchase an annual fishing license, and residents over 60 can apply for a permanent resident license in place of a fishing license. Non-residents can purchase a year-long license at a higher rate, while tourists can purchase a one-, three-, seven- or 14-day license. If you plan to fish for king salmon you need to purchase a separate stamp.
Float Trips
For a unique fly-fishing experience, you might want to consider a float trip on the river. Float trips are guided tours by companies, like Flyfishing Alaska, that combine fly-fishing with wilderness rafting, giving you access to fishing areas that are usually unreachable by other means. Your chances are also higher of seeing other forms of wildlife along the riverbank, such as wolves and caribou. Float trips are usually offered in small groups to meet safety regulations.
References
- "Frommers Alaska 2010"; Charles P. Wohlforth; 2010
- AlaskaFlyFish.net: Alaska Flies
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