Vacationers travel from all over the world to visit Alaska's famous fishing opportunities. While you may have heard about the salmon and halibut, you may not know that you can cast for some great trophy rainbow trout, as well, since this species feeds on the abundant salmon eggs. If you picture yourself in a photo holding a giant trout prize, head to virtually anywhere in Alaska where you can cast a line.
About Alaska Rainbows
You can fish for rainbows year round, but if you want to catch trophy fish, go out in August in September. Rainbows love salmon eggs, and by that time of the year many salmon species have spawned, leaving abundant food for some hungry trout. Rainbows have a tough time telling the difference between the real thing and the bait you pull. Salmon eggs and replicas make the best lures. Choose from different gear for rods; smaller rods can be fun to cast, but you will have a difficult time holding on to the larger trout. If you plan on fishing in peak season, bring at least a 9-foot, 7-weight rod and a reel holding 150 to 200 yards of 10-pound line.
Southcentral Alaska
This region is the most populous area in Alaska, and includes the city of Anchorage, yet it is still home to abundant streams and lakes where rainbow fishing is common. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game stocks multiple lakes with trout, but you can cast for wild rainbows in the same locations you would find salmon runs. You can stay within Anchorage city limits or venture out into the Mat-Su Valley or Kenai Peninsula. Go on your own, or hire a guide that will provide you with all the equipment and instruction you need. If you desire more seclusion, try just north of Valdez in the Copper River Valley, home of some of the biggest trophy rainbows where only catch and release is allowed. Or take a small plane out of Anchorage and fly directly to more pristine locations only accessible by small plane, many of which are actually in other regions such as the area around Denali National Park or Bristol Bay. In the winter you can ice fish for rainbows on area lakes.
Southeast Alaska
This coastal region of Alaska is known for the Inside Passage, a common route that cruise ships take up the coast to view some spectacular glaciers, mountains and wildlife. The area generally does not have major rivers running through it, but there are abundant streams and lakes where rainbows are common. You can hire a guide service to walk or boat you along the best locations, or you can go on your own and likely find success with the right gear in hand. You can also fly with guide services to small lakes and streams that are inaccessible by boat or road.
Southwest Alaska
This region is very remote and only accessible by plane; however, it remains an extremely popular location for rainbow anglers. Rivers and streams that flow into Bristol Bay have a number of fishing lodges along their shores. You can take afloat trip along the Alagnak River, Togiak River, and Moraine Creek among many others. Or fly out to Kodiak Island and access streams on its road system or by small boat or plane.
Interior Alaska
Even though this vast region of Alaska is far from the ocean, the salmon runs are plentiful and so are the trout that feast on their eggs. One beautiful place to fish is around Denali National Park, home of the tallest peak in North America. Book a guide in Talkeetna or in area lodges near the park. You can also fish for trout in the Fairbanks vicinity, which includes the Yukon River and several small lakes and streams.
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