Many visitors find the beauty of Alaska almost impossible to describe. If you're a fishing fan, then fly fishing in Alaska should be high on your list of things to do. Alaska boasts five species of salmon, all plentiful, and draws millions of tourists a year in part because of the fantastic hiking, hunting, fishing, and outdoor activities.
Licenses
Every angler 16 years old or older must have a sports fishing license to fly fish in Alaska. If you're going after pink salmon, then there's no need for an additional salmon stamp; those are only required for king salmon. Non-residents have the option of one, three, seven, or 14-day licenses, or even an annual license.
Pink Salmon Runs
The heaviest pink salmon runs appear in Alaska during even numbered years (i.e. 2006, 2008, and 2010). Pink salmon offer the shortest fishing season of any of the species, so you will want to make sure to carefully plan your trip. Once the pink salmon enter freshwater in mid-July, the Alaska fisherman has only about four weeks to get this aggressive salmon.
The Best Locations
Pink salmon don't tend to travel as far inland as other species, although there are exceptions. When fly fishing for pink salmon, expect to be close to the coast, sometimes only a few miles from the ocean. Small streams and rivers all through southern Alaska are great starting locations.
Best Fly Selection
The best flies for pink salmon in Alaska include bright and flashy flies that capture the fish's attention. Salmon have a wide array of available food in Alaska, so you need something that stands out to really get their attention. While the best colors may differ from area to area, many Alaskan fly anglers swear by orange flies for catching salmon.
Best Fishing Rods
A 9-foot fly fishing rod with a single action fly reel is more than enough to handle most of these aggressive fish. The pink salmon can be caught with the same outfit used for silver, sockeye, and chum. You should find great success with conventional tackle and technique, as pink salmon are abundant during their runs and eager to feed along the way back to spawn.
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