Alaska is considered by many to be one of the premier fishing destinations in the United States. There are dozens of species to be caught depending on if you fish the more than 3 million lakes or the coastal regions. From halibut to salmon to walleye to cod, each type of fish requires a different method to catch, and one of the best ways to experience fishing in Alaska is to use one of the fishing camps located throughout the state.
Wilderness Camps
Wilderness camps are fishing camps located in out-of-the-way sections of the state. Many of these fishing camps require you to fly in via a chartered plane from one of the major cities and are located on the many rivers and lakes. For example, Alagnak Wilderness Camps feature intimate lodgings with only 12 clients per week booked, and you can experience seven days of guided fishing on the Alagnak River where there are salmon, rainbow trout, Dolly Varden and grayling to catch.
Self-Guided Fishing Camps
Self-guided fishing camps are perfect for the angler who has all his own equipment and already knows exactly where he wants to go. Places such as Fish Tales Lodge in the Whale Pass community are set up for self-guided enthusiasts where you can head out on your own on the Neck Lake Outlet or one of the many lakes and streams to fly-fish. Self-guided camps are for those individuals who prefer using their camp only as a base of operations and fish entirely on their own without a guide.
Time of Year
The time of the year can change the type of experience you have while fishing in Alaska. Although many of the camps throughout the state operate on a year-round basis, fly-fishing can only be experienced in the summer months, and the winter months are perfect for ice fishing if that is more to your liking. In addition, the winter months feature severe storms that make coastal fishing impossible for many months out of the year, so depending on the type of fishing you want to explore while in the state, you will need to adjust your time table accordingly.
Coastal Fishing vs. Inland Fishing
Fishing camps in Alaska offer you the chance to experience either coastal fishing or inland fishing. Both are different in terms of the types of fish you can catch as well as the overall fishing experience. Although you can fly-fish for bass, trout and salmon along any of the rivers, lakes and streams throughout the state, going for the larger fish such as cod or halibut can only be done off of a boat along the coast of Alaska.
Fishing Licenses
You are required by law to purchase a fishing license for any type of fishing you plan on participating in while in Alaska. Those younger than age 16 or older than age of 60 do not require a license. Licenses may be purchased from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game either through its website or at one of their license vendors throughout the state. All licenses are good from the date of purchase through Dec. 31 of that year, or nonresident licenses, which are issued for one, three, seven or 14 days. You also need special licenses to catch certain types of fish, and a detailed list is maintained at the Fish and Game website.
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