Alaska is a wonderful place to take a fishing vacation, since not only are there plentiful supplies of fish, but you are also surrounded by remarkable wild scenery, with snow-topped mountains and glaciers, and the air is fresh and clean. Both salt and freshwater fishing are widely available, and Alaska's fish tend to grow to very large sizes.
Fishing Locations
Alaska abounds with rivers, and there is also good fishing all along the coast. The Kenai Peninsula is particularly good for fly fishing, with the Karluk River regarded by anglers as one of the best salmon fishing rivers in the world. Resurrection Bay is a popular sea-fishing destination, and you can either charter a boat or sign up for an organized fishing trip. Larson Bay is a good area for both salt and freshwater fishing, and has a large fleet of fishing boats available for hire.
Fishing Season
Although some fish, such as King Salmon and grayling, are available to catch all year-round, most species have a fairly short season during the summer months. The severe Alaskan climate also restricts winter fishing activities.
Accommodation Options
Many people stay in log cabins or lodges on Alaskan fishing trips, but the cheapest option is to stay at a campsite. The more expensive sites provide heated tents and carpeted wooden floors, but there are also numerous budget sites with basic amenities. Alternatively, there is no law against roadside camping in Alaska, so you could pitch your tent or park up your RV alongside any river or coastal area, which will not cost you anything.
Prices
The North Wales Fishing School charges around $895 for a seven-night stay in a log cabin, with food and fishing guides provided, as of October 2010. Affordable Alaska offers seven nights' lodging, food, boats and tackle and three days of guided fishing for $849, based on four people sharing a cabin; but discounts are available for larger parties. Alaska X-Treme Unguided Fishing Adventures is a cheaper option, although facilities are very basic. Guests stay in weatherproof tents, and food, camp beds and mattresses are provided. To stay on an ordinary campsite with your own equipment, you can expect to pay from around $8 per night.
Additional Costs
There are several additional costs to be taken into consideration when pricing up Alaskan fishing vacations. The largest of these is your travel expenses, so you will need to shop around for cheap flights or be prepared to drive long distances. Additionally, you will require a fishing license, which, as of October 2010, will cost around $30 for seven days, and some tour organizers will charge a retention fee for keeping your catch (around $10 for a large king salmon). In view of the wildness of the terrain, it is also advisable to take out vacation insurance.
Considerations
The Alaskan weather is an important consideration: even in summer it tends to be windy and cool, so you will need to take plenty of warm, protective clothing, and if you are planning to camp, you will also need a good quality sleeping bag. You should also remember that the plentiful supply of fish in Alaskan waters attracts bears, and take suitable precautions.
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