Fishing Tips Up North in Alaska

All in all it’s hard to imagine anywhere more scenic, isolated and downright beautiful as fishing in the state of Alaska. Alaska can be sportsman’s paradise.

Consider Alaska’s full variety of game fish and fishing. Chinook salmon (referred to locally as King Salmon), Coho Salmon, Sockeye Salmon. Rainbow Trout, Cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic Char, Grayling, Northern Pike. Whitefish, Oconnu (locally referred to as Sheefish), White Halibut fish and so on. On top of that you may be able to share the fishing run with a couple of nice friendly Grizzly bears as companions and Alaska friends.

In fact so vast and varied are Alaska’s natural supplies and stores of fish and game that most anglers and hunters have trouble even conceiving fully of the variety and volumes available to them.

First of all you had better get used to the idea that the best fishing can mainly only be reached by air. If flying terrifies you – arrange a fishing or hunting trip somewhere else. Noted Lake Manitoba Narrows outfitter Jadran Transcona notes that in actuality few of Alaska’s great fishing spots can be reached by car, even hardy military style four wheel drive authentic Sport Utility Vehicles (SUV’s). The “bush pilot” is king – an often eccentric king and fellow / darling at that. Best not to make comments on the plane or have concerns about apparent lack of maintenance compared to big city operations. Yet you will come to appreciate how skilled and dependable these fine pilots – the bush pilots are.

If there is one thing about Alaska fishing that surprises and even shocks most Alaska bound sportsmen it’s not the variety and sized of the fish and game – it’s the abundance, size and ferocity of the state’s mosquitoes and blackflies. Come prepared with good quantities of proper repellants and suitable protective clothing. Another surprise too many serious anglers is the great fluctuation that can occur in temperatures in any given body of water. Temperatures can fluctuate as much as 50 degrees Fahrenheit in a 12 hour time period. You can easily start the day bundled up like a polar bear in the morning and yet be sweltering as if you were in the tropics by mid afternoon.

If there is one thing that fisherman experienced in the ways and means of Alaska report is that as a fisherman you will have to get used to the idea that there is no one “best place or spot” to fish. It all depends and varies what time of year, where and what your budget or budgets are. Where you decide to go fishing will depend on where you want to go, what you want to fish, and how much you are willing to spend overall.

In general the nest months to visit Alaska on a fishing expedition are from May through October/ July and August generally are the warmest months, but warm temperatures of course are relative. In general it can be said that it is best to bring your own gear. In particular bring a good supply of flies, steamers, lures, spoons, spinners plus whatever you fancy. There are well stocked sporting good stores in the cities and bigger towns, but out in the bush and smaller towns it’s more chancy.

Next bring along hip waders, a pair of rugged comfortable hiking boots, rain gear, sunglasses, headwear, long johns, heavy duty socks, sweaters, a warm winter jacket if need be along with a pair of warm winter gloves, insect repellent of course (a number of different types and brands to test out might be a wise idea), as well as anything else you might need or think of. It never hurts to be prepared.

One final note – Don’t wander out on your own either on foot or by boat. Alaska is both a place of beauty and as well a most rugged landscape and climate that you should respect well. The experience and help of a good experienced outfitter or guide can never be minimized or not appreciated.

Lastly in the end it can be said and remembered that a marginal day spent fishing or hunting is better than the best day ever back at work in the office.