Alaska Fly Fishing Trip: Arranging A Gratifying Fly Fishing Trip In Alaska
Trying to plan an Alaska fly fishing trip? Wondering which lodge to book? Trying to decide when to go? Figuring out what to pack? For the answers to these questions and more, read on to learn how to plan a fantastic Alaskan fly fishing trip.
Fishing Licenses
Typically, your charter company or lodge will arrange your license for you. However if not or if you’re planning a self-catered and independent fishing trip, you can order your license online from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Right from their website, you can apply for your fishing license and print it out instantly.
Fishing Seasons in Alaska
The best time to go on your Alaska fly fishing vacation is during the summer months, between June and September. However, the specific season for your trip may depend on the type of fish you’re after.
For example, the Rainbow Trout are biggest from June to August while the Graylings start jumping in May. Again, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game offers a basic fish run timing chart or you can contact them by phone for more up-to-date and specific fish run information.
Fishing licenses, for a non-state-resident, are $20 for day one, two days goes for $35, $55 for the week, $80 for two weeks and $145 for an entire year. Military personnel can obtain a one-year license for as little as $24 a year, with proof of enlistment.
Booking a Lodge or Charter
If fishing is the primary reason for your Alaska trip, most experts recommend booking your stay at a fishing lodge. The remote areas of Bristol Bay are teeming with lodges that can only be accessed by float plane.
Unfortunately, if you’re not there during the peak period of the local salmon run, you may be faced with slow fishing and a waste of money. Alternatively, choosing the right time and place but not booking ahead means you could lose out.
Frommer’s travel guide recommends booking your lodges and charters through a local travel company. Their choice? Sport Fishing Alaska in Anchorage (1-888-552-8674). The company is run by a couple, Sheary and Larry Suiter.
Basically, for a small advance fee of $95, they’ll plan a full Alaska fly fishing trip for you that’s catered to your budget and will put you exactly where the fishing is hot.
A fishing expedition in Alaska is one of the most thrilling adventures a true angler will ever experience. Because for many it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, you sure don’t want to lose time spent on planning the trip after you’ve already arrived at your destination. Taking advantage of some of the services mentioned above will help to ensure you are able make best use of your precious time on the water.