Fishing Trip Alaska: Planning A Fun Angler’s Excursion In Alaska
When it comes to the perfect fishing trip, Alaska is about as good as it gets. Remote locations, pristine scenery and rivers that are literally teeming with massive, award-winning fish. Keep reading for hints that will help make your Alaskan fishing adventure the excursion of a lifetime.
Reserve Early
Alaska is host to over a million tourists every summer. That means the hotels in Anchorage will fill up, the rental car companies will book quickly and the best fishing lodges will be full far in advance. To avoid disappointment and ensure you have the best trip possible, plan ahead and book early.
Hire a Local Guide
Most guide books, fishing books and even the state Department of Fish and Game say that if you want to have a successful fishing trip in Alaska, you should hire a local guide. Your guide will be able to take you to the hottest fishing spots, show you secret locations and inform you of the best lures, floats and flies.
To find a qualified local guide or charter company, try asking at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, a vacation planning company like Sport Fishing Alaska - who were featured in Frommer’s and Forbe’s Travel - or simply book with a lodge and use their in-house guide.
Know When to Go
While the fish are plentiful in Alaska, they’re also migratory. So, if you’re planning a fishing vacation, Alaska residents recommend knowing when and where to go. The prime fishing and tourism season is during the summer - June to September - but each location and lodge will have a different prime month or even prime week. So, before you book, check with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game for their updated data on fish seasons.
There’s also the secret fishing season in Alaska - the fall. Trout are still running, no one’s around and fly fishers will experience some of the best fishing of their lives. Many river lodges and resorts specialize in an autumn season and even offer heavily discounted rates, saving you money.
Pack Accordingly
Remember that when you’re packing for a fishing trip, Alaska can be blisteringly hot, drenching wet or freezing cold. The best advice is to pack layers of clothing that will dry quickly. You want to protect yourself from the sun, rain and cold, but also be able to remove clothing or dry it fast. Don’t forget sunscreen, bug repellent, your gear, a small personal survival kit and your camera.