Alaska Fishing Trips for the Avid Angler
Real fishermen long to fish the waters of the Last Frontier on an Alaska fishing trip.
There's no doubt about it. The fish in the waters of Alaska are bigger and more plentiful than just about anywhere in the world. Fishermen catch buckets full of salmon and halibut as big as barn doors while on an Alaska fishing trip.
No wonder hundreds of anglers travel to Alaska each year for the ultimate fishing adventure. More and more fishermen are also realizing that it doesn't need to cost an arm and a leg to fish in Alaska.
Guided Fishing Trips
While it may cost a bit to get to Alaska, once you've arrived, there are a number of inexpensive ways to experience some of the best fishing waters in the world. Guided fishing trips are one way to get the most for your buck.
The waters of Alaska are vast, so most fishermen, especially on their first few trips to The Last Frontier, employ the help of a fishing expert. These experts know exactly where to go and when to travel there for the best results.
Guided Alaska fishing trips come in all shapes and sizes, from short trips to all-day excursions to multi-day adventures.
Some boats are more intimate and hold just a handful of travelers while others hold a large crowd of anglers.
Most charter boats used on these trips are specially designed for salmon and halibut fishing and some boast full walk-around decks, perfect for fighting those huge halibut.
Some outfitters offer multi-day fishing tours with accommodations on-board or in picturesque fishing lodges located in the Alaskan wilderness or in small fishing villages.
Avid fishermen will love the opportunity to fish on the waters of Alaska for 4-5 days, with friendly accommodations, hearty food, and good companionship between trips.
Independent Fishing
Some anglers choose to do their fishing from the decks of their own vessel. No problem. The waters are big enough for everyone.
Make sure, however, that you possess the proper fishing license and abide by all the local fishing laws. It's easy to obtain a list on the Internet of the things you'll need to do in order to fish legally while on your Alaskan fishing trip.
Where to Fish and What You'll Catch
Many fishermen limit their Alaska fishing trips to coastal salmon fishing but just about anywhere you can travel in Alaska boasts some great fishing opportunities.
In the southeastern part of the state, near towns like Wrangell, Sitka, Juneau, and Ketchikan, the saltwater fishing is grand. Anglers can catch silver, pink, and chum salmon in the summer and halibut from May through October.
Cutthroat, rainbow, and eastern brook trout are often caught in the freshwater lakes in the southeast.
Many fishermen head to the waters of the Kenai Peninsula for incredible salmon fishing, including the much-coveted King Salmon.
There are also lots of bottomfish there, including flounder, cod, snapper, and halibut, just waiting for your bait. Trout are plentiful as well as char and grayling of different varieties.
In Fairbanks and the cold northern waters, salmon fishing season is short but anglers will find lots of grayling, Northern pike, cod, char and whitefish.
This is a favorite area for ice fishing in the spring, especially on the waters of Hotham Inlet and Selawik Lake.
What to Bring
Alaska fishing trips can be quite rugged so it's necessary to bring some gear to insure your comfort and safety. Always pack warm layered clothing and rain gear. Tennis shoes make good foot gear but knee-high rubber boots are often suggested.
Bring sunglasses to protect your eyes and suntan lotion and a hat for the bright summer Alaska sun, which lasts for hours and hours.
You'll also want to bring your camera and lots of film or empty memory cards. The scenery is spectacular on Alaska fishing trips and you'll need to document that giant halibut you're going to catch so you can show the folks back home!