It's hard to imagine a better fishing destination then Alaska. Alaska has thousands of miles of rivers and streams, millions of acres of lakes, and thousands more miles of coastline. Each mile is filled with abundent, large and powerful fish of many species including 5 different kinds of salmon, Lake Trout, Artic Char, Rainbow trout, Steelhead, Dolly Varden Trout, whitefish, Northern Pike and in the ocean Halibut. All this with a background of magnificent scenery- snow capped mountain ranges, glaciers, thick forests, and lush tundra. The landscape is filled with wildlife - brown, grizzly, and black bears, moose, wolves, caribou, and many other small animals.
Non-resident anglers have three options when planning an Alaskan fishing trip. They can fish on their own by driving from any major airport (or the Alaskan Highway) and camping beside a stream or lake, the can charter a float plane to drop them off at a remote waters location to be picked up at a later time, or they can make reservations with a commercial guide or lodge. The first option may be the most ecomomical but may not offer the best fishing, even in Alaska waters near roads receive extra pressure from residents and visitors alike. However with careful planning one can still have an exciting fishing trip, especially if you combine your fishing with sightseeing.
Chartering a float plane to take you far into the backcountry may offer better fishing. Most charter services will have a good knowledge of where to fish in the backcountry and will be happy to steer you in that direction. The drawbacks of chartering a plane are that if the fishing turns out bad you may be stuck for several days without being able to change locations, you may end up staying out extra unplanned for days if the weather turns bad and planes are unable to fly, or you might be limited to only one kind of fishing during your trip.
For those that can afford it the commercial lodge or guide is your best assurance of a successful Alaska fishing trip. Most lodges are located on productive waters and many offer daily fly out trips to other locations. A lodge with fly out fishing options almost guarantees a great fishing trip, if the weather turns bad one can fish at the lodge location, if the weather is good one can try different waters depending on your fishing goals. Also never underestimate the pleasure of having a warm and comfortable lodge to retire in at the end of the day. A remote camping Alaskan fishing trip sounds romantic but after a week or more of never quite being dry enough or warm enough even the hardiest anglers can feel tired and run-down.
Women Fly Fishing, Wrangell, Alaska Artists Giclee Poster Print, 18x24
1897 Sport Alaska Salmon Bear Hunting River Man Fishing
Alaska - Fly Fishing Scene Artists Giclee Poster Print, 18x24
Alaska for Salmon and Halibut
Alaska River Fishing
How To Cast With A Saltwater Fly Rod & Alaska River Fishing With A Fly Rod
Rand McNally Videotrip Guide To Alaska
Fish Alaska [VHS]
Deadliest Catch: Season 2 (3pc)
Deadliest Catch - The Pilot Episode