Fishing in Alaska

They say that everything is bigger in Texas. But in Alaska, fish are definitely bigger. And more numerous. During a salmon run some of the streams are so thick with salmon it almost seems like you could walk across on their backs to the other side. The halibut are so big it boggles the mind of an out of state angler. The winning halibut derby fish a few years back was 380 pounds and the lucky angler who caught it won $40,000.

Salmon Fishing
For catching salmon, Alaska is the only destination. Millions of salmon run Alaskan rivers during spawning season. Though the bears try their hardest to catch them, plenty of salmon are left over for anglers. Kodiak Island, Kenai Fjords, and Anchorage are excellent destinations for fishermen of all skill levels. The waters are swift and cold so plan on not falling in. If you are going to wade in a bit try to get some insulated waders. Your fishing spot can be easy to get to like Ship Creek or Bird Creek, just outside of Anchorage. Or maybe you want to hire a plane to get to a pristine fly-in lake for the experience of a lifetime.

Kodiak Island
Catch barn-door halibut, trout, and all five salmon species in the water in and around Kodiak. Fish these waters year-round—something is always biting. I remember the first time I went halibut fishing and hooked on to one of these big ones I thought I had connected with a garage door. Make sure before you go out to pick up your halibut derby ticket. You never know. Several years ago one of my friends hooked into a 380 pound halibut and his derby prize ticket was worth a $40,000 prize.
A fishing trip at Kodiak is fully customizable. Charter a boat to fish the waters around Kodiak for halibut weighing hundreds of pounds. Go on a float trip down one of Kodiak’s rivers on a search for that trophy salmon or trout. There’s something for every fisherman on Alaska’s “Emerald Isle.”

Kenai Fjords
Hire a boat in Seward for an overnight fishing trip in the Kenai Fjords. Here, fishermen share the water with seals, whales, and calving glaciers as they fish for halibut, lingcod, trout, and four species of salmon. Remember if a bear wants your fishing spot give it to him. During peak bear season, every fisherman loses his fishing spot at least once. A splashing fish on the line quickly gets the attention of any bear nearby.

Anchorage
Fishing Ship Creek in Anchorage can get a little crowded, but the convenience is worth it. Don’t go downtown to buy salmon, go downtown and catch one! You can fish for king and silver salmon right in the shadows of office buildings. Remember to buy your ticket for the fishing derbies each June and August. There are of course prizes for the biggest, etc. But there are also numerous tagged fish that can earn you a handsome prize. There are many lakes right in Anchorage that are stocked with rainbow trout, grayling, and landlocked salmon.

Fly-in or Not?
The biggest question on an Alaskan fishing trip is whether to fly in or pick someplace close enough to walk or drive. Both options has its good and bad sides. Fly-ins are as remote as they come. It is very, very rare for a fly-in fisherman to share the river with anyone who didn’t fly in with him. The downside is that once there, it’s not that easy to leave. Walk-ins are usually within a few minutes of the hotel or lodge. They are easy to get to and easy to leave if it’s a bad day. Walk-ins tend to be a little more crowded. If you've ever been to one of the more popular walk-ins near population centers you learn to know the meaning of "combat fishing."

Fishing Lodges
Lodges are a great for families and groups. There are usually differnent activities to please eveyone. You can fish during the day while your wife takes a hike or reads a book and then meet to enjoy great food and a warm bed at night. Lodges are located all over Alaska and each offers different levels of accompdation from the rustic to the luxurious and varying packages and activities. Take guided and unguided trips by boat, raft, or on foot in pursuit of a trophy fish. Many lodges also smoke or vacuum pack all fish caught for easier travel.