Sport Fishing in Alaska
- Two types of fishing styles are used in Alaska. Boat fishing is used to target salmon in the Pacific Ocean, before they spawn east into Alaskan river systems. Trolling is another popular method of sport fishing among Alaskan deep sea tour guides. Most outfitters operate day trips, departing during early morning hours, from one of Alaska's many harbors. Drift boats provide anglers with the opportunity to fish Alaskan river systems from the comfort of an inflatable raft. This method is both scenic and productive, covering large expanses of Alaskan wilds.
Wade style fishing is less expensive, giving anglers the chance to walk Alaska's river banks. This style of fishing covers less ground, but can be less intimidating for beginners. Local fly-shops guide these trips daily during summer months, giving guests knowledgeable insight into Alaskan fishing. - Identifying the species of fish you wish to target in Alaska will yield higher success and greater satisfaction. Gear preparation is reliant on the target species. Alaskan sport fishing guides are adept at suiting tackle and bait to fishing conditions and species. Although halibut, char and ling cod vary greatly in appearance, differentiating between Alaska's salmon requires a trained eye. The king salmon is Alaska's largest salmon species, and is easily recognized by its bright red color. The coho salmon is distinguished by a dark green head. Chum salmon are olive green in coloration, with pointed teeth. Sockeye salmon have red coloration and are smaller then the king salmon. Pink salmon show a large hump along their backs, an attribute gained during spawning season.
- Alaska's sea run salmon spawn during summer months, providing sport fisherman with excellent conditions, stretching miles inland. The time frames are fairly rigid, occurring during the same periods each year. Some species overlap, sharing river systems, while other species migrate alone. Knowing when to fish will allow for greater angling success in Alaska. King salmon run mid-June through mid-July. Sockeye salmon run early June through mid-July. Coho run from early August into mid-September. Pink salmon and chum run mid-July through late August. Rainbow trout can be found throughout Alaska's river systems during the entire year. Ling cod, char and halibut are caught along Alaska's Pacific coast, during the entire summer season.
- Brown bear are a minor, but real threat to humans pursuing recreation within Alaska. Summer months bring hungry brown bear to water sources in search of salmon. These fish provide Alaska's bear population a variety of nutrients needed to survive the upcoming year. Alaska comprises 98 percent of North America's bear population. Anglers should wear bells on their packs to aware any bear of their presence. Fishing alone is not recommended. Understanding and taking the necessary precautions before entering Alaska's wilds is an important first step.
- Alaska lies over 600,000 square miles, with more than 80,000 of which covered by water. The Yukon, Big Sustina, Talkeetna and Copper Rivers comprise some of Alaska's biggest and best inland fishing opportunities. Denali National Park is among the many state parks and recreation areas offering angling possibilities. The majority of Alaska's rivers empty into the Bering Sea, while the remainder flow into the Gulf of Alaska. More than 3,000 rivers and three million lakes comprise the state's waters. Sport fisherman mainly utilize areas west of Anchorage, focusing on inlets and coastal rivers. Anchorage, Seward, Kenai and Homer are among the many Alaskan towns allowing convenient access into the states sport fishing waters.
