Whether you come for a week, a month or longer, Alaska fishing is one of the most popular outdoor recreations, offering fresh- and saltwater fishing for rainbow trout, halibut and five varieties of salmon. May through October is the main fishing season from the Kenai Peninsula, Bristol Bay, Western Alaska and the Southeast regions. Avid fishermen come to enjoy nature’s bounty, staying in river cabins, lodges or fishing camps that provide lodging, meals, equipment, guides and tours. Fishing licenses are required and can be purchased at your destination.

Weather-appropriate clothing; camera; rain gear; fishing equipment (optional)

Decide how much time you have to spend on a fishing trip and what kind of fish you want to catch. Other considerations include budget, what part of Alaska you want to travel to, whether you want to be an independent fisherman at a U.S. Park Service cabin or if you prefer the accommodations, services and amenities provided at a professional fishing lodge or camp. Traveling to your destination may include flights from Seattle to regional airports where floatplanes will transport you to remote fishing lodges.

Make lodging reservations after reviewing all options and speaking with innkeepers and guides who will make recommendations on transportation and what to bring. They’ll discuss the type of fishing activity you want and locations. If this is a group or family trip, you may prefer renting an apartment that includes all the comforts of home, with a kitchen, linens and supplies. Daily fishing expeditions can be arranged with guides who can also provide gear and equipment.

Go fishing. Your guide will explain fishing techniques, equipment usage and suggest locations where good fishing can be found. Expeditions can be at different locations, either on land or water, from power or drift boats, by river rafting and from floatplanes. While you are fishing, you may encounter wildlife, so keep safety in mind at all times. Some of your catch can be cooked and eaten the same day.

You can clean and vacuum-seal your catch yourself if you are knowledgeable and experienced as an independent fisherman. Processing services are provided at fishing camps and lodges. If you charter a fishing boat, there is no cleaning on board. By law, the Captain of your charter boat can only keep your catch in a holding container under ice until you return to port to have it processed. Processing must be done at a designated facility for an additional fee, charged by the pound or included in your fishing package. The processing facility can store your catch until you are ready to have it shipped home by Federal Express, packed in dry ice.

Bring a range of clothing. Lodges offer other activities such as hiking, kayaking and wildlife viewing.

Alaska Fishing Guides

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