Fishing Tips Up North in Alaska

n all it’s hard to imagine anywhere morein any given body of water. Temperatures can
scenic, isolated and downright beautiful as fishing influctuate as much as 50 degrees Fahrenheit in a 12
the state of Alaska. Alaska can behour time period. You can easily start the day
sportsman’s paradise.bundled up like a polar bear in the morning and yet be
Consider Alaska’s full variety of game fishsweltering as if you were in the tropics by mid
and fishing. Chinook salmon (referred to locally as Kingafternoon.
Salmon), Coho Salmon, Sockeye Salmon. RainbowIf there is one thing that fisherman experienced in
Trout, Cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden, Arctic Char,the ways and means of Alaska report is that as a
Grayling, Northern Pike. Whitefish, Oconnu (locallyfisherman you will have to get used to the idea that
referred to as Sheefish), White Halibut fish and so on.there is no one “best place or spot”
On top of that you may be able to share the fishingto fish. It all depends and varies what time of year,
run with a couple of nice friendly Grizzly bears aswhere and what your budget or budgets are. Where
companions and Alaska friends.you decide to go fishing will depend on where you
In fact so vast and varied are Alaska’swant to go, what you want to fish, and how much
natural supplies and stores of fish and game thatyou are willing to spend overall.
most anglers and hunters have trouble evenIn general the nest months to visit Alaska on a
conceiving fully of the variety and volumes availablefishing expedition are from May through October/
to them.July and August generally are the warmest months,
First of all you had better get used to the idea thatbut warm temperatures of course are relative. In
the best fishing can mainly only be reached by air. Ifgeneral it can be said that it is best to bring your
flying terrifies you – arrange a fishing orown gear. In particular bring a good supply of flies,
hunting trip somewhere else. Noted Lake Manitobasteamers, lures, spoons, spinners plus whatever you
Narrows outfitter Jadran Transcona notes that infancy. There are well stocked sporting good stores in
actuality few of Alaska’s great fishing spotsthe cities and bigger towns, but out in the bush and
can be reached by car, even hardy military style foursmaller towns it’s more chancy.
wheel drive authentic Sport Utility VehiclesNext bring along hip waders, a pair of rugged
(SUV’s). The “bush pilot” iscomfortable hiking boots, rain gear, sunglasses,
king – an often eccentric king and fellow /headwear, long johns, heavy duty socks, sweaters, a
darling at that. Best not to make comments on thewarm winter jacket if need be along with a pair of
plane or have concerns about apparent lack ofwarm winter gloves, insect repellent of course (a
maintenance compared to big city operations. Yetnumber of different types and brands to test out
you will come to appreciate how skilled andmight be a wise idea), as well as anything else you
dependable these fine pilots – the bush pilotsmight need or think of. It never hurts to be prepared.
are.One final note – Don’t wander out on
If there is one thing about Alaska fishing thatyour own either on foot or by boat. Alaska is both a
surprises and even shocks most Alaska boundplace of beauty and as well a most rugged landscape
sportsmen it’s not the variety and sized ofand climate that you should respect well. The
the fish and game – it’s theexperience and help of a good experienced outfitter
abundance, size and ferocity of the state’sor guide can never be minimized or not appreciated.
mosquitoes and blackflies. Come prepared with goodLastly in the end it can be said and remembered that
quantities of proper repellants and suitable protectivea marginal day spent fishing or hunting is better than
clothing. Another surprise too many serious anglers isthe best day ever back at work in the office.
the great fluctuation that can occur in temperatures