Alaska Fishing Trips – 3 Tips For A Unique Vacation

Fly fishermen and traditional tackle fishermen are two options for fishing trips Alaska style. Not only is there a variety of fish available in Alaska which you would not have been able to find in warmer seas, but there are also opportunities for charter boat fishing. In case you have had the experience of fishing only in the southern region, it would be a great change for you to try fishing in Alaska and spending your vacation there.

1. Unique experience of fishing in Alaska
This is a beautiful and unique experience, because the ocean bright salmons come to the surface to feed and are within sight when you are trying to bait them. This way you get to see the fish that are around and also watch them bite the bait. Most fishermen love this as it is so much more exciting than not being able to see the fish which are at the bottom of the water.

There are the different kinds of salmons in these waters and you may be able to bait a huge Chinook king salmon or the usual pink salmon as these are found in abundance in these waters. Fresh fish has a taste of its own and most anglers love baiting salmon fish which also makes a tasty meal.

2. Take a chartered fishing trip
The fisherman has the extra option of getting to bait flat fish or halibut by taking a charter trip in Alaska. Another bottom dweller that is slender bodied and an insatiable predator is the Alaska lingcod. This fish can be found on your trip to Alaska for angling. This lingcod can be found amidst the rock pinnacles underwater, in the northern gulf of coastal Alaska. This fish is brown in color with a bucket shaped mouth and sharp rows of teeth and a big head with huge pectoral fins. These fish usually weigh over 50 pounds and make an exciting catch. Lingcod fishing is an experience to remember and involves a lot of stamina to it. Angling for ling cod is similar to rock fishing.

3. Alaska fishing trips an exhilarating experience
You can have the best fishing experience in Alaska which is unlike anything you have had before. You get the most exciting variety of fish here. With the scenic beauty surrounding you and the amazing fishing you can do it is like a television show of getting the deadliest catch but not as dangerous. You could charter a boat for your trip with a group of fishing enthusiasts. When you charter a boat you should also let them know the kind of fish you are interested in angling for so that they can equip you with the appropriate tackle. Get all the excitement you want out of this fishing trip because you will not find this sort of an exhilarating trip for a long time unless you come back to fish in Alaska again.

  • Share/Bookmark

Posted in Fishing (Tags: , , , , , ) | No Comments

Top Tips for Planning the Ultimate Alaska Fishing Vacation


Alaska salmon fishing tours were started on a simple premise. A need was spotted in the fishing market, and several folks decided that if no one else was going to satisfy this need, well, heck, they sure would do it. More than 30 years later, many of these businesses have created huge empires for themselves.

If you’re a fisherman, and you haven’t really given much thought to planning a fishing vacation for yourself, then there’s no better time then the present.

Imagine yourself in Alaska, far from the urban sprawl of everyday life, standing in a clear, crisp river that’s loaded to the brim with trophy salmon and healthy, beautiful arctic char. A short 100 yards from the rivers edge is your private Alaskan fishing lodge. All around you is the pristine wilderness of Alaska, and no one to interrupt the view, and no one to disturb your concentration as you attempt to land “the big one”.

Every fisherman dreams of the day he or she can make the pilgrimage to the fabled Alaska Salmon Fishing Mecca. Living your Alaskan dream doesn’t have to wait any longer. It’s actually much more affordable than you realize. There are many Alaska Salmon Fishing packages available that are designed to fit just about any budget.

It takes a special breed of angler to flock to this nook of the world, where many a fishing lore is born. Alaska fishing legends are home to salmon runs so thick you can walk across their backs, halibut so big they’re called barn doors, and bottom fish so plentiful, fishing for them is called “catching”. Historically, Alaska’s fishing bounty has been so rich that it could feed a hungry world, and continues to do so to this day.

If you plan an Alaska fishing trip, you will definitely want an experienced, well-seasoned guide. Ideally, you need to find someone who can pinpoint the best time, place and specific areas to fish. The best fishing guide is one who knows these waters thoroughly. Many companies have seasoned and friendly Alaska fishing guides and charter captains who will make your Alaska fishing trip a very pleasurable experience.

If you want to experience great Alaska fishing, the Kenai is the only place to be!

While other parts of Alaska are experiencing increasingly limited salmon runs, this area has experienced predictable solid runs of each species. Many times, operating in small groups not only adds to a guests’ experience, but more importantly it limits any interference in the natural processes of the lands being utilized.

You can choose to fish with award winning guides who specialize in big fish, who have the best equipment, and you can just about guarantee yourself a great experience. Whether you’re considering fishing for a single day, whole week, river or fly-in fishing these guides can hook you up. And it is often surprisingly affordable no matter what you budget might be.



  • Share/Bookmark

Posted in Fishing (Tags: , , , , , ) | No Comments

Tips in Fishing for Salmons in Alaska

Alaska is known as one of the most bountiful areas with salmon, and is ideal for fishing trips.

This is because of extreme tides along the West Coast and the gush of ocean currents that create an environment ideal for the breeding of thousands of baitfish.

It is also known as one of the best places to go if one wants to fish for giant King Salmon, the largest specie of salmon fish.

The best way to catch these giant salmon (in saltwater) is through trolling or by angling a baited line drawn into the water.

Fishing for giant King Salmon can be a year round activity (especially in Seward).

The most sought-after species of salmon are the following:

1. The King Salmon (Chinook) are the largest of all these species. Its weight averages between 20-40 pounds, the heaviest recorded of which is 112 pounds, and can be as long as 3-4″. It has a blue-green back that is lightly spotted.

The average life span of a Chinook Salmon is about five to seven years.

Its flesh can range in color from ivory white to a deep red.

Common names for this specie of salmon include tyee, springs, mouth/kings quinnat and tule.

2. Silver Salmon (Coho) on the other hand is slightly smaller with an average weight of 8-12 pounds.

These specie prefer small streams in which to spawn between the months of July to November.

3. Sockeye salmon, on the other hand, are the most sought-after of its entire species because its flesh has a color of deep red and it has a firm rich flavor.

In fishing for salmon in Alaska, one has to be well equipped with the right equipment (and donned with the appropriate apparel).

Listed below are some of the needed equipment/materials and tips for hassle-free fishing:

1. You must be clad in layers of warm clothes (not necessarily bulky ones as it can hinder in the fishing activity).

2. Over these everyday clothes, a waterproof overall, boots and bibs are likewise necessary to ensure that one would stay dry since after a hook-up, some fish may resist with maximum struggles.

3. Fleet or cruisers that offer services for fishing are usually stocked with bait.

4. A guide on board a cruiser ensures that even amateur fishermen will enjoy the activity by providing crash-lessons onboard. They usually hook the bait for the guest and inform the party as to where specific species of fish may thrive for selective fishing.

Find out more about fishing including sea fishing and fly fishing at About fishing

  • Share/Bookmark

Posted in Fishing (Tags: , , , ) | No Comments

Fishing: Tips in Fishing for Salmons in Alaska

Alaska is known as one of the most bountiful areas with salmon, and is ideal for fishing trips.

This is because of extreme tides along the West Coast and the gush of ocean currents that create an environment ideal for the breeding of thousands of baitfish.

It is also known as one of the best places to go if one wants to fish for giant King Salmon, the largest specie of salmon fish.

The best way to catch these giant salmon (in saltwater) is through trolling or by angling a baited line drawn into the water.

Fishing for giant King Salmon can be a year round activity (especially in Seward).

The most sought-after species of salmon are the following:

1. The King Salmon (Chinook) are the largest of all these species. Its weight averages between 20-40 pounds, the heaviest recorded of which is 112 pounds, and can be as long as 3-4″. It has a blue-green back that is lightly spotted.

The average life span of a Chinook Salmon is about five to seven years.

Its flesh can range in color from ivory white to a deep red.

Common names for this specie of salmon include tyee, springs, mouth/kings quinnat and tule.

2. Silver Salmon (Coho) on the other hand is slightly smaller with an average weight of 8-12 pounds.

These specie prefer small streams in which to spawn between the months of July to November.

3. Sockeye salmon, on the other hand, are the most sought-after of its entire species because its flesh has a color of deep red and it has a firm rich flavor.

In fishing for salmon in Alaska, one has to be well equipped with the right equipment (and donned with the appropriate apparel).

Listed below are some of the needed equipment/materials and tips for hassle-free fishing:

1. You must be clad in layers of warm clothes (not necessarily bulky ones as it can hinder in the fishing activity).

2. Over these everyday clothes, a waterproof overall, boots and bibs are likewise necessary to ensure that one would stay dry since after a hook-up, some fish may resist with maximum struggles.

3. Fleet or cruisers that offer services for fishing are usually stocked with bait.

4. A guide on board a cruiser ensures that even amateur fishermen will enjoy the activity by providing crash-lessons onboard. They usually hook the bait for the guest and inform the party as to where specific species of fish may thrive for selective fishing.

  • Share/Bookmark

Posted in Fishing (Tags: , , , ) | No Comments

6 Fishing Tips To Hook Some King Alaska Salmon!

There are very few fishing destinations that could be compared to an Alaskan fishing location. It is not easy to hook the Salmon and you will need a few tricks up your sleeve irrespective of your being a seasoned angler or a beginner. With the right knowledge and experienced guidance you will be able to make a big success out of your Fishing trip to Alaska. If you are planning to hire the services of a fishing guide on your fishing expedition, you will do well to chalk out a strategy of your own and depend on the guide to just point you in the proper direction. Then you can go about angling to get yourself a King Salmon trophy for your wall!


It is imperative that you have a good deal of knowledge about the game you are going after. An insight into its habits and behavior as well as its habitat will give you an upper hand; else you will find that the game is playing games with you. The King Salmon is no different; it is elusive, has certain eating habits and will put up a big fight if or when it is hooked. So study the Salmon before setting out, you will be better equipped to lure, hook and land your game.


Try keeping in mind the following fishing tips when you set out on your King Salmon hunt:


1. Alaska has almost 24 hours of daylight during the King Salmon fishing season. So, try to keep fixed hours corresponding to times of day at the normal fishing locations any where else in the Salmon world. Your fishing timing should be set to correspond with the dawn and dusk timing irrespective of the position of the sun.


2. Select you lure wisely. Fishing in the deep waters of the ocean has been found to be very effective with pieces of cut herring or artificial herring lures. Once you have set your bait and tackle you should move in the opposite direction of the fish (move towards the fish) at a very slow speed. Solicit the help of a guide to locate the fish if you are not familiar with the fish movements.


3. Make your trolling line longer in high tide and also increase the trolling speed as well. Then set the down riggers at different depths to determine where the Salmon are feeding.


4. Depending on the condition of the water you are going to be fishing in, you must decide on the lure. Some of the best lures are clusters of fish roe, shinny steel spoons, Wiggle warts, pieces of fish and shrimp, tadpoles.


5. Experiment with fishing from a small boat, moving slowly across the mouth of a river or shallow fresh water bodies.


6. The behavior of the lure is important while fishing for King Salmon. You should use heavier weights that will make the lure bounce off the bottom. This annoys the King Salmon, and being an aggressive predator fish it will attack the lure and you will then have a fight on your hands if you manage to hook the King.


Though hiring a fishing guide or even a charter boat will raise the cost of your Alaskan King Salmon fishing expedition, it is advisable, at least for the novice. Make yourself familiar with the surroundings and you will be more comfortable and experienced for your next fishing adventure to the same location.

  • Share/Bookmark

Posted in Fishing (Tags: , , , , , ) | No Comments

Alaska Salmons – Tips For Fishing

Alaska is known as one of the most bountiful areas with salmon, and is ideal for fishing trips.


This is because of extreme tides along the West Coast and the gush of ocean currents that create an environment ideal for the breeding of thousands of baitfish.


It is also known as one of the best places to go if one wants to fish for giant King Salmon, the largest specie of salmon fish.


The best way to catch these giant salmon (in saltwater) is through trolling or by angling a baited line drawn into the water.


Fishing for giant King Salmon can be a year round activity (especially in Seward).


The most sought-after species of salmon are the following:


1. The King Salmon (Chinook) are the largest of all these species. Its weight averages between 20-40 pounds, the heaviest recorded of which is 112 pounds, and can be as long as 3-4″. It has a blue-green back that is lightly spotted.


The average life span of a Chinook Salmon is about five to seven years.


Its flesh can range in color from ivory white to a deep red.


Common names for this specie of salmon include tyee, springs, mouth/kings quinnat and tule.


2. Silver Salmon (Coho) on the other hand is slightly smaller with an average weight of 8-12 pounds.


These specie prefer small streams in which to spawn between the months of July to November.


3. Sockeye salmon, on the other hand, are the most sought-after of its entire species because its flesh has a color of deep red and it has a firm rich flavor.


In fishing for salmon in Alaska, one has to be well equipped with the right equipment (and donned with the appropriate apparel).


Listed below are some of the needed equipment/materials and tips for hassle-free fishing:


1. You must be clad in layers of warm clothes (not necessarily bulky ones as it can hinder in the fishing activity).


2. Over these everyday clothes, a waterproof overall, boots and bibs are likewise necessary to ensure that one would stay dry since after a hook-up, some fish may resist with maximum struggles.


3. Fleet or cruisers that offer services for fishing are usually stocked with bait.


4. A guide on board a cruiser ensures that even amateur fishermen will enjoy the activity by providing crash-lessons onboard. They usually hook the bait for the guest and inform the party as to where specific species of fish may thrive for selective fishing.

  • Share/Bookmark

Posted in Fishing (Tags: , , , ) | No Comments

Fishing Alaska King Salmon – Some Tricks And Tips

For a novice angler or a seasoned pro there are few fishing excursions that can compare to an Alaska King salmon fishing trip or holiday. There are some tips, strategies and fishing tricks that can make King salmon fishing successful and productive, even if you aren’t planning on hiring a guide or taking a charter to find the best fishing locations. Incorporating a few or all of these tips and ideas will definitely improve your chances of catching the King salmon, also known as the Chinook in British Columbia and some of northern Washington state.


Tips and Tricks


It is important to know the behavior of the salmon species that you are going after, and Alaska King salmon fishing is no different. In the spring and fall King salmon move closer into the shore, out of the deep water. Keep in mind the water conditions, temperature and clarity or cloudiness of the water as this will have a big impact on lure selection and bait choices.


In addition the following Alaska King salmon fishing tips may be of help:


Remember that in the height of King salmon fishing season there is almost twenty four hours of daylight, so it is not necessary to fish standard hours like other fishing locations. Often just before the minimal dark time and during the very brief dawn period is the best time for fishing from the shore.


In the deeper ocean fishing for King salmon it is typical to use cut herring or herring attractors as bait, and then use a slow trolling speed against the movement of the fish. Fish finders can be extremely beneficial if you are not familiar with the natural movement of the fish.


The higher the tides the longer the trolling line should be, and trolling speed will typically increase slightly as well. Typically downriggers will also be set at several depths to identify how deep the salmon are feeding, but usually this can only be properly completed by an experienced angler.


There are many different types of lures that can be used, largely depending on the water conditions and type of fishing. Popular lures include bait egg clusters, t-spoons, Wiggle Warts, Kwikfish, flatfish, spinners and tadpolys using a smaller boat set on a low trolling speed across the mouth of rivers and shallow bars.


Shore tactics for Alaska King salmon fishing are slightly different with heavier weights and a large spoon to allow the lure to appear to bounce off the bottom. This behavior of the lure will both attract and irritate the salmon, likely resulting in a hit on the lure.


Although a guide or charter adds a bit more cost to an Alaskan King salmon fishing trip, it is usually recommended, at least for your first visit. Once you become familiar with the area and the fishing techniques used you will be ready to strike out on your own.

  • Share/Bookmark

Posted in Fishing (Tags: , , , , , ) | No Comments

Alaska King Salmon – Tips for Catching this Prize!

For a novice angler or a seasoned pro there are few fishing excursions that can compare to an alaska king salmon fishing trip or holiday. Here are some tips, strategies and fishing tricks that can make alaska king salmon fishing successful and productive. This is true even if you aren’t planning on hiring a guide or taking a charter to find the best fishing locations.


Incorporating a few or all of these tips and ideas will definitely improve your chances of catching the king salmon, also known as the chinook in british columbia and some of northern washington state.


Tips and Tricks


It is important to know the behavior of the salmon species that you are going after, and alaska king salmon fishing is no different. In the spring and fall king salmon move closer into the shore, out of the deep water. Keep in mind the water conditions, temperature and clarity or cloudiness of the water as this will have a big impact on lure selection and bait choices.


In addition the following alaska king salmon fishing tips may be of help:


Remember that in the height of alaska king salmon fishing season there is almost twenty four hours of daylight, so it is not necessary to fish standard hours like other fishing locations. Often just before the minimal dark time and during the very brief dawn period is the best time for fishing from the shore.


In the deeper ocean fishing for king salmon it is typical to use cut herring or herring attractors as bait, and then use a slow trolling speed against the movement of the fish. Fish finders can be extremely beneficial if you are not familiar with the natural movement of the fish.


The higher the tides the longer the trolling line should be, and trolling speed will typically increase slightly as well. Typically down-riggers will also be set at several depths to identify how deep the salmon are feeding, but usually this can only be properly completed by an experienced angler.


There are many different types of lures that can be used, largely depending on the water conditions and type of fishing. Popular lures include bait egg clusters, t-spoons, wiggle warts, kwikfish, flatfish, spinners and tadpolys using a smaller boat set on a low trolling speed across the mouth of rivers and shallow bars.


Shore tactics for alaska king salmon fishing are slightly different with heavier weights and a large spoon to allow the lure to appear to bounce off the bottom. This behavior of the lure will both attract and irritate the salmon, likely resulting in a hit on the lure.


Although a guide or charter adds a bit more cost to an alaskan king salmon fishing trip, it is usually recommended, at least for your first visit. Once you become familiar with the area and the fishing techniques used you will be ready to strike out on your own.

  • Share/Bookmark

Posted in Fishing (Tags: , , , , , , ) | No Comments

Tips on Sockeye Salmon Fishing

Although they don’t have the same cache as trophy King Salmon, Sockeye Salmon or Reds are a very popular sport fish. One reason Reds attract anglers is their numbers. In Alaska’s Kenai River during their runs they are abundant, regularly peaking at 750,000 and sometimes reach 1,000,000! That’s right-one million Reds. Additionally, as far as taste goes, the Sockeye is said to be the best tasting of all salmon (there’s a reason it’s an extremely popular commercial fish). Finally, there is the relatively large daily bag limit, which means you have ample opportunity to flex your Sockeye fishing muscles.

The initial Red Salmon run starts in late May as they make their way to the Russian River, a tributary of the Kenai, by first swimming through the lower and middle sections of that river. Reds become plentiful right around June tenth, peaking sometime between the fifteenth and twentieth of the month. Their numbers begin to diminish by the third week, however there’s still good fishing until the end of the month. Sockeyes are most plentiful in the upper regions of the Kenai, although they are also quite profuse in the middle and lower sections.

The second run of Reds starts in mid-July, peaking in the third week and then dwindling until their migration is finished at the end of the month. Fishermen crowd the banks of the Kenai River, sometimes standing up to 20 thick, as the Sockeye makes its spirited final run to the confluence of the Russia and Kenai Rivers. The crowded conditions with so many anglers focused in specific areas of the river has earned its own descriptive term-”combat fishing.” But despite the hardscrabble name, there are plenty of fish to go around and chances are good you’ll reach your bag limit while meeting other angling enthusiasts.

Sport fishermen especially enjoy battling with Reds because pound for pound they are the feistiest and most pugnacious of all salmon. Ranging from 6 to 12 pounds, with the record Red weighing in at 16, these muscular salmon will break through the water numerous times, testing your tackle’s drag as you try to land them.

Some areas of the Kenai, mainly the upper sections, allow only fly fishing in the taking of Reds, while other areas also allow for spin casting or a basic rod and reel. Trying to catch Sockeye with the bait you’d use for Chinook or Coho Salmon will usually result in little success. The Sockeye, unlike any other species of salmon in the Kenai, is a plankton feeder.

Commonly used lures include a Coho, Russian River or Streamer fly combined with a number 3 or 4 hook on 15-20-pound test line with the right size weight to allow your attractor to reach its proper depth. You’ll want your lure to be about a foot or two above the swimming salmon. Because this species tends to hug the bank, fishing from the shore is often preferred.

When Sockeye swim, they continually open and close their mouths and often roll and splash as they work their way upstream. In trying to catch the Red, you’ll want to get your bait as close to its mouth as possible. It’s important to realize that these fish are not aggressive feeders and that means anglers must take the lead.

Often Reds will simply mouth the fly for a moment and then let go. Because of this, once you feel a minor bump or hesitation in your line, you must set the hook. If you don’t do this, you’ll have a day filled with nibbles and nothing else. It’s a tricky technique but once you get it, you’ll be hauling in the Reds.

The basic technique for catching Sockeye is to cast upstream at 3 o’clock, letting the fly work its way downstream in the current. When your bait gets to 9 o’clock reel your line in and cast again.

When the Reds run, it’s an extremely exciting time on the river, offering innumerable opportunities to fishermen looking for a good fight and a fine tasting fish. On the Kenai River there are numerous licensed guides who can help you get the most out of your fishing experience, helping you insure your stringer or fish box is as full as it can be with this abundant but tricky species of salmon.

  • Share/Bookmark

Posted in Fishing (Tags: , , , ) | No Comments

Salmon Fishing Tips and Tricks

General salmon information and fishing tips:

1. Generally, the best times of the day are during the times when there is low light and so too, on cloudy days. On bright and sunny days, salmon will usually collect and assemble deep in the holes.

2. Take note that salmon do not feed while in the river. When they do strike, it is a behavior that is learned. Salmons are known to be predatory and aggressive when in the lake, up until they go into the river.

3. Set the hook by yanking downstream with your rod three times. To get a better set, pulling on the line with your free hand can help. Sometimes, when you lift the rod straight up, it will pull the fly out of the mouth of the salmon.

4. In order for the hook to go through the thick jaws of the salmon, you should always sharpen your hooks.

5. Fishing with a partner can be enjoyable and at the same time help each other to spot a salmon. While one is fishing, the other can be high up on the other side of the bank observing the reaction of the salmon and where exactly they are. Polarized glasses are very helpful when doing this and would bring satisfying results.

6. Finding a good hole where there are many salmon inside and you can fish there for the whole day!

7. Your weight as well as the length of the tippet should be adjusted so that it matches the holes depth and the depth of the fish. Your weight should not drag, but should only touch the bottom every now and then. Note that a tippet that is three feet long will set the fly six inches up to two feet off the bottom.

8. By adding a foam indicator at the top of your fly, you can get your fly higher in the water column.

Fly fishing tips:

Chuck-n-duck is the most familiar and easiest, method in using a fly rod to fish for salmon.

Popular four line formulas for chuck-n-duck:

The River Guide

100+ yards of 30 pounds backing
20 feet of Amnesia line
100 feet of shooting line
3-6 feet of Maxima monofilament (6-8 lb. test)
20 feet of Maxima monofilament (12 lb. test)
Swivels and weight

The Simple Set-Up

100+ yards of 30 pounds backing
10 feet of Maxima monofilament (12 lb. test)
100 feet of shooting line
Swivels and weight
3-4 feet of Maxima monofilament (6-8 lb. test)

The simple and cheap Set-up

100+ yards of 30 lb. backing
100 feet of Amnesia line (15 lb. test)
20 feet of Maxima monofilament (12 lb. test)
Swivels and weight
3-6 feet of Maxima monofilament (6-8 lb. test)

The combo

100+ yards of 30 pounds backing
100 feet of shooting or Amnesia line
3-12 feet of Maxima monofilament (10-20 lb. test)
Swivels and weight
4-10 feet of Maxima monofilament (2-12 lb. test)

Find out more about fishing including sea fishing and fly fishing at About fishing

  • Share/Bookmark

Posted in Fishing (Tags: , , , ) | No Comments

« Previous Entries

  • Recent Posts