Fishing Trip Alaska: Planning A Relaxing Fishing Outing In Alaska
If you're planning a fishing trip, Alaska is probably the best place in the world. The Halibut are massive, the salmon gigantic and the trout quite plentiful. For trophy-sized catches, there's no place like it anywhere in the world. So, read on for some great tips and tricks that will help make your Alaskan fishing trip a success.
Make Your Reservations Early
Between the months of June and September - the prime fishing season - Alaska sees over a million tourists. That means the hotels in Juneau won't have vacancies, the charters will be booked and your preferred fishing lodge may already be full. So, start planning now and book your trip well in advance.
Hire an Experienced Guide
Going it alone on your first Alaskan fishing trip is not recommended. A local guide will know where the best spots are, what flies or lures will work and how to catch the biggest fish. Their experience and knowledge of the area is invaluable, particularly for a first-timer.
To find a qualified local guide or charter company, try asking at the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, a vacation planning company like Sport Fishing Alaska - who were featured in Frommer's and Forbe's Travel - or simply book with a lodge and use their in-house guide.
Follow the Fish
Fish may be abundant in Alaska, but they're also migratory. You need to know the best fishing season and the right locations. So, while a lodge or specific spot may boast some of the best fishing in the world, that may only hold true for a few weeks out of the year. Instead of being disappointed by a slow fishing vacation, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game will be able to tell if your proposed location and dates will coincide with a fish migration.
There's also the secret fishing season in Alaska - the fall. Trout are still running, no one's around and fly fishers will experience some of the best fishing of their lives. Many river lodges and resorts specialize in an autumn season and even offer heavily discounted rates, saving you money.
Pack Smart
Remember that when you're packing for a fishing trip, Alaska can be blisteringly hot, drenching wet or freezing cold. The best advice is to pack layers of clothing that will dry quickly. You want to protect yourself from the sun, rain and cold, but also be able to remove clothing or dry it fast. Don't forget sunscreen, bug repellent, your gear, a small personal survival kit and your camera.