Where can you go fishing in Alaska? Given the fact that Alaska is one of the states with the highest concentrations of fish in the entire United States, this should not be a difficult question to answer. However, if you are looking for a concise list that will get you started, you will find the following recommendations simple to incorporate into your own list of favorite fishing spots in Alaska.
Top 10 Best Fishing Locations in Alaska
Innoko River
If you are the type who prefers to go fishing for northern pike, you will find the Innoko River to be an excellent destination for you to indulge in your passion. Because the lower Yukon River is well-known for being a haven for pike, it should come as no surprise that there are numerous populations of fish in this area.
One thing to keep in mind is that getting to the area can be extremely difficult, which is why charters are highly recommended. The process of getting to remote locations will be much simpler in this manner, and you will be able to devote more time to catching pike rather than other, more mundane tasks. In these waters, trophy-sized fish can be caught, so expect to catch pike that weigh as much as 30 pounds.
Afognak Wilderness Lodge
The area surrounding the Afognak Wilderness Lodge is unrivaled in terms of saltwater fishing opportunities for those who enjoy it. Not only will you find excellent accommodations here, but you will also have easy access to fishing grounds that will put you right in the middle of everything.
Here is where you will find the best ocean fishing, and you will be able to bring home plenty of halibut and lingcod. There are also plenty of rockfish to be had, as well as the possibility of catching sockeye salmon and silver salmon. Keep in mind the time of year when these fish are at their peak abundance in order to properly plan your vacation.
Kobuk River.
Many anglers prefer the type of fish that can put up a little of a fight, rather than the type that cannot. It’s no surprise that pike is so highly regarded in Alaska, but there are a variety of other fish that should not be overlooked as well. Heavily laden sheefish can be found in the Kobuk River, and while they are not as energetic as pike, they are still large enough to be considered a trophy.
Herbivores will delight in the white meat of sheefish, which is plentiful and delicious in this area. Fish over 30 pounds are not uncommon to be pulled from the water on occasion. You can go on an exploration of the river to your heart’s content, and you can get to the location by either air or water.
Denali Highway
While traveling along the Denali Highway, you’ll be able to take advantage of numerous camping opportunities in the southern Alaska Range. Would you, on the other hand, be interested in traveling there? It is here that you will find some of the best fishing spots in Alaska. The water system is abundant in a variety of fish species, and don’t be surprised if you see a large number of arctic grayling in this area.
The breathtaking scenery is well worth exploring, and there are numerous streams to be found in this area. Make sure you have the right kind of lures with you, such as black gnats and nymphs. Fly fishing is extremely popular in this area, and many anglers prefer to travel through this beautiful country in order to take in the scenery and all of the fishing they can get their hands on.
Bristol Bay
If you don’t catch any trout on your trip to Alaska, it won’t count as a true fishing adventure. That is the primary reason why you should travel to Bristol Bay, where you will have plenty of opportunities to catch the fish of your choice. The same area is well-known for the large number of salmon that can be caught here.
One thing to keep in mind is that many of the fisheries where you can catch such fish are located in remote areas, which makes them difficult to access. That means that chartering a plane is your best bet for getting to where you want to go. Venturing through the landscape on your own may not be a good idea unless you are intimately familiar with the area and can navigate it with your eyes closed.
Southeast Alaska
If you’re looking to catch steelhead, the panhandle of this region is your best bet. It’s possible that many fishermen are so smitten with this fish that you’ll be tempted to believe that there is no other fish worth catching anywhere on the face of the planet. You should consider Southeast Alaska if you fall into this category of fishermen or if you simply want to catch some steelhead for the sake of it.
Rainbow trout are plentiful in this area, and you can expect to see some struggling. If you choose to cast a line in these waters, you will improve your fishing skills, and if you come here in the early spring, you will find plenty of fish.
Kenai River
A variety of salmon can be found in abundance in this river, and not just any salmon. Chinook salmon, also known as King salmon in some circles, is the most popular fish in the area. And who wouldn’t want to catch a trophy-sized salmon to demonstrate their fishing prowess to their friends? While it is true that the fisheries established along the Kenai River have experienced their fair share of difficulties over the years, there are still some stunning specimens to be found.
According to rumor, small pool holes across the river still contain large, trophy-sized salmon, and it is here that you should focus your efforts. Some investigation may be required, but the potential reward is simply too great to pass up.
Kodiak Island
While king salmon is, without a doubt, the most popular species, this does not mean that other species, such as coho salmon, should be overlooked. The Silver salmon, as the fish is also known, is smaller than the King salmon, but that doesn’t mean it won’t provide enough excitement for even the most experienced fishermen who are out fishing.
When it comes to silver salmon, Kodiak Island is known as “the Silver Salmon Capital of the World,” which means that you will have numerous opportunities to catch the fish of your dreams while visiting the island. You should go to the island even if you are not particularly interested in fishing because it is beautiful and deserves to be seen. This means that you could bring your non-fishing family members along with you without worrying about them getting into trouble. By chartering a plane, you can travel to remote locations.
Brooks Mountain Range
A trip to the Brooks Mountain Range is a must if you want to catch some lake trout. Some anglers would argue that this is not the best lake trout fishing destination in the world, but when in Alaska, it would be more than recommended to go after some truly massive specimens of the fish.
There are numerous remote lakes in the area that are teeming with trout. Choose a base and schedule a charter flight to bring you closer to all of the hot spots for lake trout fishing in the area. For this type of trout, the peak season is in the middle of summer, and it is during this time that you should travel here. During the melting of the ice sheet, trout will become bolder and more aggressive, providing you with the ideal opportunity to catch some.
North Slope
As one travels further north, the opportunities for catching different types of fish become more numerous. To give you an example, if you travel up the North Slope and get close to the icy waters of the Arctic Ocean, you will find plenty of opportunities to fish for arctic char.
In the late summer, if you happen to travel to this area, you will be well compensated with an abundance of fish to catch. The arctic char population is brought into the ocean by the numerous rivers that drain into the ocean. It can be difficult to get there because only one of the many rivers in the area has road access. There is always the option of chartering a flight.
Don’t forget to checkout the Alaska Fishing Regulations before heading off to your adventure.