The good thing about Alaska is that no matter where you land, adventure fishing is only moments away. Whether in the state’s largest city or exploring farther off the beaten track, an angler can sample some of Alaska’s wildest spots and be back in town for dinner.
“Day trips are probably two-thirds of our business,” said Alaska River Adventures owner George Heim, whose company guides full- and half-day salmon or trout fishing trips on the famed Kenai River two hours south of Anchorage.
“There’s a large number of people who come down from Anchorage because they have business friends they want to entertain or relatives who want a sample of our fishing,” Heim said. “Some people use us because they are more comfortable putting (their friends) in our hands so they have a successful fishing trip.”
Alaska River Adventures’ trips are some of the most scenic around. The drive south from Anchorage along Turnagain Arm to the Kenai Peninsula is an “All American Road” as federally designated by the Federal Highway Administration, and an awe-inspiring trip. Excursions start in Cooper Landing, a small community along the shores of Kenai Lake. The lake’s aquamarine water, framed by the towering Kenai Mountains, is the stuff of
memorable photos. And the fishing is great, too.
“We float the upper Kenai River into the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge,” Heim said. “There are only 20 (guides) allowed into the area, so it makes a very nice little trip between being in the wildlife refuge, with no motors and no crowds. ... And 1 to 2 million salmon come in every year, so the fishing is good.
“The upper Kenai is the place for red salmon, and it’s world famous for rainbow trout fishing,” Heim added. “Wepull one or two 20-pounders out a year — not very many of them, but there are a lot of fish over 10 pounds.”
Other fish to seek out include Dolly Varden and silver salmon, which follow the red salmon run. Those looking for giant king salmon will have to go elsewhere, though, Heim said, because there is no king fishing on the upper Kenai.
For those who prefer a fly-in trip, there are numerous options from Anchorage, including a popular, fully guided day trip offered by Rust’s Flying Service that includes lunch at a remote lodge.
“We’ll drop the customer off at a choice of a couple of different lodges, the guide will take them out fishing and they can go back to the lodge for a nice lunch,” said Chris Norman of Rust’s. “After lunch, they go back out and fish for the afternoon, and head back to Anchorage.”
Norman said the trip destinations vary depending upon where the fish are hitting the strongest, but generally anglers will travel about 70 miles northwest of Anchorage to an area known as Lake Creek.
“Weapproach sold-out everyday when we get to the peak of the season,” Norman said. “A lot of local folks will do these trips or will set them up for their friends or business clients. They are not too expensive, and they can be squeezed in around other plans, whether it’s work or visiting.”
Try Big River Lakes in mid-July with Rust’s when fishing for salmon and bear viewing are at their peak.
Southeast Alaska’s coastal waters, protected bays and inlets make for spectacular fishing – not only for the wealth of fish, but also for the stunning scenery. From the waters near Juneau, you’ll likely see glaciers, whales, sea otters and any number of sea and shorebirds. All this added scenery makes a fishing trip near Juneau a nice option for families or groups who may not all have angling fever. While the fishermen fish, the non- fishermen can just sit back and enjoy the view.
Juneau Sport fishing touts itself as the longest-running sport day-fishing operation in Juneau, and this year celebrates its 20th anniversary. The company has several day-trip options and more than 30 boats in its fleet, so it shouldn’t be hard to find a trip to suit your ambitions perfectly.
“We have half- and full-day trips, four hours and eight hours,” said owner Spurn, who goes by one name. Juneau Sport fishing trips are all-inclusive; all the client needs to bring is enthusiasm and a fishing license. And for those who are queasy at the thought of traveling in small boats, don’t fear: Juneau Sportfishing’s boats range from 28- to 45-feet long.
“There are six people maximum on the boat, so it’s a very personalized thing,” Spurn said. “We’ve been doing this over 20 years, so the captains are extremely knowledgeable about the good places to fish.”
People can fish from Juneau for salmon or halibut, although halibut fishers must take the full-day trip because halibut territory is slightly farther from town. Half-day trips leave in the mornings and afternoons to accommodate just about anyone’s schedule.
“These trips are extremely popular because it doesn’t take that long to have the experience of fishing in Alaska,” Spurn said. “It’s perfect for the business traveler who’s just trying to sneak it in before or after a meeting. To make it easier, on board the boat there is a ticket that asks what you want to do with your fish. It can be smoked or sent home to you fresh, you just name it.”
Farther north, in Alaska’s Interior, you will find some of the best lake and river fishing around. This is ideal for the angler who prefers a truly solitary experience. Nothing is sacrificed in search of solitude – virtually all the Interior’s lakes and rivers teem with fish. But perhaps the best thing about fishing in Alaska’s Interior is that the sun never sets and the breeze is usually warm.
“Our day trips last about eight hours, from 9 a.m. to about 5 or 6 p.m.,” said Rick Gold, pilot and owner of Marina Air. “You can catch rainbow trout, arctic grayling, landlocked silver salmon and northern pike. I’m taking mostly sportsmen out or people who know how to fish on their own. But we can also guide you, too.”
Gold’s popular day trips include flight service to the desired location and use of a boat and motor. For slightly more, clients may opt to extend their day trips with an overnight stay in a remote cabin. “They like the extra time they get, and it’s not that much extra,” said Gold, who has 17 years’ experience as a back country guide and three decades as a pilot.
Gold can help plan a trip to any number of lakes, such as a fly-in to Dune Lake, about 55 miles from Fairbanks. Fly fishermen and those using spinners will enjoy casting for rainbow and grayling, especially during the early and late season, when they’ll have the place entirely to themselves. Or try pike fishing on lakes such as East Wind Lake about 135 miles west of Fairbanks.
Wherever your Alaskan adventure takes you, a great day of fishing isn’t far away.
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