I have a few groups who keep coming back year after year, and they have found the secret to a happy life: Fishing one week a year in Alaska. It can be so incredible that it might ruin you for other destinations. Trust me, I’ve seen it happen. I’ve been hooked on the magic and allure of Alaska fishing since my first visit in the early 90’s. Choosing the right water that fits your preferred style of fishing is becoming increasingly difficult among the armies of destination choices these days. You may not know it yet, but your happy place is out there waiting, and finding the right month and tactics will put you in a nirvana–like state of fishing euphoria. I was meant for this place. Find it, and you’ll know it …and covet it for years to come.  

Some things pair so perfectly that they become classics—peanut butter & jelly, cookies & milk, mac & cheese. You get the idea. But can fishing be like that too? Absolutely. Some destinations align with your fishing style so seamlessly, it’s as if it was tailor-made just for you. 

Let’s start by clearing up a few common misconceptions about fishing in Alaska. Then, we’ll discuss why this incredible state is a must-visit for anglers and who should consider making the trip for an unforgettable fishing and adventure experience. 

Alaska is only a “once in a lifetime” destination  

Alaska is the kind of destination that keeps you coming back year after year—and for good reason? Picture having the best week of fishing in your life, every single year. It’s a game-changer for traveling anglers. While many head out West annually to fish iconic streams and catch trout in the 15–20-inch range, which is certainly great, Alaska offers a fishing experience that’s on an entirely different level.  

Imagine a July “Grand Slam” week where you have all five species of Pacific salmon at your fingertips, plus rainbow trout and a diverse range of native species. Char/dolly varden/grayling. The variety and options are unparalleled. Whether you choose to target a different species each day or stick with your favorites, you can experience it all—trout on dry flies, skated mice, nymphing, or throwing streamers or leaches. Relive these unforgettable moments again and again—day after day, year after year. 

The only reason to go to Alaska is to catch Salmon

It’s funny how your favorite Alaskan species might remain a hidden gem until you finally manage to hook one. For me, big trout are particularly exciting—I can vividly recall at least four memorable takes from my past Alaska trips. I also have a soft spot for dry fly fishing; witnessing a three-pound grayling aggressively strike a fly on a 3 or 4 weight rod can be one of the most underrated experiences in an angler’s fishing career. 

On the other hand, have you ever experienced the incredible pull of a 40-pound King salmon or a bull dogging Lake trout. Ever heard of a sheefish, let alone caught one? They’re called the “tarpon of the north” for a reason. And don’t forget, Alaska is also home to abundant Northern Pike. If you can tear yourself away from the host of other amazing species, you can chase pike with either fly or conventional tackle. These are just a few of the species that often get overshadowed by the abundance of salmon during the summer migrations. There are anglers who have been fishing in Alaska for years without ever pursuing these other incredible sport fish. 

The point is, while salmon fishing is a major draw, it’s not the only reason to fish Alaska. Don’t let the relentless pursuit of salmon cause you to miss out on the diverse opportunities this incredible state offers. The fear of missing a day of salmon fishing might cause you to overlook countless other experiences. Alaska’s fishing scene is ever evolving, with biological changes occurring every week of the season. Each week provides a unique experience that might only happen once a year. Tactics shift, fly selections change, and fish are constantly on the move, driven by their instinct to devour or eliminate anything in their path. 

All species of salmon are present at all times of the summer

That’s not quite accurate. During the Alaskan summer, the five species of Pacific salmon run at different times throughout the season. For instance, you won’t find chum or silver salmon in early June. The phrase “the right place at the right time” is particularly true for Alaska. From June to October, each week brings a unique combination of species, tactics, and chances of success. You can choose the month that suits you best or try different times of the season. This way, you can enjoy several distinct fishing experiences from the same lodge within a single season.

Alaska is not a standalone rainbow trout destination

Actually, this is a common misconception. Alaskan Leopard rainbow trout have a unique mouth pocket, more akin to that of brown trout and cutthroat trout, which allows them to efficiently consume larger food items with higher nutrient ratios, such as large sculpin, chunks of flesh, and mice and shrews. This adaptation helps them maximize nutrient intake while minimizing energy expenditure. The idea is that Alaska rainbow trout are adapted to consume larger prey, facilitating their growth to sizes greater than their lower 48 counterparts, which lack this morphological advantage.

Additionally, the harsh Alaskan environment necessitates greater hardiness for survival through long winters. A Naknek River rainbow can exceed 20 lbs., and big trout can reach over 30 inches, with some reported at 34 inches or even larger. These fish are also older, often surviving 10-14 years. It’s no surprise that anglers from around the world come to Alaska to catch some of the largest and most aggressive wild rainbow trout available. If you’re passionate about large rainbows, this place offers some of the biggest in the world and they’re generally cooperative. 

Now you know the diversity is remarkable, what kind of water and fishing do you like? Big water, walk and wades, spring creeks, lakes, drifting, trolling, saltwater?  

Where Do I Fit In? The Goldilocks Test

“Goldilocks and the Three Bears” isn’t just a children’s tale—it’s a story about finding where you truly belong. Goldilocks, a little girl searching for her perfect fit, tries different options—whether it’s the bears’ porridge, chairs, or beds—until she finds the one that’s “just right.” The story’s moral, often interpreted, emphasizes the importance of balance and moderation. It encourages us to seek what’s best for us, rather than settling for extremes. So, where do you fit in? Take the Goldilocks test and find your “just right.” So, what is your style of fishing?  

Here are some qualifying fishing questions to consider:  

• I prefer fly fishing 
  
• I prefer spin fishing 
  
• I am a dedicated spey angler  
  
• I prefer to wade fish  
  
• I prefer fishing from a boat 
  
• I like smaller water 
  
• I like larger water 
  
• I like big fish and I’m ok with just a few each day 
  
• I like catching lots of fish vs. just big fish  
  
• I like streamer fishing or swinging large flies  
  
• I like dry fly and surface fishing  
  
• I like fishing egg patterns under a float 
  
• I want to pursue a particular species: King salmon, sockeyes, silvers, rainbow trout, artic char, grayling.  
  
• How much walking can you realistically do? Walk and wade streams may require plenty of walking and wading.

Be honest with your answers, and you’ll end up at a lodge that not only fits your style but also maybe that secret ingredient that sparks a love affair with a species or a particular river or lodge. 

Here are some qualifying questions when selecting a lodge:  

• I want a high comfort lodge with private bath and chef prepared meals. 
  
• I’m ok with a more modest lodge and less extravagant meals. 
  
• I want to get in a floatplane daily and fish a new river or lake   
• I’m ok with fishing a river system via jetboat daily from the lodge  
  
• I want to see lots of wildlife 
  
• I would prefer some leisure options at the lodge 
  
• I need to borrow fishing gear – rods/reels/waders/boots/flies 
  
• I’m ok bringing my own fishing equipment 
  
• I’m fine spending 6 days of remote fishing 
  
• I would prefer shorter length stays although it may limit options 
  
• I require a single accommodation which will limit options 

Results, So I like spey fishing for big fish. I like to wade fish a smaller river swinging flies. I’m ok with modest facilities but I would prefer a single accommodation if possible. I’ll be bringing my own fishing gear and waders. I also enjoy trout fishing and would prefer to target them on dry flies or mice if possible.  

Look at the Reel Action Alaska Lodge on the Kanektok River in early to mid-July.  

• Prime Location for King Salmon: One of Alaska’s top three rivers for fly or spey fishing, particularly for King Salmon. Sockeye and Chum Salmon arrive in early July, adding to the action. 
• Ideal River Conditions: The river features a pea gravel bottom with plenty of exposed gravel bars, perfect for swinging flies. It’s not too big or too small—just the right size with a gentle gradient. 
• Proximity to Tidewater: The lodge is located just one mile from tidewater in Goodnews Bay, ensuring fresh waves of anadromous fish arriving daily, contributing to one of the best King Salmon runs in Alaska. 
• Comfortable Accommodations: The lodge offers single tent cabins for all guests, ensuring a private and comfortable stay. 
• Exclusive Trout Fishing: Guests can enjoy trout fishing in the exclusive Togiak Refuge, renowned for its mousing opportunities, which peak in July. 

For more information about Alaska, or to book a trip, contact me, Tom Gilliland.

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