Rainbow Trout/Steelhead: Alaska possesses some of the best fishing in the world for Rainbow Trout. Alaska has North America's largest remaining wild populations of this beautiful salmonid. This fish is found in Southeast, Southcentral, and Southwest Alaska and the state and world record of 42 pounds and 3 ounces was caught in SE Alaska. Many Alaskan fly fishing lodges in the southwest region of the state showcase Rainbow Trout fishing opportunities to attract customers from around the world. The Rainbow likes to follow schools of spawning salmon, and are most aggressive in late August and all through the months of September and October. Note: The Alaska Department of Fish and Game plants hatchery grown Rainbows in many lakes and a few streams in Southcentral and Interior Alaska.) Native “Bows” in the  Bristol Bay and Southwestern Alaska rivers and lakes are the True Trophy of Alaska. Their dark green backs with black spots only accentuate the blood red streak down their magnificent bodies. These Leopard Rainbows are a fly fisherman’s dream and can grow to 30++ inches in length and weigh in at more than 20 lbs.. These “Bows” are the species that fish stories are written about and in Alaska they aren’t just Fish Stories!!

Arctic Char and Dolly Varden:   Arctic Char and Dolly Varden are found everywhere in Alaska. Their spawning colors are a spectacular change from their non-spawning silver exterior. These fish readily take flies and are fond of egg patterns during salmon spawning season. They are relatives to the trout and fight very hard when hooked. Light spinning gear or a 3 or 4 weight fly rod provides you with skillful moments as these guys fly through the air. The state and world record for this abundant fish is 27 lbs 6 oz. Dollies once had a bounty on them because of their love of salmon eggs. You'll find schools of these fish following schools of salmon in many Alaskan waters.

  Arctic Grayling: The Grayling is a common fish to most waters of Alaska. Southeast Alaska is the only place you won't find this fish. The most remarkable feature of this fish is its large spotted dorsal fin. This fish lives only in cold, clear water; both rivers and lakes are home to this eager, feisty species. Fly fisherman love the Grayling because of its willingness to take most flies, and they are a blast on a good Ultra-Light rig as well. This fish is slow-growing and spawns in April and May in Interior Alaska. A twelve inch Grayling is 5-6 years old and trophy Grayling are eighteen inches long or more. Grayling can usually be found in the riffles or around structures (jumbled logs and trees) in crystal clear, cold running rivers and streams. The state record grayling is 4 pounds and 13 ounces. (Fishing for Grayling is catch-and-release on some Interior Alaska streams. This is part of an effort to restore and maintain healthy populations.)

Questions about fishing Alaska?  Contact us at: mytrip@alaskatours.com