For many fishermen, the opportunity to go fishing in Alaska is a dream come true. To ensure that the dream doesn’t turn into a nightmare and you have success while you are visiting, there are some things you need to know.
Here are 5 basic tips for fishing in Alaska that will help save you big time:
1. Know What Species You Want to Fish for and Where They Are
The reason Alaska is so appealing to many fishermen is because the state offers a variety of fish to catch. This can make the trip fun yet challenging and give you the opportunity to hook a species you wouldn’t normally be able to hook. Before heading out, it’s a good idea to know what you want to go after, as well as knowing where those fish are.
The state of Alaska is incredibly large, and there are various water systems that exist throughout. Not all species of fish live throughout the entire region. Thus, if you have a particular species in mind, know where it is located in the state so you can go to that region to catch the fish of your dreams.
2. Time Your Trip Right
In addition to knowing where the species of fish live, you also need to time your trip right. Like everything in life, fish operate in cycles. They can be in the river one day and then gone the next. Plan your trip around when the fish will be active and available to increase your chances of being able to catch them.
3. Work with a Guide
Alaska is a place unlike any other, and it comes with its own set of challenges. Greg Brush from the EZ Limit Guide Service says that when you’re going to Alaska on a fishing trip, you’ll want to make sure you go with a guide that has top notch equipment and knows the best places to fish. This will ensure that you have the best chance of being successful when it comes to catching fish, as well as staying safe should an emergency arise.
It’s also beneficial if your guide can read the water and give you advice on what flies to use to catch the most fish. If things aren’t going well where you currently are, they should be able to suggest a different place to try. They should then be able to get you to the location as safely as possible.
A local guide can be invaluable, especially when you are in an area you aren’t familiar with. Not all of them are created equal, so before heading to Alaska to fish, make sure to do some research to find an experienced guide that you will get along with. This can make or break the trip.
4. Talk to Local Supply Stores
Not only is it a good idea to work with a local guide, but it’s also beneficial to talk to local fishing supply stores. These aren’t the large chain stores that you see throughout the continental U.S. These are the small, hole-in-the-wall places that are tucked away. Talking to the owners and frequent customers will give you insight into what the fish are biting on and the best way to land a big one.
5. Keep an Eye on the Weather
The weather in Alaska can be unpredictable and dangerous. If you are working with a guide, they should keep an eye on the weather and let you know if it’s safe to be on the water. However, it’s also a good idea for you to keep tabs on what’s going on as well. If you are uncertain about how certain clouds look, ask questions. This trip should be fun and allow you to create amazing memories, but that won’t happen if the conditions are unsafe or you are miserable.
Knowing about the weather patterns will also ensure that you plan your trip accordingly. There are certain times of the year that are better for fishing than others. You don’t want to spend a lot of money to catch fish and then get stuck inside the entire time because of the terrible weather.
This is also important if you are planning a trip that requires planes to get you in and out of remote fishing locations. The pilot should keep track of the weather and only fly when it’s safe, but knowing the time of year when the weather can be bad will ensure that you don’t get stranded in the wilderness.
Fishing in Alaska can be an incredible experience, but it will take some planning to ensure it’s a success.
