Alaska is well known for its many fishing charter grounds, especially salmon fishing in Ketchikan and the southern parts of Alaska. The state offers the best fishing spots and some large amounts of fresh salmon fish. Before fishing in Alaska, you need to be prepared with a plan, and knowing few things might help you enjoy your fishing experience. Here are eight tips you need to know before you go on a fishing trip in Alaska, as people really like to eat fish in many places and now a days you can even go online at sites like FishMe online.
1. You Need a Fishing License.
Before going on your first Salmon fishing trip, you need to have a license. To avoid landing in trouble with the local authorities, acquiring fishing rights is very important. You can get the license from your fishing guide, purchasing it online or local retailers and chain stores such as Walmart and other stores in Alaska. Then it’s so helpful to learn how to read a fish finder properly.
2. The Best Season to Fish in Alaska
The peak fishing season in Alaska begins from May throughout September. The King Salmon sport fishing is normally done in May and early June. Their many salmon fishing species, each having its season. So you go in May and fish King Solomon and stay until November for the Solver Solomon. Sometimes, the best season for going out is not enough for those who are experienced or not. When it is the best time for fishing, you can take ice fishing cameras with you. Useful to spot the best fishes and get to know with a lot of precision where they are exactly.
3. Salmon Species in Alaska
There are five salmon species in the Alaska fishing waters. Each of the species has two names as follows;
King Chinook: This is the largest salmon in Alaska. Weighing between 30-40 pounds, there are some salmons which exceed this limit till 100 pounds. They are mostly caught around May and June.
Silver Coho: The silvers have their spawning time around July and August, but some expectations turn as late as October and November.
Red Sockeye: The Red salmons feed on planktons and are normally found on salty waters. Their red meat is usually very appealing and makes a good dish.
Chum Dog: The chums are usually very aggressive and can break your tackle. There are freshwater salmons, but many often are found in salty waters.
Pink Humpy: These are the easiest salmons to catch. There are found in salty waters, and their males develop humps at their backs which is very soft and tasty.
4. How to Fish a Salmon in Alaska
King Salmons are the most priced fish in Alaska but also the hardest to catch. They swim in deep waters, and they are notoriously light biters. To catch them, use large bright flies and place them down the river, allowing them to flow the same current as of the river.
5. Anchorage Fishing Spots
You don’t have to leave Anchorage to catch a King Salmon or trout. You also don’t need a charter. Fishing around an anchorage is cheap and convenient. Many Anchorages are stocked twice a year, providing good and ample fishing grounds. Make sure you utilize all the fishing opportunities when in an anchorage.
6. There are Youth-only Fisheries in South Central.
There are youth-only fisheries in South Central of Alaska. Youths that are aged below 15 years and younger are eligible for this program. If you qualify for the program, you don’t need a license for fishing. You only need a good harvest card record.
7. Know the Salmon Fishing Limits in Alaska
Knowing the limits of salmon fishing in Alaska is very important. The limits are revised every month and depend on the month. For example, you can only catch a king salmon if it’s larger than 30 inches between July and December. From April to June, you can walk away with three King salmon larger than 30 inches.
8. Get to Know Some Locals During the Fishing Trip.
Get a local outfitter as a friend during the fishing trip. The local outfitter will help you get the best gear and inform you about anything you need to be worried about on your trip. Also, try the local fly shops in the region you are visiting. They will equip you with the necessary information for your trip and offer a place to hang out. If you’re starting out, you might not have the proper gear or equipment to catch fish efficiently. If you choose to hire a fishing guide, everything will be provided for you.
Final Thoughts
Fly fishing is a sport that requires skill, patience, practice, and the correct fly-fishing gear. The equipment for this sport can be quite expensive to purchase, but there are many different options out there for beginners who are looking to get started with fly fishing. If you want to catch more than one type of fish, then you will need to invest in the best fly fishing combo for beginners that will work well with different fish. For example, if you want to catch small trout and largemouth bass, then you might want something more robust like an 8-weight fly fishing rod. The Top 7 Best Fly Fishing Vests On The Market today.
If you’re purchasing a bow case for storage reasons, you could choose either a soft or hard shell case, depending on where and how it’s stored.
The above tips will help reduce the stress of planning an All inclusive Alaska fly fishing trip. At least you have few things to chew before you set the fishing day. Alaska is an angler’s paradise, and if you go to the right season, the right place with the proper fishing techniques, you will have a memorable moment. Stich together the following tips and enjoy the best fishing trip ever.