Fishing in Alaska
Alaska has a very wide variety of fishing opportunities, and fantastic options for each. It's here, in The Kenai that anglers come to when seeking Trophy-Class fishing for Salmon and Halibut.
FIND FISHING SPOTS NEAR YOU
TOP FISHING SPOTS IN ALASKA
MATANUSKA LAKE
BRADLEY LAKE
CHENA LAKE
GET AN ALASKA FISHING LICENSE
COMMON CATCHES IN ALASKA
KING SALMON
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
King salmons also known as Chinook salmon are by far the largest salmon species in North America.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 9 foot medium or medium-heavy action spinning rod |
| Reel | 4000 spinning reel |
| Line | 30-pound test fishing line |
| Lure | J-Plug, Downrigger |
ARTIC GRAYLING
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
As the name implies, Arctic grayling survived in unglaciated areas of Alaska in the Yukon River valley and the North Slope.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 3-5 weight fly rod |
| Reel | Comparable light weight reel |
| Line | Weight forward floating line with a tapered 9 foot leader |
| Lure | Small dry flies, any insect (grass hoppers, wasps, black ants, etc.) |
PACIFIC COD
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Pacific cod, also known as grey cod, are the wallflowers of the Alaska saltwater sport fishery.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5-7.5 foot fast or extra fast-action rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 50 pound test braided fishing line |
| Lure | Squid, Mussels, Crab, Very large worms (use sinkers as well) |
PACIFIC HALIBUT
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
This is the largest Pacific flatfish and very much resembles the Atlantic halibut.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6-to 7-foot, medium-heavy spinning rod |
| Reel | Two-speed reel to hold at least 1,500 feet of line |
| Line | 80-pound ultra-braid fishing line |
| Lure | Salmon bellies, Salmon heads, Mackerel heads, Octopus, Herring |
DOLLY VARDEN
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Dolly Varden are easily confused with Bull trout which are now known to be a separate species.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 9 foot 4 wt-6 wt graphite fly rod |
| Reel | Matching reel |
| Line | Sinking tip fly line and a 9 foot 6 pound test leader |
| Lure | Egg sucking leeches and flesh flies, Glo bugs, Minnows, Alaskan Sockeye Fry, Salmon Fry |
NORTHERN PIKE
FIND WHERE TO CATCH
Northern pike can be distinguished by their needle teeth, vacant eyes, thick slime, and serpentine shape.
| GEAR TO USE | |
|---|---|
| Rod | 6.5 foot medium or medium-heavy action graphite spinning rod |
| Reel | Spinning reel |
| Line | 20-30-pound, 12-inch black wire leaders (They will bite through monofilament line) |
| Lure | In-line spinner, Spoon, Minnow-imitating plug, Spinnerbait, Jig and worm, Surface plug |
STREAMS & RIVERS
River & stream fishing means knowing where the water is moving, and how fish behave in it.
LAKES & PONDS
Learn about the structures in lakes and ponds. Learn where to find fish, tips and more.
