Introduction

Most fly anglers feel the draw to visit Alaska - the remoteness, the float planes, the wildlife, the sense of adventure each day brings, and the variety of wild fish species willing to eat a fly.  There are few places that come close to matching the overall experience of an Alaskan fly fishing trip.  But where do you begin when looking to book a trip?  In this ultimate guide to fly fishing in Alaska, we are going to cover everything you need to know on what, where, when, and why.  Here’s a guide to what we will be covering:

• When is the best time to book a trip (seasonality)?
• What species are available?
• How is fishing in June, July, August, September, and October?
• Is September/October really the best time to target trophy rainbow trout?
• How far in advance should I book?
• Can I fish with conventional gear?

RELATED: Alaska Fly Fishing Explained

What species are available?

Alaska, and specifically Bristol Bay, supports a very diverse fish community and is especially known for its world-famous salmon runs and excellent freshwater sport fisheries.  Bristol Bay is home to five species of Pacific salmon:

Sockeye Salmon (Red) - the most abundant and economically important run in the world
King Salmon (Chinook) - the largest salmon species
Coho Salmon (Silver) - a strong-fighting species with a later-season run
Chum Salmon (Dog) - a large species arriving mid-summer
Pink Salmon (Humpy) - a smaller salmon often in big numbers

RELATED: Bristol Bay's Salmon Story

In addition to salmon, the freshwater game fish found throughout rivers, lakes, and tributaries are popular with fly anglers:

Rainbow Trout - abundant, sometimes very large “bows” in clear rivers
Arctic Char - a salmonid related to trout with vibrant coloration
Dolly Varden - a river-oriented char species that frequently migrates between fresh and saltwater
Lake Trout - a deep-water predator in glacial lakes that often make their way up rivers
Arctic Grayling - a graceful fish with sail-like dorsal fin
Northern Pike - aggressive predator in still waters
Sheefish - large whitefish species less common and more regionally specific

For those fishing the bay and nearshore ocean waters, there is also Pacific halibut, cod, pollock rockfish, herring, and more . . . although these are not always targeted by freshwater anglers and generally involve conventional gear in deeper, saltwater environments.

How is fishing in June, July, August, and September/October?

This is where we start to key in on “when to go.”  While the Alaska fishing season is relatively short, each month tends to present a completely different fishing experience due to the varying runs of the migratory salmon.  Think of the Alaska season not as one season, but instead four seasons stacked back to back.  

June
The season kicks off and - with that in mind - fish have not seen a fly in 8 months.  The water is cold, snowmelt typically means high water levels, and weather can be unpredictable.  Sometimes, it’s warm and sunny . . . other times, it seems as though winter has lingered too long.  What you can bank on is long days as the sun doesn’t “set” but for a short period of time in the middle of the night.  This is a great time to go for a diversity of species.  Rainbow trout are in predator mode after spending their winter in the lakes.  Char, pike (if the lakes have warmed up enough) and grayling are likewise feeding hard.  And King salmon start showing up early to midway through the month.  Because the fish are not in “egg-mode,” there are a variety of fishing techniques used: dry flies, fry patterns, streamers, swinging flies, big nymphs, and mouse eats.  Bears are coming out of hibernation, but are still grazing on grass and berries as their salmon buffet has not officially kicked off.

Takeaway: Anglers love June because trophy trout fishing can be ridiculous - fish are in predator mode, not egg mode.  June presents alot of diversity in terms of fish species - trout, pike, char, grayling, and King salmon.  It can also be less crowded than the mid-season.

July
By the time July rolls around, things change quickly in Bristol Bay.  The explosive sockeye salmon run means a high density of fish are moving into the rivers.  If you are looking to take home fresh, Alaskan salmon, this is the time to go.  Fly anglers should keep in mind that fishing for sockeye salmon is wholly different from traditional fly fishing - because sockeye generally do not chase and eat flies, a technique known as “flossing” is the go-to method for catching these fish.  Other species are also available during July - King salmon are still around in certain rivers, early runs of Coho salmon start in certain rivers, trout start feeding behind pods of salmon, and char can stack up.  Grayling and pike fishing can also be excellent in July.  Fishing techniques for rainbow trout begin to shift to egg patterns and flesh flies later in the month.  And bears are everywhere - watching, chasing, and eventually feeding on the salmon.

Takeaway: July is one of the most popular months because of the fish density - Alaska feels alive.  Sockeye salmon fishing is at its peak and there are plenty of bears around.  Depending on where the sockeyes are in the spawn, fishing techniques for rainbows may turn exclusively to bead patterns under an indicator.  And because of the month’s popularity, expect crowds at even the most remote rivers.

August
August strikes the peak balance between trout and salmon fishing.  Sockeyes are now in their spawn and rainbow trout are keyed heavily on egg patterns.  It can be a trout feeding frenzy on certain days.  And while it’s too late to catch and keep the sockeyes (as they’ve now turned red), Coho salmon are arriving in full force.  Fly anglers enjoy catching cohos as it can be chaos - they are highly aggressive and chase bright-colored streamers using traditional fly fishing techniques.  The weather is generally stable - though not always - and it’s common to still have great days for pike.  Bears are fat, full, and happy - you will be utterly surrounded by bears if you’re fishing a river that has salmon.

Takeaway: Another popular month due to the abundance of wildlife, the potential to have an insane day of trout fishing, and the arrival of Coho salmon.  Expect crowds.  Also expect that trout fishing will almost exclusively be utilizing bead patterns under an indicator.  

RELATED: Fly Fishing for Trout with Beads in Bristol Bay

September/October
Fall colors arrive and Alaska starts to show off.  It’s absolutely beautiful.  But days are getting much shorter and - with that - cold, wet, and windy.  Do not skimp on good layers, waders, and rain gear.  Trout have been gorging themselves on eggs for weeks and are reaching their maximum weight.  Coho are still strong, but the opportunity to catch and keep fresh salmon are almost gone by mid-September.  Bears are still around, looking for every last calorie before returning to hibernation.  And while egg patterns still dominate the fishing program, streamers and flesh flies become more common the further you press into the late season.  Keep in mind that certain rivers shut down later in the season as the salmon have all died; it is possible you may visit the same river twice in a week if you’re on a flyout program.  Once October rolls around, crowds disappear, and diehard anglers are looking for their trophy.  

Takeaway:  Late season in Bristol Bay means less diversity, and more unpredictable weather.  But for serious trout anglers, this is a great time to visit for an opportunity to catch a very large - and fat - leopard rainbow trout.  The game is beads and streamers, with opportunities to throw a mouse pattern here and there.  The later the season, the less people you will see around too.

RELATED: How to Pack for an Alaska Fly Fishing Trip

Is September/October really the best time to target trophy rainbow trout?

Perhaps yes, but with context.  September and early October are widely considered the most consistent times to target trophy rainbow trout because fish are at their peak annual weight.  After months of feeding on salmon eggs, flesh, and other meals, trout are as thick and heavy as they’ll be all year, and they shift back into aggressive predator mode.  This means that big fish are more willing to chase streamers and flesh flies instead of selectively feeding, which increases your odds of catching a true giant.  Keep in mind that trophy fish exist all season - you can certainly catch 30” rainbows in June, July, and August - but the later season gives you the best probability per hour fished.  September and October are more about quality than numbers - you may catch fewer fish overall, but the average size jumps noticeably.  If your goal is the opportunity for a once-in-a-lifetime trout rather than nonstop action, late season is for you.

How far in advance should I book?

For a fly fishing trip to Bristol Bay, it’s best to book much earlier than you expect because availability is limited and repeat guests reserve the same week every year.  Many lodges fill their season 12-18 months in advance.  While last-minute openings or cancellations do happen, relying on them is risky if you want specific dates, a specific lodge, or are traveling with a large group.  Booking early gives you better choices in timing and lodge options.

RELATED: Alaska Flyout Lodges, Fixed Camp Lodges, & Float Trips

Can I Fish with Conventional Gear?

Yes, with limitations.  While the region is famous for fly fishing lodges and fly-focused culture, you can fish with conventional (spin) gear in many rivers in Bristol Bay.  However, it is best to confirm with the lodge you are interested in visiting whether they (1) offer conventional gear; and (2) have access to rivers that can be fished with spin gear.  Some lodges may restrict gear for experience or conservation reasons, and some rivers in Alaska may have fly-fishing only regulations (as well as other tackle restrictions).

Reach out for more information about the Last Frontier

To learn more about Alaska, you can view our regional webpage HERE. Reach out to our team in the travel department to get your Alaska trip on the books!

📞 (214) 219-2500
📧 travel@tailwatersflyfishing.com