Destination Shopping: Alaska

It is common for lodges to cover your tackle and flies (including beads for trout during the salmon spawn) in Alaska, but not always.  If you need to bring your own flies, or like to have a stash of your own on-hand regardless, we have cherry picked the best multi-species fly selection for Alaska.

We highly recommend multi-piece travel rods in four or five piece models for all travel with commercial airline carriers.  If you are bringing your own rods, anglers should be prepared with at least two rods - one for trout and one for salmon, or an extra in case of breakage.  The most versatile all-around fly rod is a 9 foot 6 weight for trout and a 9 foot 8 weight for all salmon species except for Kings.  Please check whether your lodge provides rods and reels.

Trout reels should have a quality drag and the ability to hold a full floating line plus at least 150 yards of 20 pound backing.  Reels set up for salmon fishing should have the ability to hold a full floating line plus 200-250 yards of 20-30 pound backing. 

Most of the fishing is done with a standard weight forward floating line.  However, there are often scenarios and conditions that dictate using a sink tip or full sinking line.  Make sure to bring additional lines as backup.  We carry the latest Scientific Anglers and Rio fly lines, and our team can assist with spooling reels with appropriate backing and fly line for your trip.

Trout, char, grayling, and salmon are typically not leader shy in Alaska.  For this reason, we recommend bringing 7-10’ tapered monofilament or fluorocarbon leaders in the 10, 12, 15, and 17 pound range (0X - 3X), with matching fluorocarbon tippet spools,  for all species excluding King Salmon.  Make sure to have a few monofilament leaders for scenarios when you are fishing dry flies or mouse patterns.  When swinging subsurface patterns, it is also not uncommon to simply tie on a 5-7’ straight piece of non-tapered monofilament or fluorocarbon to serve as your leader.  Maxima is also a guide favorite in Alaska. 

Simms, Patagonia, Grundens, and Sitka make the best breathable waders on the market.  They are durable, lightweight, comfortable in all weather conditions, pack easily, and are well worth the investment.  You will be spending an enormous amount of time in your waders, so make sure you bring a set that is comfortable, warm, and fit well.  Finally, make sure that your socks and thermal layers fit easily underneath your waders long before you pack.

Nothing can be worse than wearing uncomfortable wading boots on an extended fishing trip.  Make sure the boots you choose have enough room for medium weight socks, have good ankle support, and have a sturdy rubber sole for extra traction on slippery surfaces.  Felt soled boots are banned in Alaska.  Studded boots are typically not allowed as they damage aircraft and boats.

Comfortable hiking boots, tennis shoes, Crocs, or rubber ankle boots are fine for wearing around camp or on travel days.

When fishing from a boat, it is a good idea to bring a bag to store any extra gear and tackle, rain jackets, camera equipment, bottled water, snacks, or anything else you don’t want to carry on you while fishing.  There are numerous packs and bags that are 100% waterproof and will clip into the frame of a raft or aluminum jet boat.

You should also consider bringing a chest pack or fishing vest that can accommodate everything you will need on the water.  The style of fishing in Alaska does not require a ton of tackle and flies; however, you will want to have the ability to carry necessities such as camera, lens cleaning cloth, nippers, hemostats, leaders, tippet, etc.  A traditional hip/chest pack seems to be more fashionable these days among guides.  Simms, Fishpond, and Patagonia make several functional and even waterproof models.

We recommend roller-style, soft-sided duffel bags for nearly all of our travels.  Particularly on flyout trips, where you arrive and depart the lodge on a float plane, medium to large waterproof duffel bags are recommended as they make loading and unloading the planes easier.  Ideally you have a bag that adheres to airline size restrictions but is still large enough to fit a couple rod tubes, tackle, boots, and waders (if you are bringing your own gear).  We carry many excellent sets of luggage and dry bags by Patagonia, Simms, and Fishpond.  These bags are the ideal size, bulletproof, and are equipped with efficient roller systems.  Some models also have separate compartments for storing wet boots and/or waders or even rod tubes.

Plan on experiencing some rain during your stay.  A high-quality, breathable rain jacket with a hood is mandatory.  Simms and Patagonia both make excellent models.  Your rain jacket should be 100% waterproof, big enough to fit over insulating layers, and should not restrict arm movement.  We highly recommend a product with Gore-Tex for best results.  Please do not cut any corners in this category, as a poor quality rain jacket can ruin your trip.  The technical rail jackets these days are remarkably more comfortable and efficient than any “cheap” rain jacket you may wear in the city.  Also, remember to leave your yellow rain slicker at home and wear subdued colors to avoid spooking fish!

The weather in Alaska is highly unpredictable.  No matter what month you visit Alaska during the summertime, any type of weather or fishing conditions can present itself.  There is a basic method of dress and preparation that is applicable to all fishing trips throughout the entire season.  The key to staying comfortable is layering your clothing properly - especially when using breathable waders and jackets.  Layering your clothing allows the flexibility to adapt with varying conditions.  By shedding or adding a layer, anglers are able to remain comfortable no matter what Mother Nature throws at you.  

You will want multiple pairs of both top and bottom synthetic or wool long underwear to serve as your base layer throughout the week.  Fleece jackets, vests, pullovers, soft shells, and pile jackets are your second major layer of clothing for both your upper and lower body.  Many anglers will choose to wear a long sleeved fishing shirt on top of long underwear, especially if the weather is sunny and warm.  Quick-dry nylon or nylon/cotton blend shorts, pants, or convertible pants are nice to wear around the lodge or on travel days.  Anglers should have enough socks to alternate on a daily basis. 

The Alaska summer days are long and - even when cloudy - require sunscreen and sun protection.  Pack some sunblock and lip balm with a minimum of 30 SPF.  Face coverings or gators, as well as sun gloves, have become standard with serious anglers on the trout stream as well as in the tropics.  Additionally, you should bring one or two hats or caps for both rain and sun protection.  

With respect to bug protection, mosquitos and tiny black flies called no-see-ums can be a huge irritant in Alaska. The best way to avoid being eaten alive is to bring along insect repellant that contains some concentration of DEET.  It may be a good idea to bring a headnet for extreme situations.  Wearing long-sleeved shirts and face coverings will also discourage biting insects.

Polarized glasses are another essential and mandatory item for any type of fly fishing.  They eliminate the glare from the water, provide safety, and allow you to see fish, rocks, obstructions and potential entanglements.  Copper, amber, vermillion, or brown lenses are best for typical sunny days, while yellow lenses are great for cloudy days and/or low light conditions.  Costa Del Mar and Smith make a variety of styles and lens colors.  A lanyard or “croakie” is also invaluable in order to keep from dropping or losing your glasses.

Items like nippers, hemostats, fly floatant, dry shake, indicators, splitshot, dehookers, and hook hones are necessities in every fishing pack.  Many of these tools can be kept on a retractor or on a lanyard.  A knife, Leatherman, or other multi-tool is also a nice luxury to have in your pack.  A flashlight or headlamp can be useful for night activities (or early morning activities).

A couple pairs of fingerless wool or fleece gloves allow for dexterity tying knots and will keep your hands warm in colder conditions.  Sun gloves are also a good option on warmer days.  If you are an unsure wader, you may enjoy the added security and confidence a wading staff provides - especially in the heavier water of the larger rivers.  Lens or drying cloths that you can keep handy in your waders or in your fishing pack can be a game changer as glasses seem to always get wet during rain showers, on boat runs, or when landing unruly fish.   While most lodges provide water during your fishing day, it can be nice to have your own personal water bottle to keep on you during hikes.  And any additional dry storage, such as a small Go-Box, can keep valuables (or first aid essentials) organized and protected.