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Fly Fishing for Alaskan Fish |
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Written by Ognjen Nikolic
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Monday, 18 February 2008 06:57 |
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King Salmon (Chinook Salmon)
The reigning heavyweight champion of Alaskan salmon. The King has earned its nickname for its sheer size and fighting ability. Averaging 18 to 30 pounds, with a sport fish record of 97 pounds, the king represents the pinnacle of North American freshwater fly fishing experiences. For more on Alaska King Salmon...
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Sockeye Salmom (Red Salmon)
The second most abundant salmon in Alaska, the sockeye is referred to as the “red salmon” due to its distinctive firetruck-red spawning color and its deep red flesh. Perhaps the most “lock-jawed” of the salmon, these plankton feeders often respond well to small, sparsely dressed flies. For more on Alaska Sockeye Salmon...
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Chum Salmon
(Dog Salmon) Often regarded as the “Ugly Stepsister” of the Alaska salmon species, this stepsister can really pack a punch. Chum salmon are often targeted near the mouths of their natal streams and respond well to smaller chartreuse or cerise flies. For more on Alaska Chum Salmon...
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Steelhead
Perhaps the rarest and most sought after fish in Alaska is the steelhead. Alaska is home to some of the last totally wild runs of these sea-going rainbow trout. “The fish of 10,000 casts” is one of the wariest of the salmonids and ranks near the top of the “angling challenge” scale. For more on Alaska Steelhead... |
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Rainbow Trout
The resident relative of the steelhead, the rainbow trout is one of Alaska’s premier sport fishing attractions. Averaging 2 to 6 pounds, with some rivers hosting fish that can reach 20+ pounds, these fish are voracious feeders. From alevin and fry patterns in the spring to mice in the summer and flesh in the fall, these hungry trout like meat. For more on Alaska Rainbow Trout... |
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Cutthroat
From beaver ponds and back sloughs to big river estuaries, the cutthroat is southern Alaska’s most abundant trout. Found in both freshwater and saltwater, cutthroat are ready biters and can be caught on a wide range of flies, including dries. For more on Alaska Cuttroat Trout... |
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Lake Trout
The largest of Alaska’s freshwater fishes, the lake trout is actually a char, and thus closely related to the Dolly Varden. As the name implies, lake trout are often found in lakes. Fishing with large baitfish patterns along lake drop offs is the preferred technique for hooking these large eating machines. For more on Alaska Lake Trout... |
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Sheefish
Also called Inconnu, these large freshwater fish are found only in the Arctic and high Sub-Arctic. “The Tarpon of the North” averages 5 to 20 pounds with some rivers hosting fish that reach 50 pounds. Large, shiny baitfish patterns fished deep often have the best success. For more on Alaska Sheefish... |
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Saltwater Species
Many species of fish are available to the fly angler willing to take on the challenge of fishing Alaska’s saltwater. On the inshore agenda, several species of rockfish are available, as well as greenling, lingcod, and even halibut. Large flashy baitfish patterns stripped erratically or large white leeches fished deep often do best. For more on Alaska Halibut... |
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Last Updated on Tuesday, 23 March 2010 06:05 |
