Question:
Hello! My names Rylan, my partner and I were planning to visit Juneau this spring! Just curious to find out what solid fishing opportunities are going on in the spring. I like fishing of all types but have been focusing on fly fishing and spey fishing in rivers for salmon and steelhead over the past while. Anything like that would be pretty cool. Also a guided trip on the Salt Chuck for the day would be right up our alley as well. We know very little about the area and haven't been there before so I looked up fishing ships and was happy to find a fly shop in town! Anyway, any guidance and recommendations would be greatly appreciated and will be sure to stop in when we visit! Thanks again from your canadian neighbour!!!
Answer:
Hi Rylan,
Thank you for checking in with us. In the spring we are mostly fishing for sea run dolly varden in the estuaries. They’re targeting the out migrating pink and chum smolt. Typically this is done with a single hand rod like a 5 or 6 wt with a floating line and 9′ leader, stripping in small streamers to mimic the baby salmon. Flies like small Clouser Minnows in olive/white or gray/white color combos work best.
We have a pretty limited steelhead fishery right in Juneau and the window that the fish are in the streams is pretty short. Unfortunately we don’t have any swinging water to speak of, mostly just small runs/pools and pocket water. Steelhead season on the road system runs from about April 20-May20. So it’s not something we really promote, but if you are chasing dollies and hook into a big, bright slab… The following link will take you to an e-article that I have put together which will give you a better idea of what is going on in the spring. Please feel free to email mike@alaskaflyfishinggoods.com with any questions you have. He’ll super happy to help. Here is the link to the article: https://www.alaskaflyfishinggoods.com/how-to/alaska-fish-a-fishing/fly-fishing-on-your-alaska-cruise/
Thank you again and please let us know if you have any questions.
Best,
Alaska Fly Fishing Goods