Custom Alaska Cruises Recommended Flies May-Mid June

Dear Valued Custom Alaskan Cruises Guest,

Thank you for choosing Alaska Fly Fishing Goods to help out with your fly fishing needs for your upcoming SE Alaskan Vacation. I have set up this recommended fly list in the form of a shopping cart.  With this format, you will be able to see the recommended flies and products.  You will also have the ability to add/remove items and change item quantities.  This recommended list is intended for 3-4 days of fishing. I normally recommend that anglers plan on using 3-4 flies per day.  Inexperienced anglers may want to consider 5-6 flies per day.

During the months of May and June, the primary fishery will be for Dolly Varder (char family) and Coastal Cutthroat Trout. There is the possibility of Rainbow Trout in some locations. These fish average 12-18" with fish over 20" not out of the question. Incidental Steelhead may be seen during this time period, along with  incidental chum and/or pink salmon in Mid-June.

The fishing this time of year typically centers around the lower reaches and stream estuaries, where the streams and small rivers flow into the saltwater bays, canals and fjords of the coastal islands and mainland.  In these areas, the char and trout are primarily targeting out migrating salmon smolt (juvinile salmon.)  Occasionally other bait fish are present.  All of the patterns in this list are either meant to act as a bait imitation or as an attraction pattern. Often when fishing new water, I will start with the natural colors of black/white, gray/white, olive/white and all white. If the fishing is slow, we will turn to the attraction patterns with bright pinks and oranges in them. This will often get selective fish to go on the attack.

Try fishing the AK Clousers and Stinger Clousers in the tidal influenced waters of the estuary.  These patterns often work best when fished with short to medium length strips, stripped at a medium to fast rate. A lot of areas fish best around the low tide, as the tide is pushing in or moving out. Fish size 8 patterns in May and size 6 in June. Mark's Fryolators and Tungsten Mini Llamas are great patterns to fish in the pools and runs that are found just upriver of the tidal influenced waters, or in and around lakes. These patterns can be very effective swung, stripped and dead drifted.  Grillo's Cutty Buddy is a top water pattern that is best "popped" or used to create a wake.  Try this pattern if the fishing is hot and heavy and the char/trout are busting schools of smolt.

Gear to bring:

Dolly Varden and Trout

9' fast action 5-6 wt with a floating line with a 9' 8-10# salmon/steelhead leader
10'6"-11'6" 4-5 wt Switch Rod with a Swich Line or Scandi Short

If you have any questions, please feel free to call or email me.  

Thank you for your time,

Mike Cole
Web Manager
Alaska Fly Fishing Goods
(907) 586-1550
mike@alaskaflyfishinggoods.com