Alaska Fishing Trips

Each summer legions of Alaska visitors arrive eager to get a fish on the line. From ocean charters to fly casting, Alaska's pristine water and outstanding scenery attract fishermen and women from around the world.

Most people want to land an Alaska salmon, that abundant state fish famous for its red color and rich flavor. Halibut, the flat fish that can grow to 100 pounds or more, are a close second in popularity. These ocean-going fish can be caught in the cold waters around the Kenai Peninsula towns of Valdez, Seward, and Homer. These communities also host fishing derbies throughout the summer months, often to coincide with salmon runs.

See our Seward Fishing and Homer Fishing pages for more details on ocean fishing, or keep reading to learn about fishing from the riverbank out of Anchorage.

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Alaska's three million lakes are home to a variety of species of freshwater fish like trout, grayling, and Dolly Varden. The rivers that flow from those lakes are flush with all five species of Alaska salmon returning to spawn between June and September. Depending upon the location, lake and river fishing can be available from banks, drift boats, and jet boats.

For an immersive Alaska experience, take a Guided Fly-In Fishing Trip from Anchorage. This adventure begins at Lake Hood Seaplane Base on a float plane heading toward the Yetna River near Lake Creek. Anglers are taken by river boat to their guides' favorite secret spots for a few hours of salmon fishing amidst some beautiful Alaska landscapes.

Anchorage has its own king salmon fishery at Ship Creek. Guests at the Wingate by Wyndham downtown can observe people fishing right behind the hotel, or even rent gear and purchase a license at the nearby fish shack to try and catch a salmon themselves. If you love to fish, it's a fun way to spend an afternoon or evening in downtown Anchorage.

Just outside of Anchorage in the Mat-Su valley several local outfits provide guided freshwater river fishing trips. Check out our friends at Miller's Riverboat Service.

Everyone fishing in Alaska must have a valid State of Alaska fishing license and a "king tag" if king salmon are the objective. Many charter and tour operations sell licenses at their office locations or you can buy one online.

While there is no guarantee of landing a "big one," the scenery, wildlife, and experience will stay with you forever. Remember what we Alaskans say, "It's about the fishing, not the catching!"

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