Fishing Alaska???

tailchaser · 02-09-2004, 12:12 PM

I'm usually in AK about once every two years since I have relatives up there and you really haven't lived until fishing becomes boring and your arms start cramping. Yes, it really is that good up there. However, the size of the fish seem to be around the same as some Oregon fish, but you have the opportunity to hook into a trophy. That's what it's really about. I'm not familiar with the outfit you're talking about, but the name of the game is remoteness. There are so many places that salmon probably haven't seen a lure in their lifetime that it's well worth it. It's just hard to explain standing on a river bank looking out and can have a hard time finding a spot in the river without a fish in it. Oh and did I forget you're the only one on the bank! I would do a search of various lodges located on remote rivers. I can remember a few that had all 5 species of salmon. Oh and don't forget the rainbows, char, lake trout, etc..... and then there's halibut to boot. It's just a ton of fun. You can find some pretty good deals also by shopping around that might help. Good Luck.

tc

Steelie Steve · 02-09-2004, 12:30 PM

As far as the fishing goes, it definitely can be better than the NW. Like TC said though, to get that you have to get away from the masses. This usually means getting away from the Kenai Penninsula. The real reason I would say go to alaska is for the experience. There is some absolutely beautiful scenery to be seen up there. A lot that can't be found anywhere but there. Don't limit yourself to fishing up there, although it can be a lot of fun. Have fun if you go.

Steve

Ty · 02-09-2004, 12:44 PM

Depends on what u are looking to spend and what u want out of the trip.

If u fish the Kasilof R, it is fun and good fishing, by no means much differnt than the chinook of the NW uless u hit the small late native runthat has larger fish (35-55).

Now, the Kenai fish are huge, the kenai fish are huge, the kenai fish are huge!

Four of us fish three days on teh Kenai and caught over 50 kings total, the last day five kings over 40 pounds, all released, one as a trophy with $900 towards a trophy mount cause it was 51' long!

Kenai Kings:
http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/fis...bc/fishferfun2

Kasilof kings:
http://f1.pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/fis...bc/fishferfun2

By the way I live in Soldotna....

[ 02-09-2004, 01:45 PM: Message edited by: Ty ]

reeldick · 02-09-2004, 12:54 PM

Fishing in Alaska is wonderful. But....there is so much more to that state that connot be seen anywhere else on earth.

Rent a vehicle of some kind. Take the ferry from Whittier to Valdez accross Prince William Sound. Enjoy a day in Valdez before heading up the road. While in Anchorage, take the train to Denali Park and stay for a day or two. Cabins are cheap. Take the bus trip (all day) into the park to see the animals. Pack a lunch and bring binoculars and a camera.

Drive down to the Kenai and Homer areas. On your way back to Anchorage, take a right turn(the only one) and go the short distance to Seward. It is worth seeing.

You can get some fishing in on the Kenai Penninsula or at Seward.

If you hurry you could do the whole thing in 10 days but two plus weeks would be better.

Go to Lake Hood in Anchorage for a float plane sight seeing trip. The list goes on and on.

David Johnson · 02-09-2004, 12:56 PM

It is worth it.

I've gone up there ten summers and been to many ends of the state.

SE has the best scenery, remote the best fishing and fishing experience and any place you can drive to from Anchorage will be crowded, many places more crowded than the NW.

Do a lot of homework.

Let me know if I can be of more help.

CATCH AND EAT · 02-09-2004, 01:55 PM

It's all about timing Bill. You have got to know your rivers and the projected time of the run. It certainly is a blast to fish up there. choose who you go with carefully and don't hesitate to gain knowledge from those that have been there done that.

My personal favorit is Kodiak Island. Tons of halibut and kings especially in June. Hit it the first part of the month on the Karluk and the sockeye and kings will be there. You can retain 2 kings and 6 reds per day every day. Halibut are 2 per day. Tons of dollies and cod that you can pound in the salt shallows and rock fish galore.

Like David Said, its worth it but be sure you time it right. Have fun.

BTW, we've caught 50 a day off the columbia before and it was much cheaper.

Of course they are predicting a smaller run for this year so.......

Tilla · 02-09-2004, 02:38 PM

It's worth it. Do some planning. I have had some of the best experiences up there. Kim would take good care of you, you are on the right track.

Grantspastor · 02-09-2004, 03:59 PM

A really great experience is to float a wilderness river. If you have any interest in that idea, I would be glad to help with details

brshooter · 02-09-2004, 11:55 PM

Is it worth it?
The wife and I went to the sportsman's show and looked at possibly booking a trip to Alaska for some fishing. Had a good talk with Kim at Clam Gulch and based upon references, that is probably who we would book with if we decide to pull the trigger on this.
Just seems like a lot of money. Maybe it is that fact that I am coming off a 16 month layoff and have only been back to work for 6 months. Maybe I am just a tight wad. Maybe it just isn't meant for this year.
We aren't meat fishing. We catch enough salmon and steelhead right here in Oregon to keep the freezer full for us and many of our family and friends. Sure, some halibut would be nice, but I could book a lot of days out of Newport and still have lots of money left over.
Sure you have the opportunity to maybe catch one of those big kings, but how many really catch them? Or how about silver fishing and catching 50 plus silvers in a day?
How about some feedback? Would like to hear good and bad about your Alaskan fishing experience.