If you plan on taking an Alaska fly fishing trip, the best time of year to go is in early fall. This is when the crowds thin out, and the weather is usually excellent.
During this time, you can catch many species on the fly, including rainbow trout, Arctic char, coho salmon, sockeye salmon, and more.
Spring
Alaska is one of the most popular destinations in the world for sports fishermen. The state’s diverse geography offers everything from wide meandering rivers to alpine lakes only open for a few months a year.
While fishing in Alaska throughout the year is possible, most people visit during summer to chase Salmon. This is when the primary salmon species, including kings and silvers, begin to enter the water systems.
This is also a great time of year for trout, as they are coming off their winter hibernation and are spawning. They can be caught on various fly patterns, such as streamers and nymphs.
Another iconic Alaskan fish is the grayling, found in large lakes and rivers for much of the year before moving to rocky streams to breed in spring. These opportunistic foragers are not picky eaters and will take anything that floats.
Summer
If you’re looking for a great time to fly fish in Alaska, the summer months of June, July, and August are the best. Salmon runs throughout the state, and it’s a great time to catch Kings, Sockeye, Coho, Chum, and Pink Salmon.
There are also several trout species to target in the state. Rainbow Trout are common here and an excellent option for seasoned fly anglers.
A staple of Alaska fly fishing scene, Rainbow Trout are available year-round in some of the state’s most famous waters. In addition, they’re trendy in the state’s western regions where 30+ inch rainbows are abundant.
King Salmon is another excellent target, and they’re a coveted catch that’s sure to be on every fly fisherman’s bucket list. These powerful fish weigh around 30 pounds on average, and you can typically find them during peak season from mid-May until the end of July.
Fall
When it comes to Alaska fly fishing, certain times offer the best opportunities. Whether you are looking to target rainbow trout, Arctic char, steelhead, or King salmon, specific times will have you catching fish all day.
Trout is a popular choice from July until October, with the peak time being late August and early September. You can also catch trout in various locations during these months, including lakes, high mountain streams, and rivers.
This time of year is also an excellent opportunity to target Arctic char in several lakes throughout the state. These fish can grow to impressive sizes and are known for their ability to take a fly.
Winter
Winter is not for everyone, but for those willing to endure the extreme cold and ice fishing Alaska offers, it can be a fantastic experience. During this time, you can catch various fish in lakes and ponds throughout the state, including Arctic char, rainbow trout, and Arctic grayling.
While most people flock to the fabled rivers during the summer and fall, some of the best fly fishing in Alaska is done during the winter.
Aside from being an excellent time to get away from the crowds and hordes of tourists, winter fly fishing can be highly productive. Trout is a little less active and subtler than during the spring and summer, but you can still catch a trophy trout or two!
In addition to rainbows, winter is a great time to target Halibut. These bottom-dwelling fish are typically out in the water year-round but are especially abundant during this time of year when they’re searching for food.
