Alaska Fishing trip planning

[jimmyj]

I second the motor home idea. Two of my best pals rented a motorhome in the Yukon and did a trip with their wives. They came across a number of beautiful lakes and places to fish and had what were apparently fabulous shore trout lunches. It sounds like a great trip!

They liked the motor home because they could do sightseeing also and were not locked into one lodge or hotel.

 

[foggy1111]

My wife and I traveled Alaska for over two weeks on a cruise and fly package deal which included some train and bus travel....a very nice trip. At the end of the trip we rented a car in Ankorage and drove to Valdez for some fishing. This was probably the most scenic part of our trip. We had pre-arranged with a guide to take us salmon fishing. (look it up on the web) I was not very happy with the attitude of our guide....but we had a nice time despite her attitude. We just fished for a half day...but each of us (four fishermen) caught 4 silvers apiece and I caught a King as well. Pretty Scrappy that King!!! All were nice sized fish and were allot of fun to catch. We also lost a few.

Originally I had planned to do some halibut fishing.....and they do that in Valdez too.....but I think the better Halibut fishing is done out of places like Homer to the east. Also, its a loong day getting out to the best Halibut fisihing...and my wife gets seasick....therefore the salmon fishing for us. On this trip....I simply could not do it all....and sightseeing was our primary objective (Denali....and the Yukon).

If you got to Valdez....be sure to book a trip to look at the glaciers....a beautiful cruise on which we saw whales, seals, otters and lots of other marine life. There is a great day long boat tour that operates out of Valdez.

Alaska is so huge.....I'm sure it would take many trips to travel it well....perhaps a lifetime. I plan to go back at some point for a moose hunt.....possibly include some fishing too. I would also like to spend some time up there panning gold....but not sure I am going to get that done.....so many place to go and things left to do.

We also saw fish being caught at various places along our travels.....like Skagway.

 

[Sigarms]

If you got to Valdez....be sure to book a trip to look at the glaciers....a beautiful cruise on which we saw whales, seals, otters and lots of other marine life. There is a great day long boat tour that operates out of Valdez.

Sitting in your car, while the car was moving on a train going to Whittier, while going through a mountain was an unexpected experience I'll never forget.

My vote goes to renting a vehicle and see where the adventure takes you. I have no doubt that you'll have some good fishing days, but you'll see a lot more.

And I'll admit it, on my first trip up there in the summer, I took a flashlight.

 

[Lasgambler]

Went twice and rented a motor home each time. They pick you up at the airport in Anchorage then I drove to Sams and filled it with food. You can camp almost anywhere but there are plenty of campgrounds. I was my own guide and fished the Kenai by Sodotna and the Russian rivers for Reds. There are different times for Red runs but I went around July 20. Also drove down to Valdez. One of the most beautiful drives I have ever been on. (I've covered most of the west US) Did a boat excursion there and had whales breaching right along side of the boat. Valdez although small has so much history.
If your plan on doing this I'll tell you exactly where I fished down by Sodotna for reds and in Valdez for Humpys or Pinks. The locals go after Reds and Kings.
Skeets weren't any worse than here in MN. I remember one place we camped was really bad. Seemed like I didn't really have problems fishing or hiking along the rivers doing the day. I would purchase the big cans of pepper spray at Sam's and a bring a big pistol if you plan on doing a lot of hiking. I only carried spray.
You'll have a great trip no matter what your decision is.

Good advice. Having lived there in the early to mid 80's, and made about 2 dozen sport fishing trips since, the above mentioned were my favorite places to fish. For the skeeters, we liked "Avon Skin so Soft".

You will love it. Terry

 

[AKwelder]

the RV rental is a fun way to go. I borrow my in-laws every year. Fourth of july on the Galkana River with a float from Sourdough to sailors pit for kings, Then slip down to Valdez and jump off for salmon and Halibut.

Homer and Seward are suppose to be better halibut fishing, but check prices. The sport fishing industry was hit hard by fuel prices last year, some are no longer.

remember we have a saying welcome to Alaska, step off the plane and into the food chain.

 

[AKwelder]

just a hint, look into jumping off in fairbanks, you can save money on the RV

 

[EddieWalker]

Every time I get the urge to rent an RV, and check the rates, I quickly change my mind. We have access to my parents 40 footer, but always end up taking the car and staying at hotels. It's just simple math for me, it's allot cheaper to drive a car and pay for a hotel then it is to drive an RV and pay for the rental and then also pay for a place to park it.

Besides that, there is truly something unique and special about flying into the back country of alaska on a float plane. For me, that's one of the highlights of those trips.

Eddie

 

[Bird]

[there is truly something unique and special about flying into the back country of alaska on a float plane/QUOTE]

I only did that once and the plane was a Cessna 210 with a Robertson Stol Kit. Unfortunately, we didn't do any good with the fishing that day, but it was a fun trip.

 

[Sackett2]

As dad and I didn't draw a deer tag, we may pull it off this summer. Your info has been priceless, and has answered a lot of questions/problems
Based on our location, time and desires I have so far made this rough plan.

Fly in to Ketchican
Float plane or boat to Prince wales island to a forest service cabin, to be determined

Eddie, check these cabins out... So many cabins in so many areas.
Eddie, what price range do the float planes run? Also thinking of renting the gear now, (never thought of that)
US Forest Service - Website Unavailable Message
(as of this posting, the web site was currently down for maint)

 

[Egon]

If time is available consider using the Marine Highway Ferries to get to Ketchican.

Might even consider taking the Ferry for a side trip or two. The route to Sitka or Juneau is pretty awesome.