The state of Alaska has hundreds of miles of untouched natural beauty. Home to an indigenous culture and people that date back thousands of years, the Last Frontier State has much to offer those who love to fish. From Guinness record-breaking sized salmon to trout and halibut, Alaska will have you fishing from sunrise to sundown. Fishing enthusiasts can pack up the car or RV to spend the day in one of the Alaskan fishing lodges by lakes, streams, or the saltwater bay. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned fisherman, you can find the best place to toss in a line while kicking back in a comfortable lodge. Here are three awesome locations to visit on your next trip to the Alaskan wilderness.
Bristol Bay
Located in the southwestern part of Alaska, Bristol Bay is known for its canneries, thousands of red salmon, and is the home to the Katmai National Park. The area is rich in wildlife such as brown bears, bald eagles, and a human history extending back 9,000 years. Besides discovering artifacts and enjoying the beautiful landscape, Katmai is also a popular place for anglers and sport fishers looking for some quality trout fishing. The park encourages the proper catch and release techniques to ensure the local fish species can continue to thrive. Bristol Bay is also a vital part of the Alaskan ecosystem which supports all five Pacific salmon in addition to the other 24 species of fish found there. Forty-six percent of the world’s sockeye salmon is harvested here helping to create thousands of jobs and $1.5 billion for the local economy.
Sadly, climate deterioration and mining threaten the wildlife and harm potential jobs for locals. Nearby organizations and the World Wildlife Foundation have joined to continue to educate the nation on the importance of preservation for the fishing industry and other animal habitats.
Kenai River
If you love sockeye salmon, you can drop in your line off the shore of the Kenai River. This historic town, like other areas of Alaska, is known for its locally harvested salmon. You can charter a wheelchair friendly vessel to take you out for a day on the water. If you enjoy being on land, you can find a few disability-safe areas, such as a convenient metal boardwalk. Fly fishing gear might be a good choice for this location. The Russian River in Kenai is another hot spot for fly fishing. As a hook fly single area, you can find Russian River flies at your local outdoor store. There are 13 miles of river to fish in or you can simply lay back on the shore and gaze up at the Kenai mountains. Additionally, discover the many scenic hiking trails, baseball fields, and playgrounds once your day of fishing has concluded.
Saltwater fishing in Sitka
In the southeastern part of Alaska, get ready to cast your line for some saltwater fishing. If you are looking to catch a “king” of a fish, bring along some strong carbon fiber or graphite telescopic fishing rods. Make sure to pack a variety of lures which can do double duty in saltwater and bay-side fishing. You can charter a boat with some friends in Sitka, a town with strong Russian roots and plenty of things to do. Besides fishing, the island of Sitka has a diverse native history and ecosystem, including a rainforest to explore. The Sitka National Historical Park has over 100 acres of nature to venture. Take a look at photographer E.W. Merrill’s glass plates negatives and still life images of the Tlingit community. The park offers ranger-led tours of the museum during the summer. You can experience the hand-carved totem poles of the Tlingit on the site and online through a virtual tour.
