| If you're planning a fishing trip, | | | | expeditions based on budget, or trust |
| Alaska is probably the best place in the | | | | your lodge to provide you with an |
| world. The Halibut are massive, the | | | | experienced, on-site guide. |
| salmon gigantic and the trout quite | | | | Follow the Fish |
| plentiful. For trophy-sized catches, | | | | Fish may be abundant in Alaska, but |
| there's no place like it anywhere in the | | | | they're also migratory. You need to know |
| world. So, read on for some great tips | | | | the best fishing season and the right |
| and tricks that will help make your | | | | locations. So, while a lodge or specific |
| Alaskan fishing trip a success. | | | | spot may boast some of the best fishing |
| Make Your Reservations Early | | | | in the world, that may only hold true |
| Alaska is host to over a million | | | | for a few weeks out of the year. Instead |
| tourists every summer. That means the | | | | of being disappointed by a slow fishing |
| hotels in Anchorage will fill up, the | | | | trip, the Alaska Department of Fish and |
| rental car companies will book quickly | | | | Game will be able to tell if your |
| and the best fishing lodges will be full | | | | proposed location and dates will |
| far in advance. To avoid disappointment | | | | coincide with a fish migration. |
| and ensure you have the best trip | | | | There's also the secret fishing season |
| possible, plan ahead and book early. | | | | in Alaska - the fall. Trout are still |
| If you are unable to commit to specific | | | | running, no one's around and fly fishers |
| dates well in advance (because of a job | | | | will experience some of the best fishing |
| or other limitations), you should at | | | | of their lives. Many river lodges and |
| least loosely monitor the availability | | | | resorts specialize in an autumn season |
| of prefered reservations you will | | | | and even offer heavily discounted rates, |
| eventually make. If they begin to fill, | | | | saving you money. |
| you might then take the financial plunge | | | | Pack Accordingly |
| and hope for the best with your | | | | When it comes to packing for a fishing |
| schedule. | | | | trip, Alaska residents will remind you |
| Hire a Local Guide | | | | that you need to be prepared for |
| Most guide books, fishing books and even | | | | anything - blistering sun, pouring rain |
| the state Department of Fish and Game | | | | or cold nights. With the excitement of a |
| say that if you want to have a | | | | fishing adventure, it is tempting to |
| successful fishing trip in Alaska, you | | | | downplay the need for attention to |
| should hire a local guide. Your guide | | | | personal care. But skipping this |
| will be able to take you to the hottest | | | | important step in your preparation can |
| fishing spots, show you secret locations | | | | actually ruin an otherwise great trip. |
| and inform you of the best lures, floats | | | | To block the sun, stay warm and fight |
| and flies. | | | | dampness, you should pack clothes that |
| For a list of recommended guides or | | | | can be easily layered and will dry |
| companies, you can contact the Alaska | | | | quickly if needed. Remember to also pack |
| Department of Fish and Game, a travel | | | | sunglasses, fishing equipment, sunblock, |
| company like Sport Fishing Alaska | | | | bug spray, a camera and a small survival |
| (1-888-552-8674) who organize | | | | kit. |