If rivers could talk...

Legendary—this is the only way to describe fishing in Alaska. Whether fly fishing or spin casting, streamside or on the river, like everything here, the experience is larger than life. The midnight sun means you never have to call it a day—it is not unusual for guests to still be casting at 1 a.m.—and the resource-rich river systems offer fishing for world-class trout, grayling five species of explosive, record-breaking salmon fresh from the sea, feisty dolly varden, arctic char, and of course the elusive leopard rainbow trout known for its aggressive nature.

   It is no coincidence that Alaska fishing trips are what first put us on the map. In addition to our guides being from Alaska—most of them have been fishing these waters since they were old enough to set up their own lines—today our administrative offices are in Girdwood, Alaska, just 45 minutes south of Anchorage in the heart of the 5.4 million-acre Chugach National Forest home of Alyeska ski resort.

The riverine sub-region on the mainland of Southwest Alaska includes countless rivers, streams and tributaries that are part of the waterway network created by the famous Yukon, Kuskokwim and Nushagak Rivers. For more than 8,000 years, the fish here have supported those who live off the land.

Alaska Fishing Expeditions handpicks remote rivers that are in many cases virtually unheard of by most. Typically, we fish American Creek, Aniak River, Kanektok River, Kipchuk River, Kwethluk River, Little King Salmon River, Salmon River and the Upper Nushagak. All of these offer exceptional fishing conditions and the finest specimens of each species, the result of crystal clear water, deep cut banks, and rocky river beds that provide the ideal habitat for the millions of fish that swim through these waters, including some of the world’s largest runs of sockeye salmon and unsurpassed runs of king salmon.

The areas we fish offer hundreds of miles of excellent water for rainbow trout, char, king, sockeye, chum, pink and silver salmon allowing you to walk from gravel bar to gravel bar and from one braid to the next. It is not uncommon to hook up to 50 fish in about two hours, with the average rainbow ranging from 18-24 inches and many trophy fish coming in at 32 inches. This is also one of the best wildlife viewing regions in the country, where you can expect to see grizzly bears, black bears, ptarmigan, caribou, moose, tundra swans, and bald eagles.

Accommodations
At each stop on the itinerary, comfortable wilderness camping and dining is handled by Alaska Fishing Expeditions guides. Large four-man, weatherproof tents accommodate two people and single tents are also available. The kitchen tent—or what we call the k-tent—is where hardy, homemade, family style meals are freshly prepared daily and, with advance notice, we will try to accommodate any special dietary considerations. We also provide snacks and hot and cold beverages throughout the trip.

Weather
Southwest Alaska’s weather is as varied as the land and the culture. Between June and September, inland temperatures west of the Gulf of Alaska typically have a maritime climate, heavily influenced by the nearby Bering Sea, and summers are cool, cloudy, foggy and breezy, with warmer temperatures being more prevalent in areas away from the coast. Dramatic shifts in the weather are possible any time. Almost all travel is by air and water, and changing weather can change schedules.  Make sure and bring hardy waders and warm clothes for layering. Please refer to our suggested packing list and our staff can make recommendations so you are prepared.