How to catch Alaska's Fish

Fish in Alaska are not much different in nature than fish elsewhere in the world. Therefore, the techniques that work in the Northwest and Canada will most likely work in Alaska.

Here is a list of suggestions for catching fish in Alaska:

Generally speaking, it is important to understand what caused a fish to "bite" the hook in order to truly find success. Fish will bite for 2 primary reasons: they're hungry or they're mad. They are either feeding or attacking. If you can determine the state of mind of your target, you can apply the most effective techniques.

KENAI RIVER KING SALMON:

The King Salmon, believe it or not, can be caught from the shores of most rivers that rear them, except for the Kenai River. In fact, the normal size to receive "Trophy" status is 50 pounds except for the Kenai which is 75 pounds. It is unlikely that a person could hook and land a trophy King salmon from the banks of the Kenai River. Nevertheless, legends abound.

In essence, there are three ways to fish for Kings on the Kenai River: Back Trolling, Back Bouncing, and Drifting

Back Trolling: Attach a down planer to a slider on the main line above a swivel, attach either an attractor (spin-n-glow) or plug (Kwikfish) on a leader of about 24-36". Let out about 40' of line and hold in the current or drift back very slowly.

Back Bouncing: Used in deep or slow water. Instead of a down planer (as above) attach a weight and allow to sink to the bottom. Every 3-5 seconds, raise about 1-2' and set it back down. Do all of this while holding or slowly backing in the current.

Drifting: One of the more common tactics. With the boat sideways to the current and drifting down stream, cast rig up stream and "drag" along bottom. let out enough line to feel the weight on the bottom.

KING SALMON EVERYWHERE ELSE:

Just about anything that moves can catch King Salmon, from egg pattern flies, to lures, to bait. I have caught King Salmon with a bare hook and a piece of yarn! Some of the more common ways to catch King Salmon from the bank (like the Kasilof River) is by tying a 3-way swivel to the line with a pencil lead sinker (enough weight to just touch the bottom during the drift) on the lower eye of the swivel and a leader 2-3 feet in length with a spin-and-glow and bait hook. Toss the baited hook upriver at about a 45 degree angle to the bank and mend the line as the set-up drifts by. When you get a hit, get ready to run. Some of the larger King Salmon decide to leave the area, all of the sudden, and take with them anything that may be attached; i.e. your hook, line and sinker, and pole and often times, you. As the fish runs, simply yell out "fish-on!" as you follow up or down the bank and folks will give way and often times even help you to land the big fish (that way they can get back to fishing much sooner).

RED SALMON:

I have heard it said for years, "Reds don't bite, you simply snag them in the mouth." I must differ with this saying. I have seen Red Salmon turn and attack a fly with fervor! It certainly is possible that many of the reds are caught by coincidence; that is, they open their mouth to breathe and a hook falls in, the fisher feels the hit and sets the hook. In this case the type of hook or fly really doesn't matter. But I truly believe that many do indeed "bite". Some days certain flies do much better than others. So there must be something to that. The only way that I know to catch Red Salmon consistently is with a drifted cohoe fly.

To fish for Reds using a spinning setup, simply tie a 3-way swivel to your line, attach a pencil lead sinker with enough weight to tap the bottom during the drift and a cohoe fly on a leader of between 18" and 36" (use a shorter leader in faster water). Pull out about 16' of line, and "flip" the fly up stream and let it drift by, mending the line as it passes.

Using a fly rod (my personal favorite), you want to use a 7/8 weight rod and sinking line. Depending on the speed of the water, I may wrap a lead strip to the end of the fly line. Attach your fly on a leader as above and cast as above.

SILVER SALMON:

Looking for a true Alaskan fishing experience, less crowding, less noise, less stress, more fishing time, more fish? Silvers are where it's at. These fish can weigh up to 20 pounds on the Kenai River. To catch Silvers, most will anchor , shut the motor off and soak eggs down stream or use lures/plugs. Put the weight on a slider because Silvers are known for a very light bite, that is right until the hook is set...then HOLD ON!!! Using an attactor just above the bait helps as well.

Others are very successful casting spoons from the boat and using a medium retrieve rate. The best spots for this (particularly on the pink years) are right at the current seams, where the fast and slower waters meet.

And still others like to use bobbers, floating a weighted hook with bait.

When fishing in the faster waters, especially in September when the fish are larger, the boat operater must be ready to "toss" the anchor (hopefully with a bouy attached) and follow the fish downstream to aid in landing the fish.

All of these methods work well from the bank as well. It is best to use a pyramid/tetrahedron shaped weight to hold the baited hook steady in the current.

RAINBOW TROUT / DOLLY VARDEN

Both of these fish are opportunistic feeders. Basically, if it moves, and can fit in their mouth, they will eat it, or at least taste it. Many people hook Rainbows and Dolly's while fishing for King, Silver, or Red Salmon.

The best approach in flowing waters is to use small spinners, or diving plugs, or bait. A set-up similar to King Salmon/Silver Salmon, only on a much smaller scale will work wonders.

Flys are a lot of fun for Rainbows and Dolly's as well. Most recommend a flesh pattern, however all stages of stone flies and mayflies seem to work well as do leech patterns.

When the salmon are spawning, "beading" is a very popular and successful technique. Simply slide the bead on the leader above the hook and use a toothpick to hold it in place. Regulations say that the bead, if fixed to the line, must be 2" or less from the hook. Then cast the bead with a splitshot for weight at 18" or so, upstream and drift along bottom.

Some even use mouse patterns for the larger trout! Again, if it moves, is somewhat related to their food source, it will catch fish.

Still waters, use small spinners, flies or hook baited with salmon eggs, shrimp, corn, etc. (use either bobbers or weight)

ARCTIC GRAYLING:

This beautiful fish is easy to catch and great to eat! In flowing waters, using a 3 or 4 weight fly rod, hold any dry fly right on top of the water so that it makes a "v", but doesn't submerge.

Still waters on no wind days, use a mosquito or any other small, hackeled dry fly pattern. Pay attention, because the Arctic Grayling can easily spit the hook out before you feel a hit! As soon as you see a dimple in the water, set the hook.

On windy days, use small spinners or most any wet patterns. Try to match the food source present. Small egg sucking leeches have worked well.