Fly Fishing Alaska's Waters: A Guide to Salmon, Trout, and More

Alaska's Boardwalk Lodge proudly participates in the elite Orvis® Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge Program — a distinction that demonstrates our commitment to excellence and ensures that this all-inclusive fly fishing trip will exceed your expectations. As part of this select program, Boardwalk outfits you with complete top-of-the-line Orvis fly fishing equipment. Of course, we certainly won't discourage you from bringing your time-tested favorite fly fishing gear with you.

Seasoned Orvis-endorsed fly fishing guides will lead you in pursuit of numerous fish species at the hottest fishing holes at 23 lakes, rivers, and streams on breathtaking Prince of Wales Island, Alaska. Your fly fishing excursions are typically accessed via Suburban. Although available, the added expense of a fly-out trip is completely unnecessary. Many of these waters are only fished when Boardwalk guests venture out, allowing you to cast and catch in solitude.

Alaska Fly Fishing Species

• Silver Salmon Fishing (Coho Salmon)
• Pink Salmon Fishing (Humpies)
• Chum Salmon Fishing (Dog Salmon)
• Sockeye Salmon Fishing (Red Salmon)
• Cutthroat Trout Fishing & Dolly Varden Fishing
• Steelhead Fishing

Note that fly fishing equipment, including rods, reels, flies, waders, and boots are part of this all-inclusive Alaska fly fishing trip at no additional cost.

What to Expect on a Fly Fishing Alaska Trip

Guests at Alaska's Boardwalk Lodge can anticipate an unforgettable Alaska fly fishing trip experience filled with opportunities to catch a wide range of fish.

Located near prime fishing spots in Southeast Alaska, the lodge offers guided fishing trips targeting species such as King salmon, Coho salmon, Rainbow trout, and Silver salmon. Your experienced fishing guide will lead you to the best fly fishing locations on nearby rivers providing insight into local techniques, including fly fishing for trophy trout and arctic char.

The lodge caters to both seasoned anglers and beginners, with fishing charters customized to suit individual preferences and skill levels. Guests can expect to fish in the picturesque landscapes of the Alaska Peninsula, surrounded by the untouched beauty of the region.

Whether using a fly rod on a serene lake or battling a mighty king salmon on a river, every fishing trip promises to be unique. Amenities at the lodge, such as fishing gear, help obtaining a fishing license, and comfortable accommodations, add to the convenience, ensuring a memorable and hassle-free stay.

The combination of expert guidance, breathtaking scenery, and abundant fish makes a trip to Alaska's Boardwalk Lodge a must for anyone passionate about fly fishing in Alaska.

Salmon Fly Fishing

Salmon fly fishing in Southeast Alaska is an experience filled with excitement and natural beauty. This region is renowned for its rich salmon populations, including king salmon, coho salmon, and sockeye salmon, making it a magnet for anglers seeking both challenge and reward. With a multitude of rivers and streams, such as the famous Kasilof River and other lesser-known gems, Southeast Alaska offers abundant opportunities for fly fishing trips tailored to various skill levels.

July heats up with seasonal Coho and Sockeye Salmon runs. Pinks, or humpies, and Dog Salmon typically start their journey in August. The majority of these Salmon have never seen an artificial fly, much less taken one. Brace yourself when these trophy Salmon hit — the fight is non-stop, and the action is exhilarating!

Silver Salmon Fishing

Coho Salmon, also known as Silvers, are among the hardest fighting Salmon in Alaska, providing an adrenaline-packed experience for anglers in Southeast Alaska. With their vigorous battles and impressive jumps, Silver Salmon fishing has become a favored pursuit in this region.

Coho Salmon average between 12-15 pounds, with some topping out over 20, making them a prized catch for both novice and experienced fishermen. Intense fishing for Silvers ranges from late July through September, a time frame that sees anglers flocking to rivers like the Kasilof River and other prime fishing spots in Southeast Alaska.

Pink Salmon Fishing

While Pinks are the smallest of Salmon, they are pervasive in area waters of Southeast Alaska—so much so that guests often claim they can walk across them.

Alaska Pink Salmon average 3-5 pounds and are a thrill to catch on the fly. This abundant species offers endless excitement for fly fishing enthusiasts, especially those eager to experience the joy of landing numerous fish in a single outing. Their sheer numbers, combined with their spirited fight, make Pink Salmon a beloved target for anglers exploring the waters of Southeast Alaska.

Chum Salmon Fishing

Dog salmon, or Chums, are famous for their sheer tenacity and strength, making them a coveted target for fly fishing enthusiasts in Southeast Alaska. Excellent Chum Salmon fishing is common from mid-July through August, providing anglers with the thrilling opportunity to battle these robust fish.

These Salmon average 15 pounds, with an occasional lunker topping 25, offering a significant challenge and an exhilarating experience when hooked on the fly rod.

Sockeye Salmon Fishing

Sockeyes, also called Red Salmon, can be rather tricky to catch in local waterways of Southeast Alaska, but the challenge is part of the allure. Sockeyes are known for their tremendous fight, providing a thrilling experience for fly fishing enthusiasts who seek the satisfaction of landing one of these elusive and powerful fish. The rivers and streams of Southeast Alaska, such as the Kasilof River, become a hotspot for anglers pursuing Sockeyes, particularly during their peak season.

Trout Fly Fishing

Trout fly fishing in Southeast Alaska is an extraordinary experience, attracting anglers who seek the thrill of catching these vibrant and spirited fish in the region's pristine rivers and streams. Alaska's waterways are abundant with various species of trout, including Rainbow trout and Cutthroat trout. The clear, glacial-fed rivers and streams offer prime habitat for trout, creating an angler's paradise that's rich with opportunity.

Cutthroat Trout & Dolly Varden

Year-round excitement abounds with the Cutthroat and Dollies in nearby waters of Southeast Alaska, offering a thrilling fly fishing experience that appeals to anglers of all levels. Local lakes, rivers, and streams are teeming with Trout and Char, making this region a sought-after destination for enthusiasts eager to engage with these lively and beautiful fish. These fish are generally from 10-21 inches, and there's certainly no shortage of action. Trout and Char are so plentiful, you can often catch and release to exhaustion!

Fly fishing for Cutthroat Trout and Dolly Varden in Southeast Alaska is characterized by its accessibility and abundance. The region's diverse waterways, such as the Kasilof River and other hidden gems, provide various environments that host healthy populations of these species.

Native Steelhead

Early season action begins with one of Alaska's most coveted game fish — wild Pacific Steelhead, setting the stage for an unforgettable fly fishing experience in Southeast Alaska. These phenomenal fighters are native to the island, with typical trophy-class lunkers in the 29-37 inch range!

Pacific Steelhead are fierce fighters that can quickly fold your rod and take you into backing, presenting a thrilling challenge even for seasoned anglers. The lodges in the region, well-equipped with specialized guides and gear, accommodate Steelhead fishermen from May 1 through May 31. Space is limited on Steelhead runs, so be sure to book your trip early to ensure best reservations.

Steelhead fly fishing in Southeast Alaska is marked by adrenaline-filled encounters and the mesmerizing beauty of the natural landscape. Whether fishing the famed rivers or hidden streams, anglers are treated to the spectacle of these remarkable fish leaping and battling against the line. The limited season adds to the allure, making each trip a treasured opportunity to connect with one of Alaska's most exceptional sport fish.

With experienced guides to help navigate the waters and find the best spots for these elusive lurkers, Steelhead fly fishing becomes more than just a pursuit; it's an adventure, a challenge, and a celebration of one of nature's most extraordinary creations in one of the world's most breathtaking fishing destinations.

What is the Best Season to Fly Fish in Alaska?

The best season to fly fish in Southeast Alaska depends on the specific species of fish you are targeting. Here's a general fly fishing guide on some of the prime seasons in the region:

Salmon Fishing:

• King Salmon: May through July.
• Sockeye Salmon: June through July.
• Pink Salmon: Mid July through August, peaking in odd-numbered years.
• Chum Salmon: Late July through August.
• Coho Salmon (Silver Salmon): Late July through September.

Trout and Char Fishing

• Rainbow Trout: June through September.
• Cutthroat Trout and Dolly Varden Char: Year-round, with peak activity in spring and fall.

Steelhead Fishing

Spring runs typically occur from April through mid May.

If you're aiming for a multi-species experience, planning a trip between June and August would allow you to tap into the peak seasons for several types of salmon, trout, and char.

Southeast Alaska weather conditions, river levels, and local regulations can also play a significant role in determining the best times to fly fish, so it's advisable to consult with local fishing guides, lodges, or the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

Where to Fly Fish in Alaska

Southeast Alaska is hailed as one of the best places to fly fish in Alaska, offering a rich diversity of fishing opportunities in a breathtaking natural setting. The waters near Boardwalk Lodge are teeming with an array of fish species, providing something for every angler's taste and skill level.

The nearby rivers, including those on Prince of Wales Island, are renowned for salmon runs. These rivers host impressive populations of king salmon, coho salmon, sockeye salmon, and more. The estuaries and streams in the area offer unparalleled opportunities for fly fishing for cutthroat trout and Dolly Varden char. Additionally, the saltwater fishing available right off the dock of Boardwalk Lodge opens up a world of possibilities for targeting halibut and rockfish.

The blend of freshwater and saltwater environments ensures a versatile fishing experience. Whether exploring secluded rivers and streams, casting a fly on tranquil lakes, or venturing out into the ocean, the fishing near Boardwalk Lodge is varied, abundant, and thrilling.

The professional guides at Boardwalk Lodge further enrich the experience, sharing their local knowledge, expertise, and passion for fishing. The combination of majestic landscapes, abundant fish populations, varied fishing environments, and professional support makes the area near Boardwalk Lodge in Alaska an extraordinary destination for fly fishing. It's a place where anglers can immerse themselves in the sport, connect with nature, and create lifelong memories of fishing in one of the world's most magnificent and rewarding fishing landscapes.

Book Your Fly Fishing Alaska Trip at Boardwalk Lodge Today!

Alaska's Boardwalk Lodge stands as a beacon for fly fishing enthusiasts, offering an unparalleled blend of adventure, serenity, and excitement. Participation in the elite Orvis® Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge Program testifies to the lodge's commitment to excellence, ensuring an experience that surpasses expectations.

With access to 23 lakes, rivers, and streams on the breathtaking Prince of Wales Island, guests can explore some of the most pristine and secluded fishing grounds, teeming with a diverse array of fish species. From the thrill of hooking wild Pacific Steelhead to the excitement of landing Cutthroat Trout and Dolly Varden, every moment spent at Boardwalk Lodge promises to be unique and unforgettable.

With seasoned guides, top-of-the-line equipment, and majestic natural surroundings, Alaska's Boardwalk Lodge captures the essence of fly fishing and offers an experience that resonates with both novice and expert anglers, making it a must-visit destination in the world of fly fishing. Don’t put it off another day—book your stay now!