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