Alaska fishing excursions that include fly fishing

A pair of anglers engaged in fly fishing on a river, with stunning mountains rising in the background.

A couple enjoys fly fishing in Alaska

Picture this: you’re wading into sparkling waters, castling your fly, and you catch a glimpse of a 6 foot moose wading through the marshes. That’s what an Alaska fly-fishing trip is all about! Add some excitement to your Alaska cruise vacation by heading out into the rivers and streams to catch shimmering rainbow trout or silver coho salmon. If you’re looking for the best spots to try your hand at Alaska fly fishing, check out these prime destinations for anglers! 

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Cast your line and fish in the capital

Alaska's capital city is a fly-fishing paradise, with glistening streams, remote locations and, of course, a variety of fish, including cutthroat trout and coho salmon. Juneau has long been a popular destination for anglers, and most of its fishing areas must be accessed by plane or boat; you can book a fly-out excursion to board a floatplane to take you to the most scenic fishing holes.

During the excursion, there's a good chance you'll witness some of the area's amazing wildlife from the plane, such as brown and black bears, deer and bald eagles.

Anchorage for coho salmon and Arctic char

For a real choose-your-own adventure, try your hand at fly fishing in Anchorage. With some 30 lakes to choose from and local pro anglers to consult for tips and tricks, the area truly offers you the pick of the litter.

In the summer, Anchorage lakes are chock-full of rainbow trout, coho salmon, trophy king (Chinook) salmon, Arctic char and Arctic grayling. The Chinook salmon is the state fish for a reason — they can weigh 20–40 pounds and measure 28 inches long!

Chum salmon and trout in Fairbanks

Mix the thrill of fly fishing with the relaxation of vacation in Fairbanks. Stand hip-high in crystal clear Fairbanks lakes surrounded by mountain peaks and potential deer and moose sightings as you catch king and chum salmon and rainbow trout. The water is so clear in the summer that you’ll be able to watch fish approach your bait!  

Alaska is home to some of the best fishing spots in the world, and it doesn't stop at fly fishing in Fairbanks, Anchorage and Juneau. Other places to add to your "must-do" fishing list while cruising Alaska include Ketchikan, Skagway, the Denali Princess Wilderness Lodge and the Kenai Princess Wilderness Lodge.

Types of fish and where to catch them

When it comes to fishing in Alaska, the variety of fish you can catch is as diverse as the landscapes. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a novice, understanding where to find these fish can enhance your Alaska fishing excursion. Check out three of the most common types of fish you’ll find and where they’re swimming.

A salmon swims gracefully in the water, its mouth open as it navigates through the aquatic environment.
An Alaska salmon glides gracefully through the water.

Salmon: The star of Alaska’s waters.

King, coho and chum, oh my! Alaska is renowned for its five species of salmon, each of which thrives in different regions across the state. King salmon, also known as Chinook, are the largest of the bunch and easily found in the Kenai and Copper rivers. Silver Salmon, or coho, are plentiful in Southeast Alaska, particularly around Juneau and Sitka, where they make their way upstream during late summer. For a taste of adventure, try your hand at catching the feisty sockeye salmon in Bristol Bay, one of the world’s most significant salmon fisheries. Chum and pink salmon, meanwhile, are abundant in places like Ketchikan and Kodiak, which offer a more relaxed fishing experience.

A person stands in water, holding a fish with both hands, showcasing a moment of fishing success.
Standing in the water, a person triumphantly hoists an Alaska char, capturing the thrill of a successful catch.

Trout and char: The freshwater gems

Cast a line for enormous trout and char in the freshwater lakes and rivers! Freshwater fishing in Alaska can take you to the waters of the Kenai River where you’ll find trophy-sized rainbow trout that can weigh over 20 pounds. Or head to the streams around Anchorage for healthy-sized Arctic char, a fish known for its bright orange or red coloring. For lake trout and Arctic grayling, cast out in the deep, clear waters around Fairbanks.

A man stands with a Halibut in hand, highlighting his skill and success in fishing.
A man proudly displays a Halibut, showcasing his fishing prowess and success.

Halibut and rockfish: The ocean giants

All aboard! Head out to sea to fish for some of the gems of the sea like halibut and rockfish. These bottom-dwelling giants are particularly plentiful in the waters off Seward — somewhere you can also find the distinctly colored rockfish.

Do you have a favorite Alaska fishing tale? Tell us your story! Tweet us a picture at @PrincessCruises or leave us a comment on our Facebook page.

 

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A man fishing in a lake from Alaska

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