The Right Gear for the Job
The Right Gear for the Job
If you’re going for the ultimate King Salmon, bring a 10wt. You simply can’t do it without one.
Fly Reels will Get Tested
Like saltwater fly fishing, reels matter. They don’t simply hold your fly line. A serious drag system and durability are an absolute must. You’re not on an island, but you are in the middle of nowhere, so if your reel fails, well, you can imagine your frustration. Stick to name brand products that you’ve known and trusted for years and go fish with confidence.
Fly Lines get Abused
Floating lines are commonly used for rods up to 8wt. Scientific Anglers, RIO, Airflo and Cortland all make great fly lines. For 10wt rods and King Salmon fishing, sinking fly lines between 250 and 350-grain work well. You might be surprised to see what Alaska’s fish can do to your equipment including your fly line, so we recommend bring a back up line (or two). Consider fly lines to be critical to your success and a small relative expense.
Fly Rods Need to be Fast
All of your fly rods should be fast action—you fish big flies for big fish. This is no country for 4wt and 5wt rods. For smaller species (by Alaska standards) like Rainbows and Grayling, 6wt and 7wt rods will do the trick, preferably a 7wt. Landing 50 fish in a day takes a stout rod to get these shockingly strong fish to the net in a decent amount of time. Some of the rivers have a lot of fast water and when you hook 5 fish out of a run that are over 25lbs, you’ll be glad you went with the bigger rod.
On the small side, you’ll need 6 to 8wt rods for:
All of your fly rods should be fast action—you fish big flies for big fish. This is no country for 4wt and 5wt rods. For smaller species (by Alaska standards) like Rainbows and Grayling, 6wt and 7wt rods will do the trick, preferably a 7wt. Landing 50 fish in a day takes a stout rod to get these shockingly strong fish to the net in a decent amount of time. Some of the rivers have a lot of fast water and when you hook 5 fish out of a run that are over 25lbs, you’ll be glad you went with the bigger rod.
On the small side, you’ll need 6 to 8wt rods for:
- Rainbows
- Dolly Varden
- Arctic Char
- Arctic Grayling
- Lake Trout
- Pike
- Silver Salmon
- Sockeye Salmon
- Chum Salmon
- Pink Salmon
If you’re going for the ultimate King Salmon, bring a 10wt. You simply can’t do it without one.
Fly Reels will Get Tested
Like saltwater fly fishing, reels matter. They don’t simply hold your fly line. A serious drag system and durability are an absolute must. You’re not on an island, but you are in the middle of nowhere, so if your reel fails, well, you can imagine your frustration. Stick to name brand products that you’ve known and trusted for years and go fish with confidence. Fly Lines get Abused
Floating lines are commonly used for rods up to 8wt. Scientific Anglers, RIO, Airflo and Cortland all make great fly lines. For 10wt rods and King Salmon fishing, sinking fly lines between 250 and 350-grain work well. You might be surprised to see what Alaska’s fish can do to your equipment including your fly line, so we recommend bring a back up line (or two). Consider fly lines to be critical to your success and a small relative expense.
Big Fish, Big Leaders
Fluorocarbon 7-1/2 ft leaders from 0 – 2x are recommended for most Alaskan fishing conditions. There are many manufactures of leader and tippet. For the most part, they all produce quality products. We recommend you stick with the manufacturer that you’ve had the best luck with.
Fluorocarbon 7-1/2 ft leaders from 0 – 2x are recommended for most Alaskan fishing conditions. There are many manufactures of leader and tippet. For the most part, they all produce quality products. We recommend you stick with the manufacturer that you’ve had the best luck with.
Dress for Skiing
Alaska is full of scenic wonder and beauty. But the weather can be harsh, even brutal at times. Bring clothing and outerwear that will handle high winds, heavy rain, and cool temperatures. Because you’ll be fishing in conditions that are generally in the low 50’s, staying warm and dry mandatory. Your gear has to stand the test. It’s no wonder why many manufacturers field-test their products in Alaska. Modern, heavy-duty Gore-Tex jackets—like the Simms G4 and G3—are highly recommended. Also, wicking and layering garments underneath your jacket will keep you toasty and moisture free.
This is No Time for Leaky Waders
You’ll stay warmest in breathable waders with layering garments underneath. Fishing is hard work, and breathable waders allow your perspiration to escape, yet keeps cold water out. Simms G4 or G3 waders are reliable and comfortable. Bring a back up pair of waders with you. It’s hard to beat Dan Bailey’s lightweight waders, which pack and wear well, for value. Layering garments help you dress for the weather. When it’s warmer, a midweight layer works fine. But when Alaska shows her might and puts her chill on you, you’ll want to wear heavyweight Patagonia Capilene or Polartec Fleece. The combination of wicking under layers and breathable outer layers are the keys to staying warm.
Wool Keeps Your Feet Warm
You can’t have too many socks or gloves. Smartwool or other Merino wool holds its heat value even when it’s wet and it also has natural wicking properties.
Keep Your Hands Dry
Bring plenty of gloves, too. You’ll catch and release a lot of fish, meaning your hands will get wet and eventually cold. Keep an extra pair or two in your gear bag. You should also invest in chemically activated hand warmers and toe warmers. They are well worth the nominal expense. Place toe warmers between your sock and the neoprene wader sock and your feet will be warm all day. Put hand warmers in your pockets or inside your gloves when things get nasty.
No Felt in Alaska
You can no longer use felt boots in Alaska. Many companies produce rubber soled boots with Simms taking the lead in development. They have a wide assortment of boots to fit your needs. Optionally, you can purchase removable studs that will assure you of stable footing. Whether you like felt or not doesn’t matter. Alaska is determined to fight invasive species from getting into their watersheds. This means rubber is your only viable option.
Walk and Wade with Everything on Your Back
You’ll walk and wade a lot. A waterproof backpack works great as a device to keep your extra clothes dry and to store your fly gear. Large gear bags aren’t really necessary because your guide will provide you with most everything you need. But having a smaller gear/boat bag is advised so you have a place to store extra clothing, your camera and raingear. Make sure your gear bags are truly waterproof, not simply water resistant.
Big Bugs Flying in Your Direction
Polarized glasses for bright and dark conditions are needed like they are in most fishing destinations. You’ll fish in a variety of light conditions. Gray lenses work best in bright conditions. Copper, brown, amber, or bronze lenses work best in low light conditions. Since you’re casting big bugs, eyewear provides safety and improves your senses. Make sure to bring a back up pair in case you lose or break your main pair. You’ll be glad you did.
Final Note
Alaska is full of scenic wonder and beauty. But the weather can be harsh, even brutal at times. Bring clothing and outerwear that will handle high winds, heavy rain, and cool temperatures. Because you’ll be fishing in conditions that are generally in the low 50’s, staying warm and dry mandatory. Your gear has to stand the test. It’s no wonder why many manufacturers field-test their products in Alaska. Modern, heavy-duty Gore-Tex jackets—like the Simms G4 and G3—are highly recommended. Also, wicking and layering garments underneath your jacket will keep you toasty and moisture free.
This is No Time for Leaky Waders
You’ll stay warmest in breathable waders with layering garments underneath. Fishing is hard work, and breathable waders allow your perspiration to escape, yet keeps cold water out. Simms G4 or G3 waders are reliable and comfortable. Bring a back up pair of waders with you. It’s hard to beat Dan Bailey’s lightweight waders, which pack and wear well, for value. Layering garments help you dress for the weather. When it’s warmer, a midweight layer works fine. But when Alaska shows her might and puts her chill on you, you’ll want to wear heavyweight Patagonia Capilene or Polartec Fleece. The combination of wicking under layers and breathable outer layers are the keys to staying warm.Wool Keeps Your Feet Warm
You can’t have too many socks or gloves. Smartwool or other Merino wool holds its heat value even when it’s wet and it also has natural wicking properties.
Keep Your Hands Dry
Bring plenty of gloves, too. You’ll catch and release a lot of fish, meaning your hands will get wet and eventually cold. Keep an extra pair or two in your gear bag. You should also invest in chemically activated hand warmers and toe warmers. They are well worth the nominal expense. Place toe warmers between your sock and the neoprene wader sock and your feet will be warm all day. Put hand warmers in your pockets or inside your gloves when things get nasty.
No Felt in Alaska
You can no longer use felt boots in Alaska. Many companies produce rubber soled boots with Simms taking the lead in development. They have a wide assortment of boots to fit your needs. Optionally, you can purchase removable studs that will assure you of stable footing. Whether you like felt or not doesn’t matter. Alaska is determined to fight invasive species from getting into their watersheds. This means rubber is your only viable option.Walk and Wade with Everything on Your Back
You’ll walk and wade a lot. A waterproof backpack works great as a device to keep your extra clothes dry and to store your fly gear. Large gear bags aren’t really necessary because your guide will provide you with most everything you need. But having a smaller gear/boat bag is advised so you have a place to store extra clothing, your camera and raingear. Make sure your gear bags are truly waterproof, not simply water resistant.
Big Bugs Flying in Your Direction
Polarized glasses for bright and dark conditions are needed like they are in most fishing destinations. You’ll fish in a variety of light conditions. Gray lenses work best in bright conditions. Copper, brown, amber, or bronze lenses work best in low light conditions. Since you’re casting big bugs, eyewear provides safety and improves your senses. Make sure to bring a back up pair in case you lose or break your main pair. You’ll be glad you did.
Final Note
It bears repeating: You’re a long ways from home. It’s no time to experiment with equipment and gear, or skimping on performance clothing. Alaska demands more preparation and consideration than most destinations. So be prepared, and get ready to fish hard. There’s nothing like it.