At Rainbow Bend Lodges, we get to talk to a lot of people from around the world, all wanting to get the most of their Alaskan fishing adventure. As such, we field a lot of questions about what it takes to plan a fishing trip to Alaska.
While we here at Rainbow Bend Lodge have the boats, lodging, fishing gear, and access to some of Alaska best fishing, you still must plan ahead in order to get exactly what you’re hoping for, from your trip. Just because you’re going to Alaska, don’t expect to catch fish with mindless effort on every cast. It’s important to plan all aspects of the trip well in advance. The key is knowing the questions you want answered, and addressing those, directly.
Of course, the common goal when heading to Alaska is to catch fish, no matter where you go. To achieve this, you must go where the fish are. This 
means you have to decide first and foremost, on what species it is you’re wanting to catch. Coming to fish the Naknek River for sockeye salmon happens at a different time than our silver salmon, for instance, and if you want to catch trophy class rainbow trout with us at Rainbow Bend Lodges, late spring and early fall are top times. Once you’ve decided on what species you want to target, it’s a must to determine their run timings. From there, you can start planning the rest of your trip.
Last year saw one of the most dismal seasons on record for king salmon in much of the state. If catching a king salmon is high on your priority list, then devote serious time to learning where the fish might be this season. On the other hand, the silver salmon and sockeye salmon fishing was red-hot in the Bristol Bay area last year, so if planning a trip to Alaska, mid to late summer in this area might be better suited for providing the opportunities you’re looking for.
Once you’ve decided on the fish species you want to catch, figure out your schedule so you can be fishing at the peak of the run. Nothing is more frustrating than being on a river, pursuing a fish that’s going to be impossible to catch because there are none running at the time.
Next, figure out what gear is needed to be successful. While we at Rainbow Bend Lodges offer a selection of gear, including waders and wading boots, many anglers like bringing their own gear. Know that traveling with 3- and 4-piece rods are easier than 2-piece rods, if you’re looking to do some fly outs to remote waters in bush planes.
When selecting gear for a specific species or fishery, be sure you know the rules and regulations of the water being fished. For instance, fishing with bait such as cured salmon eggs, is not allowed on the Naknek River, but is allowed in some surrounding rivers. Note that these rules can change from year to year. Seasons may even experience emergency closures, something that’s out of your control.
Prior to leaving for Alaska, monitor weather conditions in the area you’ll be fishing. Think ahead and make sure you bring the right gear, and be willing to accept the fact you might be sitting in a cabin to wait out a storm or heavy fog. Even in summer, Alaska’s weather can throw a curve ball.
In order to maximize your Alaska fishing adventure, plan ahead. If fishing remote destinations, there is no going back to grab forgotten gear. Know the regulations, run timings and diversify your approach. By knowing exactly what you’re getting in to, and being able to apply multiple techniques, hopefully that Alaska fishing experience will surpass even your wildest dreams.
Then again, that’s why we’re here at Rainbow Bend Lodges…to help make
your Alaskan fishing trip of a lifetime, one you won’t soon forget. There’s a reason we’re fortunate to have a high number of friends returning to fish with us every summer.