A fall run of fish starting in August, usually peaks in October and is fishable until the end of the month. Thats why I decided to write up this complete guide for steelhead fishing in Alaska. But as the fish and the rivers to catch them in are so plentiful here, it can be hard to know your way around if youve never fished in Alaskan waters. Too few kings are coming back to . Not only will this give you a unique experience in a breath-taking environment, but the trolling here can often be very productive and rewarding as well. For current steelhead and fishing reports in the lower Kenai Peninsula region, please visit theAlaska Department of Fish and Games Area Sport Fishing Report. Lunch is usually sandwiches which the guest make themselves. Troll, spin cast, bottom fish and fly fish.You can make airline reservations yourself, or we can assist you with them. Adult steelhead which have spent 1 to 3 years in the ocean are generally heavily spotted with irregularly shaped dark spots both above and below the lateral line. The idea was to cruise a portion of the Inside Passage with Thanks Alaska, stopping to prospect remote wild Southeast Alaska steelhead streams just about wherever we pleased. The fall runs usually start right after summer, meaning sometime during August, and last through October or November, depending on how early the cold is arriving in Alaska. %%EOF Logging was rampant in Southeast in the past and caused massive damage to the entire ecosystem. (Preferred Prey and Baits), Best Pike Fishing Gear for 2023 (Field-Tested), Ugly Stik Elite Salmon/Steelhead 86 Spinning Rod, Alaska Department of Fish and Games Area Sport Fishing Report, Alaska Department of Fish and Games licenses and permits section, You can find the current regulations (as well as possible emergency orders and rule changes) for all four regions here, Steelhead Fishing in Washington (Everything You Need to Know). w! Steelhead Scouting Mission to Southeast Alaska Wild fresh run Pacific steelhead are considered by many to be the ultimate gamefish on a fly rod. Steelhead have been called the ultimate game fish. Salmon and steelhead are caught primarily in streamssea-run and resident rainbows . Depending on the rivers depth and current, you can choose between spoons, smaller crankbaits, or inline spinners. Depending on what they are feeding on at the time, you can succeed with both wet flies, dry flies, nymphs, or streamers. The fishing opportunities are endless and the quality no matter where you go and what you fish for is, in our opinion, unmatched. Watch for their dark red bodies in the riffles and deeper holes. Alaska is divided into four regions (northern, southcentral, southwest, and southeast) due to its incredible diversity and size. Keep at it until the ice stops you because the fish that are coming up the rivers during this time of year are both powerful and very hungry! We will process each fish into 1lb fillets, vacuum pack and freeze them, and they will be boxed and ready for you to take home. Are you a do-it-yourself kind of a person? The joy of the catch, the bait, the tackle and the outdoors in general is what Strike and Catch is all about. The steelhead run from March through late May and in a typical year, there would be sea-run cutthroat and dollies to catch too. There are three main ways of fishing for Alaska steelhead; fly fishing, spin fishing, and float fishing. %PDF-1.6 % Luxury liveaboard Alaska Steelhead fishing trip. Although the area has plenty of productive waters, Kodiaks number one steelhead river is undoubtedly the Kurlak River. Fly fishing is the most popular way to catch steelhead in Alaska. (Preferred Prey and Baits), What Do Pike Eat? Then check out this quality equipment on Amazon. Addicted Alaska 2, "Winter Chrome Blend" the adventure continues! The most common fishing techniques in Gresham are light tackle fishing, drift fishing, and trolling but heavy tackle fishing and artificial lure fishing are popular as well. Hook into a fiesty Steelhead, fight a trophy size King Salmon, battle a big Halibut, or even acrobatic Silvers in the Alaskan waters surrounding Petersburg. xx38Y*`+a!coZo5R>CO&2. {Q$@Kcr6iP0m%[KwIKrRe9u$DJQl#}Hk>2 Steelhead The spring steelhead fishing season is in full swing. A short plane ride from Anchorage will land you in Kachemak Bay for some incredible steelhead fishing. It didn't seem like a flyfishing destination. Many changes to the upper river and be aware of the Brown Bear sign. King Salmon- run in May, June & the first two weeks in July, Halibut- run May thru September (best is July to middle of September), SIlver Salmon- run in August thru September. The Alaskan Sportfishing adventure is waiting for you, join our trip today! Alaska is known as one of the top angling destinations in the world because of the incredible Salmon runs, bountiful Rainbow Trout, record Halibut and famed Crab fishing to name a few. This is comprised of both winter and spring-run fish with their spawn occurring in April and May. Not only does it keep you out of trouble, but it also helps the fishery stay healthy. In the second full feature fishing film from Addicted Fishing, close buddies embark on an a. Give us a call today if youre looking to book your next fishing vacation in Alaskas World Famous Inside Passage. . The flight to Kenai is roughly 20 minutes and offers breathtaking scenery. The steelhead of the Kenai Peninsula are unique in that there is only one run that occurs. , @Xl r?O ) With an annual return of 4,500-8,000 fish, the Situk hosts the largest steelhead run in the state. this fish was caught not with sportfishing gear but in a fish trap in Petersburg (Alaska) back in 1949. . Petersburg is located on Frederick Sound near the summer feeding grounds of hundreds . There are three main ways of fishing for Alaska steelhead; fly fishing, spin fishing, and float fishing. Daily Rentals $450.00 Weekly Rentals $2700.00. PRO TIP: Need to gear up for your next steelhead adventure? While there are many species fishermen can take in the area, fish of prime interest include steelhead, King salmon, halibut and coho (silver) salmon. Some streams in the area that host populations of Steelhead are Petersburg Creek, Bear Creek, Ohmer Creek, Kah Sheets, Marten Creek, Eagle river, and Kunk Creek/Lake. We have previously given praise to the extraordinary steelheading found in the Tongass National Forest in Alaska.Now Chrome Chasers is offering an incredible rate for the week of April 11-17, 2021 (four spaces). Plan your journey with this gorgeous printed map. Wading a remote river with the silent cast of a fly rod is what most anglers consider the pinnacle of fishing. Licenses are sold at the local hardware store and hotels. 406-585-8667 888-777-5060 Destinations My Favorites Search Menu Plan your trip Where In the World? . There is nothing better than closing an incredible day of fishing by watching one of the most beautiful sunsets one can ever see! Some stay in fresh water all their lives and are called rainbow trout. Watch. A few hours of driving from Anchorage will land you in a regular steelhead paradise, pre-spawn through post-spawn. Alaska is primarily known for its incredible landscapes and world-class fishing. "There aren't too many fences here," he says as he navigates two visiting anglers up into the Southeast Alaskan rainforest in search of coastal cutthroat trout. We do not provide canned soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. Bring a sack lunch. Individuals develop differently depending on their environment. Fishermen ply the Anchor River for a bite. Have the time of your life during the Alaska fishing season on the best Alaska fishing trip! Following the rules and regulations of all of Alaskas incredible and unique fisheries should always be your priority number one. Steelhead are one of the most sought-after game fish on the West Coast, and in Southeast, begin their spawning run in April and are available until late May in most of their range. The entire summer offers at least one type of salmon fishing. Around September, these ocean run rainbow trout enter our rivers in good numbers. Overwhelmed by choices? What Do Muskie Eat? Theres no better feeling in the world! Annual surveys of index streams are ongoing but indicate a strong steelhead run in 2019 for the Petersburg/Wrangell area. It may have weighed 22 to 25 pounds. Visit September to April to see the Northern Lights. We specialize in Alaska salmon fishing trips, but that isnt the only fish you can find here. To make things a little easier for you, I researched Alaskas steelhead destinations and wrote them down in this section. Klondike Gold Rush National Historical Park, The 9 Best Northern Lights Viewing Spots Near Anchorage, How to Travel to Alaska in January and February, The Best Large Family & Group Vacations in Alaska, How to Get from Anchorage to Your Cruise Port in Whittier or Seward (or the reverse! These flights are affordable, typically around $135. There are times when we literally hook . Jamie Eddy is the maintenance guy at the retirement home in Petersburg, Alaska. Bring your lunch, rain gear and an appetite for fun, and we will spend the day out on the water catching salmon, halibut, cod, rainbow and many more varieties of fish. Alaska river fishing in remote Kodiak is a tranquil experience. Your email address will not be published. Best Fishing Times: 12:00AM to 12:00AM, and 12:00AM to 12:00AM. Which one is right for you? The Alaska Steelhead Co. offers 5 star rated accommodations centrally located to all the rivers we fish. Both of our lodges and guest cabins are perched on the edge of a 200 ft. bluff overlooking Cook Inlet, glaciers, and the famed active volcanoes Redoubt, Iliamna, Spur and Augustine. Alaska Department of Fish and Game Switch to Section: ADF&G Home Fishing Hunting Subsistence Viewing Education Species Habitat Regulations About Us Join Us News and Events Management & Research Licenses & Permits e-Library Maps & GIS Contact Us Our timing was perfect weather-wise, but the fishing was a bit slowthe steelhead hadnt really poured into the rivers yet, and the sea-run cutthroat and dolly varden were still somewhere out to sea. The Karluk has one of Alaskas biggest steelhead runs during fall and spring, and fish around 30 inches or more are pretty common! If youre interested in the Hawkeye II and Thanks Alaska call Gils Fly Fishing International at 406-317-1062. Based in Petersburg Alaska the Viaggio offers the perfect live-aboard platform for a steelhead voyage in SE Alaska. Bag Limits. Contact us to book a charter today! Think About Alternative Species, Too! Southeast Alaska Fishing Lodges Petersburg Alaska offers four fish-on-your-own lodges at which patrons get a boat, motor, gas, tackle, and bait and can fish to their heart's delight. Your must-have activity guide + map while in Alaska. All wild steelhead trout hatch in gravel-bottomed, fast-flowing, well-oxygenated rivers and streams. Large cruise ships do not come here and it's off the beaten track for most visitors traveling on their own. Copyright 2022, Petersburg Sportfishing - All Rights Reserved. FISHING SEASONS Steelhead Salmon - run in April & May Although our main focus is steelhead most of our season we also target Silver Salmon, Dolly Varden & Rainbow Trout. Come and enjoy some great fishing with your friend and loved ones. The accessibility and many lodging accommodations make the Kenai Peninsula an excellent option for those on a budget or traveling with family and its many rivers hold plenty of trophy steelies waiting to be caught. Small spots are also scattered along the top of the head, along the sides, on the dorsal and both lobes of the caudal fins. Its a relatively basic and simple way of fishing, and it is this simplicity that makes float fishing for steelhead so compelling. Avery limited fishing season is available on these streams during the early summer for both salmon and steelhead. and ranks among the best Kodiak steelhead fishing rivers. I wasnt knew to this dealback in the day I took a semester off of college and cruised around the area in an 18-foot long open skiff, hiking up streams, camping next to their banks and on some days just purely raking in the steelhead. Our Southeast Alaska fishing lodge is fully equipped with all of the comforts of home and youll be amazed at the rugged natural beauty our Alaska wilderness has to offer. Breakfast and Dinner times will be posted by the cook. To see the same mistakes committed today would be tragic at best. Alaskas Inside Passage offers calm waters that provide a safe fishing environment thats nutrient rich. The views are absolutely breathtaking morning, day and night. Petersburg Sportfishing offers guided fishing charters in Southeast Alaska and also has un-guided fishing options for anglers that want to fish at their own pace. Sign-up for any of the following email series to help plan your Alaska trip. It covers everything from the best steelhead rivers, seasons, and fishing charters, to information about regulations, licenses, and record catches. Another popular and effective technique for Alaska steelhead is float or bobber fishing. Tlingit people have been hunting and fishing in the Petersburg area for over 2,000 years. A great DIY option is to travel and camp the Denali Highway, which runs across the south edge of the Alaska . hbbd``b`Z$ 4 HA7w=`. By Patrick Fowler Dockside May 9, 2019 Petersburg Fishing Report Both of our lodges and guest cabins are perched on the edge of a 200 ft. bluff overlooking Cook Inlet, glaciers, and the famed active volcanoes Redoubt, Iliamna, Spur and Augustine. Commercial Salmon Fishing in Alaska (A Complete Guide) P.O. While in Kenai, you are able to make a quick stop at the liquor store and/or pick up anything you forgot to pack. Book entire boat for your family or group, or opt to bunk with other guests. After several days of cruising on the Hawkeye II, I know thisI want to go back to Petersburg, climb aboard again, and spend another blissful week watching some of the worlds finest scenery glide by. If those times won't work for you, 12:00AM to 12:00AM looks promising. If you have a special dietary need, please speak to the cook! 34 0 obj <> endobj We wandered through the Tongas National Forest, the lungs of North America, and considered what could be lost if protections for the Tongass are not reinstated. Wading a remote river with the silent cast of a fly rod is what most anglers consider the pinnacle of fishing. Fish between 30 and 40 inches and 15 to 20lb are considered trophy steelies in Alaska. (Mid May to first week of July. 2-5 day small ship explorations. All you have to arrange is your flight to Petersburg! On the colder days Chef Felix makes sure you have a thermos of soup and the guides prepare coffee, hot cider and hot chocolate. If you have a special dietary need, please speak to the cook! Book your stay at Island Point Lodge and experience an unparalleled Alaskan getaway! Youll see no lil Corkys, no tippet packages, no tippet, no snelled hooks, no lost strike indicators, no beer cans . It will forever change the way you approach targeting steelhead. The availability of rods and reels will reduce the number of luggage items that you would have to check in with the airlines. Fishing Castle River, AK on 2/20/2023 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, and from 12:00AM to 12:00AM. Steelhead: Catch and release fishing only, all steelhead caught must be released immediately. endstream endobj startxref Required fields are marked *. The Alaska fishing season is filled with opportunity to catch the fish of your dreams: King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Sockeye Salmon, Pink Salmon, Chum Salmon, Halibut, Cutthroat trout, Dolly Varden trout and Steelhead! Southeast Alaska's vast, unspoiled landscape and natural beauty attracts visitors from all over the world, but it is the incredible fishing that brings anglers flocking for an unforgettable fishing vacation. Chef Felix is always more than happy to accommodate any dietary needs or even just a request for a specific craving. The town of Petersburg was founded by Peter Buschmann of Norway in 1897. Focus on Denali & Kenai Fjords. and char. Many of the forests most critical salmon and steelhead habitat are left unprotected. Just rainforest, tannin-stained rivers and completely wild fish. You may bring your own reel and use our rods if you wish. Trig runs the 72 foot luxury yacht the Viaggio.