Fish Classifications for Ideal Fly Fishing off Alaskan Waters


Fish Classifications for Ideal Fly Fishing off Alaskan Waters

So, you’re planning on fly fishing in Alaska? Do you know the area’s different species? What types of fish you can expect to encounter? If not, keep reading for an overview of the area’s most abundant fish species.

Pacific Salmon

The four most populous Pacific salmon varieties in Alaska are: silver salmon, reds or sockeyes, pinks, and Chinook or king salmons. Overall, the Pacific salmon is a great game fish that can put up a fantastic fight and pose an incredible challenge.

Pacific salmon only spawn once in their lifetime and then die. And though they don’t eat upon returning to fresh water, they will strike surface and subsurface flies. Fly fishers also need to be prepared to do battle with strong fighters. With sockeyes and chums weighing in at 3 to 10 pounds and king salmon tipping the scales at 12 to 100 pounds or more, fly fishers need to be ready.

The Steelhead (Trout Family)

The steelhead trout is a unique rainbow trout that can swim in the open sea or large lake environment, but does spawn in connecting rivers. After their spawning, they’ll return to a large lake or ocean.

Because the steelhead is rare, fast and hard to catch, it’s a prized fish and a respected catch. On average, the steelhead will weigh between 4 and 12 pounds, but can go much larger in size in the Alaskan waters. To catch the steelhead, fly fishers need to be patient and persevere.

The Grayling (Trout Family)

The graying is a unique fish, easily identifiable by its high and broad dorsal fin and almost neon blue color on its body and fins. For fly fishing, Alaska graylings are both prized and easy to catch. The fish aren’t very discriminating and tend to go for almost any fly.

Graylings mostly feed on live and active insects, but will sometimes eat crustaceans or small minnows. The most effective flies tend to be smaller or dry flies.

An Alaskan grayling will typically grow to about 4 pounds, but they’re a tasty catch and well suited to the dinner table.

Alaskan Arctic Char

As a trout, the Arctic char lives for the pure and cold waters of Alaskan lakes and streams. The fish makes a great catch that’s lively and strong, though willing to fall for more flies and slightly easier to trick than the rainbow trout. For fly fishing, Alaskan arctic char is an easy lure, but a fantastic catch.

About the Author:

For information on exciting fishing adventures – please visit alaskafloridafishing.com – a popular site providing great fishing trip insights – such as Alaska float fishing trips – http://www.alaskafloridafishing.com/alaska-float-fishing.shtml – fly fishing in Alaska – http://www.alaskafloridafishing.com/fly-fishing-alaska.shtml – and many more!

Fish Classifications for Ideal Fly Fishing off Alaskan Waters / Author: Trevor Price