Alaska Fly Fishing Trip: Putting Together Your Fulfilling Fly Fishing Trip in Alaska

Trying to plan an Alaska fly fishing trip? Wondering which lodge to book? Trying to decide when to go? Figuring out what to pack?

Planning an Alaska fly fishing trip? Wondering about the best time to go? How to find the best fishing lodges? What to bring? Keep reading for great tips on how to plan an Alaskan fishing vacation that you'll never forget.?

Fishing Licenses

Typically, your charter company or lodge will arrange your license for you. However if not or if you're planning a self-catered and independent fishing trip, you can order your license online from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. Right from their website, you can apply for your fishing license and print it out instantly.

Fishing Seasons in Alaska

The peak season for an Alaska fly fishing trip is from June to September. However, the exact time you go will largely depend on the kind of fish you want and where you're going. For example, Lake Trout will thrive during the off-season, while Rainbow Trout will peter out by mid-August. Much of it depends on where you are and your timing. For a complete fish run timing chart, check with the Alaska Department of Fish and Game.

For a non-resident, fishing licenses start at $20 for a day, $35 for two days, $55 for seven days, $80 for fourteen days and $145 for a full year. However, non-resident military personnel only pay $24 for a full year.

Booking a Lodge or Charter

If you're going to Alaska to fish, you should book at a fishing lodge or with an experienced fishing tour company. Areas like Bristol Bay and the Kenai River have hundreds of lodges from which to choose, but being in the wrong place at the wrong time means you could really miss out. The bulk of Alaska's fish population is migratory, meaning you need to be where the fish are. That said, if you don't book ahead, you could find the right place and time fully booked up.

So, how do you know where the fish are or where they'll be? Frommer's travel guide, a respected and international travel guide company, recommends making your reservations through a local travel or fishing tour company. They endorse Sport Fishing Alaska specifically - available by phone at 1-888-552-8674. The company is unique as they are an advocate for the angler, helping you book your Alaska fly fishing trip based on where the fishing is good, plentiful and timely. They'll also work within any budget and for a small advance fee of just $95.