For true sportsmen, the ultimate fly-fishing experience might combine the perfect natural setting with clear, uncrowded waters and the potential of landing large numbers of fish - including trophy catches. If this is your idea of the dream fishing adventure, fly fishing in Alaska is an option you should consider. Here are just a few things you can expect if you pack your gear and head off to America's last great frontier.
There are plenty of places in Alaska where fly fishermen can still average twenty or more fish landed per day. Among other challenging species, trout and many varieties of salmon including Sockeye, King, Chum and Pink salmon abound in Alaska's countless rivers, lakes and streams. Due to the fact that there are few places that are over-fished and many places that have hardly been fished at all, if ever, fly-fishermen regularly land trophy-sized catches up here.
For many regions in Alaska, the prime fishing season is from June through early September. Although it rarely gets too hot, there are plenty of warm and clear days. Don't forget, the sun stays up a lot longer here during the summer too, so you can get in several more hours of quality fishing here than you can anywhere down in the continental US. It still gets wet and chilly sometimes even in the summer though, so be sure to bring some decent rain gear along too.
If it's your first time fly fishing in Alaska, you should certainly consider going on a guided trip. Alaska's professional fishing guides have years of practice and experience and tapping into their knowledge is well worth the price on your first trip up. Furthermore, a guided trip will often allow you to fish remote spots that are only accessible by sea-plane. If you've ever wanted to fish where (almost) no man has ever fished before, this is the way to do it.
There is often some concern about bears from fishermen on their way to Alaska for the first time. Although it is true that the state's famous bears enjoy fish, especially salmon, even more than the fishermen do, they are rarely a problem. Bears usually do their dining in the early morning and again in the evening and do their best to stay away from people. Sightings do occur, but only occasionally. Incidents between fly fishermen and bears are rarer still, despite what you might believe from watching movies.
As far as gear goes, bring what you usually do for fly fishing - as long as your rod is at least nine feet long. This allows you to handle anything in the range from your average rainbow trout to a large silver salmon. If you're planning on hitting extended dead drifts or fishing from a drift boat, go with something closer to ten feet. Whatever the length, 7 weight will always serve you well. Another good tip is to bring dry flies for summer fishing, but plan on doing bead fishing if you come up for the fall salmon runs. Don't worry, there are plenty of places where you can find the gear and tackle you need once you get here.
Fly fishermen know that it isn't just about catching the fish. There are many other factors such as the scenery and the environment that play a role in the overall adventure. Fly fishing in Alaska offers the opportunity to enjoy a very unique and memorable experience that will both challenge your skills and reward your efforts.
Of course, Alaska isn't the only place to enjoy fly fishing. Come discover even more great locations and fly fishing tips today at: http://www.FlyFishingJoy.com | 
