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Trying to plan an Alaska fly fishing trip? Wondering which lodge to book? Trying to decide when to go? Figuring out what to pack? For the answers to these questions and more, read on to learn how to plan a fantastic Alaskan fly fishing trip.

Obtaining a Fishing License

While most lodges or tour companies will arrange to obtain your fishing license for you, you can also order them online right from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. They offer a basic fishing license for out-of-state residents, as well as an additional stamp to go after King Salmon.

When to Go

The best time to go on your Alaska fly fishing vacation is during the summer months, between June and September. However, the specific season for your trip may depend on the type of fish you’re after. For example, the Rainbow Trout are biggest from June to August while the Graylings start jumping in May.

Again, the Alaska Department of Fish and Game offers a basic fish run timing chart or you can contact them by phone for more up-to-date and specific fish run information.

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.

Setting Up Your Charter or Lodge

If you’re going to Alaska for fishing, 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.

Frommer’s travel guide recommends booking your lodges and charters through a local travel company. Their choice? Sport Fishing Alaska in Anchorage (1-888-552-8674). The company is run by a couple, Sheary and Larry Suiter.

Basically, for a small advance fee of $95, they’ll plan a full Alaska fly fishing trip for you that’s catered to your budget and will put you exactly where the fishing is hot.

A fishing expedition in Alaska is one of the most thrilling adventures a true angler will ever experience. Because for many it’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, you sure don’t want to lose time spent on planning the trip after you’ve already arrived at your destination. Taking advantage of some of the services mentioned above will help to ensure you are able make best use of your precious time on the water.

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