Early season conditions can vary depending upon the previous winter. A heavy snow pack produces high water, while a light one means low, clear conditions. Either way, June is a great time to target rainbows. Coming out of their winter dormancy and spawning period, the rainbows are anxious to fill their empty bellies. A favorite style of fishing this time of year is sight-fishing for large trout, using dry flies and mouse patterns.
Alaska Fishing Seasons
June
DRY FLY FISHING SEASON
July
SOCKEYE SALMON FISHING & GREAT TROUT FISHING IN KATMAI
Early July produces epic days of dry fly fishing. Historically, by the second week of July, the largest sockeye salmon runs found anywhere in the world are beginning in this region. The sockeye – rated by many anglers as the strongest salmon pound for pound – will make for countless fish-fighting memories. Nymphs and streamers can be productive during July, with many of the larger fish taken on bugger and sculpin patterns.
July
SOCKEYE SALMON FISHING & GREAT TROUT FISHING IN KATMAI
Early July produces epic days of dry fly fishing. Historically, by the second week of July, the largest sockeye salmon runs found anywhere in the world are beginning in this region. The sockeye – rated by many anglers as the strongest salmon pound for pound – will make for countless fish-fighting memories. Nymphs and streamers can be productive during July, with many of the larger fish taken on bugger and sculpin patterns.
August
THIS PREMIER TROUT MONTH SELLS OUT QUICKLY!
The rainbow feeding frenzy begins! Sockeye salmon start to spawn, leaving a scent in the water that ignites voracious rainbow trout. As the spawning accelerates throughout the month, more and more food invites brutish, big-shouldered rainbows from Lake Iliamna to stack up in the rivers, presenting anglers with the best chance of the year for a true trophy. As if that weren’t enough line-ripping excitement, this is also silver salmon time, with the run beginning in early August and finishing in September.
September
TROPHY TROUT AND SILVER SALMON FISHING
In Alaska, September is probably the best month to go after trophy trout. While the weather can be challenging, this is when the largest numbers of big lake rainbows come into area rivers. The fish know this is their last chance to pack on weight for the long winter ahead. The rainbows are still extremely aggressive toward salmon eggs and will chase a flesh fly with reckless abandon. In fact, they are willing to gorge themselves on just about anything you pass in front of them.
September
TROPHY TROUT AND SILVER SALMON FISHING
In Alaska, September is probably the best month to go after trophy trout. While the weather can be challenging, this is when the largest numbers of big lake rainbows come into area rivers. The fish know this is their last chance to pack on weight for the long winter ahead. The rainbows are still extremely aggressive toward salmon eggs and will chase a flesh fly with reckless abandon. In fact, they are willing to gorge themselves on just about anything you pass in front of them.