Alaska West: Fishing Day

Alaska West uses jet sleds to access the fishing grounds each day; sometimes they will have anglers fish from the boats (they have set them up to be rowed), and sometimes they will beach the boats and have guests wade the shallower runs and riffles.

The former is especially useful when targeting big rainbows in deep water, the latter when salmon fishing or fishing for trout behind spawning salmon. Right after breakfast each day guests will be split up, two to a boat and guide, and whisked off to the type of fishing they have requested. If you are to fish the Arolik, you will be transported there first by boat, then vehicle, then boat again. Due to the prolific and varied nature of the fisheries, it is not unusual to be catching bright salmon all morning, then spend the afternoon catching trout, dollies and grayling. On both rivers fished, guides can custom-tailor the day to your wishes – hunt for fewer and larger rainbows, or smaller and more numerous specimens; swing 10-weights and sinking lines in June for monster king salmon, or pop Pink Pollywogs across the surface for silvers in August. The guide will work with each angler, sharpening their skills and explaining the fishing, and will stay with them all day