Alaska Rainbow Trout Fishing

Click Here for our Fall Trophy Alaska Trout Fishing Trips

Rainbow Trout (up to 25 pounds)
State Record - 42 pounds, 3 ounces

Fly fishing for Alaska Rainbow Trout :

Most Alaska rainbow trout are in the 1 to 5 pound range and they are a lot of fun on a good 6 weight fly rod. But, in a few rivers like the Kenai, there are a lot of big rainbow trout that will tear up such "light" gear and wave goodbye.

There is little dry fly fishing for Alaska Rainbows... their focus revolves around food and in Alaska, that's salmon. Salmon Eggs, baby salmon and carcasses from post spawning adults.

That said, little doesn't mean none. There are times of year and some spots where nice fish will rise to a dry. Still, the most effective fly is a salmon egg imitation for most of the season and late in the season a flesh fly.

If you are coming at a peak time, bring at least a 7 weight and be able to land big fish without tiring them excessively. To make roll casting and mending easier, we recommend a 9'6" or 10' rod. If you don't have one, you can use one of ours.

Spinning Gear for Alaska Rainbow Trout :

A good light rod with a reel holding 150 to 200 yards of 10 - 12 lb test is a good choice. We can tie on a lighter tippet to get around fish that are line shy.

For peak Rainbow trout fishing in Alaska come anytime from mid August through the end of September. Look for rivers that have great red runs (like the Kenai and Alagnak) for those truly big bows.

In most rivers any one of these Rainbow Trout would be a hog. Imagine fishing where you could hit 3 fish like this at one time!

Alaska Rainbows are usually focused on salmon fry, bait fish, salmon flesh and salmon eggs. Except for a fun couple of weeks in June, very little action happens on top. Consequently, most Alaskan rainbow trout guides will rig you up to fish a variety of tackle right on the river bottom.

The single most effective Rainbow Trout lure is a good salmon egg imitation and the best imitation is a painted bead. Using these relatively new 'lures' has revolutionized trout fishing. Even the biggest most educated of rainbows simply cannot tell the right bead from a real salmon egg. Of course, size, color and presentation are critical if you want to fool the big ones...

Click Here for our Fall Trophy Trout Fishing Trips

Call Toll Free: 1-888-836-9027

Alaska River Adventures
PO Box 725 * Cooper Landing, AK 99572
Phone 907-595-2000 * Fax 907-595-3454