Top Alaska Fishing Experiences

[colonel00]

I don't know where your from, but if you don't have much sea experience think about whether or not you will get seasick, that will make a trip rougher.

Great advice here.

 

[ben h]

Funny you mention getting sea sick, I was just thinking that. It's been a long time since I've been on open ocean, but the 2 times I did, I puked both times.

I went to Doc Warner's camp in 1996 near Juneau and the water is broken up with so many islands, that there wasn't any swell at all, it was more like fishing on a big lake except obviously there is a lot of tide. I think his camp approach is pretty cool; the 1st day, someone will accompany you on one of their boats (if you want) to show you how to fish for salmon or halibut and then the rest of the trip you can fish for as much or as little as you want on your own. We never did land any of the huge halibut, I think the biggest in our group was around 100 lb, but most were probably 40-60, but still fun and delicious. Not sure if he still does this, but a few days we set out crab pots, too. For us land locked folks, there's nothing like eating fresh halibut, salmon and crab right out of the ocean. Doc's isn't the place if you're seeking solitude, but rather loosely populated.

Another trip in 2006, I didn't get to fish, but was building a cabin for a client on the Ugashik river on the south end of Bristol bay. It's crazy how expensive the logistics get when you're doing construction 120 miles from the nearest road. There are no trips to the store for anything and you better have 2 of everything that's important. This is a fly in area and based on how much was spent on that cabin, I bet the fishing is fantastic and you'll have plenty of solitude if you want that. If you do the fly/drop in anywhere in AK, don't forget your check book!

 

[Fletch]

Another option I would look into is Gustavus in SE just outside of Glacier Bay National Park. I won the trip through live auction at a Safari Club banquet a few years ago. I didn't have very many options on timing but went the first week in June and had a good time. Caught some halibut, various species of rock fish, ling cod, and a few salmon. We were kind of early for the salmon and the orcas wrecked havoc on the salmon fishing but lots of fish were caught. We stopped in Elfin Cove one day for a short bit and that place was pretty interesting. A few outfits operate out of there as well and might be an option as well. The lodge we stayed out operated where groups would arrive Sunday, fish Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and leave Friday. We had a private room with bath, common dining and rec rooms and only 4 people per boat.

I am not up on the regulations but do some research on the halibut limits for both SE and SC. The current limits in South Central are not very condusive to charters and at the time SE was a little better but they still had a slot limit in place. I believe in South Central you can only keep 4 halibut annually caught on a charter and if SE has not changed there was no annual limit and the slot prevented you from keeping fish in the 60lb to 300lb range (Regulations are actually based on length but this is what I remember when you use the rule of thumb calculation for determining halibut weight based on inches).

 

[Ray]

Start thinking of your budget. When you start talking about having a guide along you are talking serious money. Live aboard boats with a group for a few days and you are talking not too serious money. There are live aboard charters out of Nilnilchik/Anchor Point that head to the mouth of Cook Inlet and Afognak Island for sea fishing. Best if you have a group, but they might be able to piecemeal fill a scheduled trip.

I think the place in SE near Juneau that has been brought up a few times might be a great value for the experience. I love SE, but only go down there for work.

Most the SW AK salmon lodges/floats are focused on swinging flys, however much of that fishing can be accomplished with spin/cast gear. If kings are in then they may be looking at using bait if legal on that river. Not much fun on fly gear, but easy on spin or caster gear.

 

[Glory]

A 3 day charter in SE AK will get it done for you. You'll get kings/cohos/halibut/rockfish/lingcod/yelloweye. Think outer coast for your best fishing. Sitka and Craig will have the most consistent fishing, due to their proximity to where the salmon usually are. Some inside ports have their moments, but there is a reason why Sitka and Craig has the fleets they do.

Problem is that most of the worthy operations are already booked solid for 2017. If someone has openings right now, I'd really look closely at the operation and know what you are getting yourself into. It would probably involve a guide who could be your neighbor, with not much experience. The market for charters is screaming right now, and for good reason. It's one hell of a trip.

 

[wind gypsy]

Thanks again for all the input guys. I just pulled the trigger on a trip to Doc Warners for the last week in August, they said that was the best time for Silvers and halibut should still be good.

Not knowing exactly how adventurous my dad would want to be and knowing he'll want to primarily target table fare, this sounds like a good balance. I've always enjoyed fishing much more when you have to make the decisions on presentation/timing/location/boat control rather than being along for the ride to just hook and reel in so this sounds like a great option.

 

[JPD350]

You going in 2017? I'll be there the week of August 20 with three other guys.

You will have a great time!

 

[wind gypsy]

Yep, week of 8/27/17. The two weeks prior were all booked up.

 

[ben h]

Wish I was going to Doc's......you'll have a fantastic time. Buy good rain gear; don't take anything that's ultra light.

 

[4ester]

I've fished at Docs before, and my parents and some family friends go almost every year. Great people. You can fish as hard or leisurely as you want. Mary's is where most of the big halibut are. Everything you need and nothing you don't.


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