Sport Fish of Interior Alaska
A diversity of fishing opportunities
There are a good number of different fish species to pursue with the fly rod in Interior and Northern Alaska, ranging from urban stocked trout to native Arctic char in remote fly-out lakes. Finding good fishing often comes down to being at the right place at the right time, and often requires some research and exploration. The Interior is a large region with many different land- and riverscapes and long drives, hikes, or boat rides may be required to access fishing locations. Here we list most of the potential species that can be targeted, in order from easy and ubiquitous to challenging or uncommon
In all instances, be sure to check ADFG fishing regulations and emergency orders for bag limits and other location- and species-specific info
Stocked trout, salmon, and char
The Alaska Department of Fish and Game stocks many local lakes and ponds with hatchery-raised rainbow trout, landlocked coho and Chinook salmon, and Arctic char
These fish are usually very willing to bite almost any fly pattern, are stocked in good numbers, and are perfect for beginning fly fishers and kids. Bag limits are generous to encourage retention for the dinner table or smoker. Go to this website to find a list of stocked waters.
Arctic grayling (Thymallus arcticus)
Grayling are native and are common in Interior AK lakes and rivers
They will eagerly hit dry flies, nymphs, and beads
They are known for their impressive sail-like dorsal fin and iridescent spawning coloration
Grayling can live to more than 30 years of age
They are slow to mature and sensitive to fishing pressure, and are typically managed for catch-and-release fishing
Northern pike (Esox lucius)
Northern pike are ferocious predators native to Interior Alaska
These fish can be warier and less abundant than other species such as grayling, but hit eagerly under the right conditions
Pike can be found in many slow moving rivers, lakes, and ponds. Streamers are a good bet, and occasionally pike will hit topwater flies such as frog and mice patterns. Wire or 30+ lb mono leaders are a necessity to prevent break offs
Be sure to check regulations and bag limits for Minto Flats and associated rivers
Coho salmon (Oncorhynchus kisutch)
Coho salmon are feisty, eager anadromous fish that can be found in September and October in some Interior Alaska Rivers
These fish will go well out of their way to hit large streamers and are great for beginners and kids
Check detailed salmon regs for specific water bodies, and emergency orders for current closures (have been closed during past couple years due to poor salmon returns on the Yukon River)
Lake trout (Salvelinus namaycush)
Lake trout are long-lived native char that prefer deep, cold lakes
They can be difficult to find and can be wary
Best seasons for finding them are spring and fall, when they spend time in shallower waters accessible to fly fishers
Most waters are managed for catch and release or allow only limited harvest because lake trout are slow growing and vulnerable to angling pressure
Chinook salmon (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
These large, anadromous fish are known as "Kings" and are highly sought after because of their size and fighting prowess
They can be found in certain Interior Alaska rivers in July and August
In locations where it is legal to fish for them, they will bite large streamers, but are not as aggressive as coho and are often in deep or silty water
Chinook salmon fisheries are highly regulated and commonly closed due to low numbers. Check ADFG emergency orders and regulations before pursuing them
Inconnu or sheefish (Stenodus nelma)
Inconnu (sheefish) are the largest of the whitefish family, and are known as the "Tarpon of the North" for their size, looks, and fighting tenacity
They can live for decades and get to be 40+ pounds
If you are lucky enough to find sheefish, they will aggressively hit streamers. The challenge is locating them
Success for sheefish is difficult unless using a boat or bush flight to access areas where they are abundant
Chum salmon (Oncorhynchus keta)
Chum salmon are toothy anadromous fish that can be found in some Interior rivers
They are not typically sought for sport fishing in our region because they are patchily distributed and often occupy large, silty rivers
Chums can be eager to bite or other times belligerent, but best luck is usually had when using flashy streamers
Check for special location-specific salmon regs, and emergency orders for current closures (have been closed during past couple years due to poor salmon returns on the Yukon River)
Less common or non-target fish
Whitefish species (Coregoninae)
Present in most rivers and some lakes but not often caught on the fly
Dolly Varden char (Salvelinus malma)
Anadromous and resident varieties.
Patchily distributed
Wild Arctic char (Salvelinus alpinus)
Can be found in northern lakes and some rivers
(ADFG photo)
Longnose sucker (Catostomus catostomus)
Present in most rivers but difficult to catch