Anchorage, Alaska

Fish On!

Trip Details

Salmon Fishing for Beginners

If you have NOT been before, or even if you want a refresher, please watch this video.

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Before we get into the details, let me start by saying, “This trip is not for everyone.” You are expected to get up early, fish all day, stay out late, and help cook & clean (or contribute in one way or another), all day, every day. Standing in swift currents for 8-10 hours and 4 to 6 hours of sleep a night is not only uncommon, it is expected. This is not a business or charter setup that is being provided for a fee. We are a group of friends going fishing together, and we all pay the same amount. The success of the trip depends on EVERYONE helping out. If you do not contribute, you might be warned, but will likely lose any opportunity for a future invite. If you are still interested, please read on!

• Sunday – Kenai or Kasilov River
• Monday – Kenai or Kasilov River
• Tuesday – Kenai or Russian River
• Wednesday – Day of Rest…just kidding, get your ass on the truck – we’re going fishing!
• Thursday – Salt
• Friday – River Fishing and Party
• Saturday – pack up and depart for Anchorage; reminder NO early departures – we leave as a group

Weather: The weather can range from 90 and sunny to low 40’s and rain. Plan to dress in layers. Be sure to check the forecast here.

Outer Layer: One of the most important items to have is a good quality rain-proof outer layer that is breathable (Gore-Tex or similar). Cheap rain jackets will work, but after a while you might feel like you are in a sauna, so reconsider a breathable or vented rain jacket. With a light/mid-weight rain jacket, chest waders and neoprene gloves, you should be able to handle whatever weather Alaska in late summer throws at you.

Waders: If you don’t have chest waders please get some, they are essential. Alaska doesn’t allow felt soled waders. Many of us prefer stocking foot waders with a comfortable pair of wading boots. Some guys wear boot-foot neoprene waders. We walk and wade A LOT, so if your feet hurt or you get blisters easily, you won’t be a happy camper. If it is sunny and 70 degrees, and you are in a pair of full neoprene waders, you will roast. We normally wear a pair of sweat pants under our waders and we are fine. In years past, it has been so warm we have worn shorts under our waders, but no guarantees.

Here are some good waders, some better waders, and some wading boots.

Polarized Sunglasses: Glasses/sunglasses are a safety requirement, and polarized sunglasses are an added bonus. While we probably won’t be doing much sight fishing on the rivers, you do not want to get hit in the eye with a flying hook or weight. Many of us have been hit in the eye with weights and hooks, and without the safety glasses, the consequences would have been terrible. Here is a link to some inexpensive polarized bifocal sunglasses (Amazon) for those who need readers for tying lines.

Pip Box: NEW!! Highly recommended piece of gear. The small size (3 3/8″) is recommended and will easily fit in the pocket of your waders – Mack’s Pip Box

Terminal Tackle: As far as fishing equipment goes, all terminal tackle (hooks, swivels, weights, flies) will be provided.

Rod/Reel: Bring your own rod/reel. Spin cast, bait cast, or fly rods all work well. Personally, many of us prefer an 8 or 9 weight fly rod.  If you’ve never used a fly rod before, don’t be intimidated. The type of fishing we do isn’t fly fishing…it takes no other skill to fish the way we do with a fly rod than it does with a spin/bait cast rod.  Actually, you will learn more quickly and catch more fish if you use a fly rod, as I think you can feel the fish better, which is the key. But, use what you are comfortable with – they will all get the job done.  Spool your reels with 30# test line. If you are using a fly rod, remove the fly line and backing and spool it with 30# test. This is something I have learned after many years of fishing up there…and it was learned from the locals.

Knots: This past year we experimented with a modified Snell Knot on “pre-made” leaders. The knot is quick to tie, strong, and allows for the easy addition of a marker. Watch John demonstrate how to tie his version of the Snell knot here – John’s Snell. If you like living in the past, here are links to videos demonstrating how to tie the Uni and the Palomar.

Nets and Netting: We have nets so there is no need to bring one. Netting a fish is a sensitive subject, as many fish can (and have been) lost at the net. Here are some tips… #1 Don’t act like Billy – relax and stay calm. #2 Remind the person on the rod to maintain side pressure on the rod to keep the fish’s head under water. #3 Approach the fish from downstream. We will demonstrate on Saturday night.

Tools: Bring a pair of nail clippers or scissors on a lanyard. A pair of needle nose pliers is also handy to have on your person and an inexpensive fishing vest is worth it’s weight in gold.  We have enough fillet knives, so unless you want to bring one, we are good in the knife category.  

Bears: No need to bring a bear gun or spray. We will have pepper spray, but nobody’s been eaten…yet. We will teach everyone how to be safe in bear country. It’s really just common sense.

What to expect on the salt: Dress in layers and bring a wind/rain jacket and a hat. It might be calm and sunny, or windy and rainy. Some of us wear our waders on the boat with a rain jacket; others wear jeans under fishing pants. No need to go spend money if you don’t have dedicated fishing pants – just wear your waders.

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Packing List

Suggested items: By no means are the items and quantities an absolute – they are just helpful if you have no idea where to begin.

• jeans (1)
• short sleeve shirts (2)
• long sleeve shirts (3)
• fleece or hoodie (1)
• socks good quality (7+1 extra)
• underwear (7+1 extra)
• sweatpants (2 – worn under waders) – “joggers” work well
• shorts (1)
• light to mid-weight breathable rain Jacket
• hiking boots (optional)
• tennis shoes
• knit cap/beanie for colder nights (optional)
• baseball cap or boonie hat
• toiletries – full-sized bars of soap and shampoo are provided, so no need to bring
• Ibuprofen or some other pain reliever (muscle aches and hangovers)
• neoprene gloves (optional) – example
• lightweight fishing gloves – example
• 10-15L drybag for cell phone and change of clothes if you fall in (Billy highly recommends an extra change of clothes) – due to the size of the bags and limited space in the rafts, sharing a bag with a buddy is strongly recommended.
• fishing pole with reel (Fly, Spin, or Bait caster)
• Pip Box – The small size (3 3/8″) is recommended. Used to store pre-tied leaders to make re-rigging quick and easy – Mack’s Pip Box
• waders, breathable (see examples above)
• non-felt sole wading boots (see example above)
• small needle nose fishing pliers – example
• fishing vest (recommended and helpful, but optional)
• finger nail clippers
• polarized glasses (REQUIRED)
• mouth guard and jock strap with cup (optional – just ask Phil)
• fishing license (2 extra copies; ADFG mobile app is also approved)
• Drivers license

Optional Items

• cell phone & charger
• headphones or earbuds
• small portable Bluetooth speaker
• portable backup battery
• backpack
• whiskey – flask to sip on
• petty cash for poker and first/biggest fish wagers (usually $20 for each fish wager)
• cigars
• GoPro or camera
• deck of cards
• snacks – beef jerky, nuts, candy bars, etc. (Mike will try to eat all of it, so bring extra)
• neck pillow (for plane and car rides)