Alaska Fly Fishing Equipment

The following are general guidelines to common 
fly fishing equipment used on waters throughout Alaska. 
For information on our recommended spin fishing equipment click here.

Stiffer, fast action rods are usually preferred in Alaska for casting heavily weighted flies
and powering through the windy conditions often encountered. 

Arctic Graying
3 to 5 wt. fly rods in 8 to 9 ft. lengths with tapered or weight forward floating lines.

Rainbow Trout, Dolly Vardin, Arctic Char, Lake Trout
5 to 7 wt. fly rods in 8 to 9 ft. lengths with weight forward floating and sinking tip lines.

Silver, Chum, Sockeye, Pink Salmon and Northern Pike
7 to 8 wt. fly rods in 9 to 91/2 ft. lengths with weight forward floating and sinking tip lines.

King Salmon
9 to 10 weight fly rods in 9 to 10 ft. lengths with fast sink tip lines.

Fly Reels - should have a strong smooth drag system and plenty of backing. Weight forward floating lines are the most widely used and versatile fly-line option. Long tippets and split shot will suffice for most subsurface fishing conditions. An extra reel or spool with a sink tip line provides an often useful second option.

Fly Fishing Vests are the most convenient way to organize and carry all of your fishing supplies. I encourage all fishermen to come with a vest well equipped for a week's worth of fishing. Be prepared to lose a lot of flies and leaders. Remember there are no tackle shops once you depart Anchorage. In addition to boxes packed with flies, items in your vest should include...

Leader & Tippet Materials    Split Shot  Needle Nose Pliers or Forceps Polarized Sun Glasses Clippers

Hook Sharpener Line & Fly Dressings and Cleaners Pocket Knife Insect Repellent Sun Screen