We get lots of questions from anglers planning trips who want to know ‘the best time to go’. When it comes to rainbow trout in Western Alaska, the answer depends a lot on what you’re looking for.
Since rainbows in the Kanektok are all resident fish and their summer feeding season is short, if there’s no ice on the river you’re probably going to catch fish. That being said, there are some definite differences in the rainbow fishing during the period in which we’re open at Alaska West.
Here’s a little primer.
Early season – mid-June to mid-July
During this period, the Kanektok isn’t yet clogged with salmon. Our rainbows are hungry after a long cold winter, and they’re really opportunistic feeders.
Covering lots of water with big flies is generally the ticket. Sculpins, leeches, big flesh flies, and contrary to popular belief, mouse patterns all produce. BONUS: kings on swung flies!
Mid season – mid-July to mid-August
This is generally our peak time for trout numbers. A wide variety of techniques applied in lots of different water all produce fish. Side channels, spawning beds, mid-river snags, shelves and the couch water get fished and the fish tend to do their part.
Beads, flesh in a range of sizes, and the standard leech and sculpin patterns remain favorites. Mousing is awesome. BONUS: silvers, chums, pinks, sockeye, dollies, grayling!
Late season – mid-August to early September
Time to look for Big Jerry. Our rainbows get fatter and fatter as the season goes on, so late is good if you’re hoping for the fish of a lifetime. The trout tend to be a little more concentrated later in the season, so it’s important to spend your time in the right water.
Side channels are less of a factor as the river drops. Upriver spawning beds and lower river snags are favorite spots. The couch water on inside bends still produces. A variety of flies get fished, but beads and smaller flesh patterns are the stars in the late season. BONUS: silvers, silvers and more silvers!
Really enjoy your newsletters, and to be included in some of your pictures is really cool. My son Jeremy and I felt this was the adventure of a lifetime, with the best fellow fisher people, and the most professional guides in all Alaska. From the first evening, our arms were sore from fighting salmon, and the rainbows, dollies, and grayling were a huge bonus. I must admit, catching those beautiful leopard bows was my favorite. And catching them on mouse, egg, and flesh flies was crazy fun. Thanks for the memories!
You’re most welcome, Gary! I know I can speak for the entire team when I say having you and Jeremy in camp was an absolute treat. Hope we can do it again soon! Long live the leopard bows ;).