Family Time in Alaska

At Alaska West, our motto has always been; “Alaska West – For the Serious Angler.” However, while we love catering to the hardcore angler, we really love taking families fishing too!

In fact, we’re really lucky to fish with many returning families each season at our lodges. Fishing with family is a pretty special thing, and make no mistake, it makes us feel warm and fuzzy inside whenever we get to be a part of it.

One question we get asked all the time from our guests is – “When is the best time to take my son, daughter, father, mother, husband, wife, or all of the above fishing?” Our standard answer? Mid-Late July in our neck of the woods. That’s the time of year that we consider ‘family time’ in Alaska, and below we’ve listed a few reasons why.

1. Alaska 101. Mid July is a fantastic time for anyone looking to experience Alaska in it’s fullest. No other time of year on our river do you have the chance of hooking all five species of salmon, rainbow trout, dolly varden, and arctic grayling. For anyone who has never fished Alaska before, mid July is a great time to witness a snapshot of all that Alaska has to offer.
2. Weather. Don’t get us wrong, it’s still Alaska of course, but more often than not, July usually brings the best weather of the season.
3. ‘Better’ Bugs. The key-word here is ‘better.’ We’re not going to go out on a limb and there’s no bugs.. Heck, it’s Alaska! However, mid-late July generally falls just after peak mosquito season, and sometime just before peak no-see-um time. So, most of the time mid-late July is ‘better’ on the bug front.
4. Opportunities for All Abilities. Whether you want to target big fish that pull hard (like king salmon), or lots of fish (like silvers, chums, or dolly varden), or maybe just target the prettiest fish in the river (like leopard rainbow trout), July is an ideal time of year for family members of all ages or varying degrees of experience to have a great time.
5. Fun Loving Anglers. From mid-late July, our lodge is usually filled with similar minded anglers – Those who are concerned less about targeting one particular species and more interested in experiencing the variety our fishery has to offer, while enjoying each other’s company. It’s just a really, really fun part of our season.. One that we look forward to every year!

Thinking about taking the family fishing? Drop us a line to become part of our family!

More on Fly Fishing with Family

• 5 Reasons to Take Your Kids Fishing
• 6 Reasons to Fish Alaska in July
• 5 Reasons to Bring Your Kids to Alaska