Fishing season in South-Central AK
Up North Fly Fishing operates in the northern Matsu valley of South-Central Alaska. We mostly practice catch and release fishing techniques for freshwater species such as Rainbow Trout, Arctic Grayling, and Dolly Varden. When the salmon are running we fish for them as well- in August, Silver Salmon and Sockeye can be targeted for harvest locally. We also target northern Pike thru-out the season and chase wild steelhead in May and October. Prioritizing safety, we do the best we can to accommodate all types of weather scenarios and guest needs. Guided fly fishing typically begins Mid May-June after snowmelt has receded, and runs thru mid October after the leaves are gone and signs of winter approach. Understanding the changing seasons is critical in managing guest expectations. Please read the following information below to better understand the fly fishing season in South-Central Alaska.
Mid May-June
Also known as "first bite", post runoff fishing is excellent. Fish begin their voyage out of the rivers and into the creeks to find a place to live and lay eggs. As an angler, you are able to present the first flies these fish have seen in over 7 months. During this time of year fish are extremely opportunistic and present the chance to be caught on many different fly patterns including dries, nymphs, terrestrials, sculpins, smolt, streamers, and more. We also chase wild steelhead during runoff, while we wait for river levels to taper down.
July
Fishing in July is excellent. In July water levels lower as temperature rises. Resident fish have moved in and are feasting on salmon smolt as they attempt to migrate from creek to river to ocean. This is your chance to swing streamers and fight big trout in front of logjams. As the smolt disperse, king salmon move into the creeks. Before the king salmon begin their spawn, trout become impatient and will happily devour a mouse pattern off the top surface.
August
Fishing in August is excellent. As August progresses, the creeks fill with salmon. King salmon have spawned, sockeyes have made their run, pink and chum salmon have begun their spawn and silver salmon move in. Wild trout, dolly varden and grayling feast on salmon flesh and eggs providing anglers with many opportunities to get hooked up on beads and flesh flies. During the silver salmon run we target up to 12 pound wild silvers for harvest. Book in August and enjoy fresh wild salmon for dinner that you caught yourself!
September
Also known as “football season”, fly fishing in September can be the best time of year to cast a line. The scenery is vibrant with color and the fish are the biggest and strongest they have been all year. Loaded with protein from spawning salmon, trout and dolly varden offer a sensational fight all the way to the net that will leave your hands shaking. There is no better place to fly fish in September than Alaska. Embrace yourself for fall fishing and book now!