Fishing season in South-Central Alaska
Up North Fly Fishing operates in the northern Matanuska-Susitna valley of South-Central Alaska. We practice & teach 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- King Salmon, Pink Salmon, and Chum Salmon arrive during July and provide fantastic fishing opportunities for all types of anglers, from beginners to experts. In August, Silver and Sockeye Salmon can be targeted for harvest. From May to September, we also target northern Pike and from mid September to late October we chase Steelhead on the Kenai Peninsula.
Prioritizing safety, we do the best we can to accommodate all types of weather scenarios and guest needs. Guided fly fishing begins mid May after the snowmelt has receded and runs through late October after the leaves are gone and signs of winter approach. Understanding the changing seasons is critical for managing guest expectations. Please read the following information to better understand the fly fishing season in South-Central Alaska.
Mid May - June
Also known as "first bite", post runoff fishing is excellent. Freshwater fish begin their voyage out of the rivers and into the creeks to find habitat and 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 highly opportunistic and can be caught on many different fly patterns including dries, nymphs, wet flies, sculpins, smolt, streamers, terrestrials and more.
July
Fishing in July is excellent. In July water levels lower as temperatures rise. Resident fish have moved in and are feasting on salmon smolt as they attempt to migrate from creek to river to ocean. This is prime time to swing streamers and fight a big trout in front of a logjam. As the smolt disperse, King Salmon move into the creeks. Before the King Salmon begin their spawn, Trout become impatient and eagerly devour mouse patterns 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 plenty of opportunities to hook 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 fall colors 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!
October
During October, salmon in the Matanuska-Susitna valley have spawned out and freshwater fish begin to leave the creeks and head down to the rivers as food sources become limited. We journey down to the mouths of the creeks and float the now clear glacial rivers such as the Talkeetna and the Susitna Rivers. We also take advantage of fishing on the Kenai Peninsula this time of year. Up North Fly Fishing is permitted to guide on the world-renowned Kenai river providing anglers opportunities to chase massive sized Rainbow Trout! We also take advantage of fishing opportunities for wild running Steelhead this time of the season. Bring an extra layer and prepare for uncrowded rivers, as we chase your fish of a lifetime! Book now as slots are limited!
