Rainbow Trout

Bristol Bay is a renowned rainbow trout fishery, and the Alagnak River drainage is one of the best in the area. Trout fishing is available throughout the season, but there are specific times worth paying special attention to. In August and September, the salmon are spawning, and the trout enjoy their annual late summer feast. Most fishing at this time is with patterns representing salmon eggs and salmon flesh. This is the best time of year to catch trophy fish, the rainbows have been feeding all summer and their bellies are full of salmon eggs. August is also the best time to combine trout fishing with salmon fishing, since the silvers are running in the lower Alagnak. The best-kept secret is the rainbow fishing in June, when the fish are feeding aggressively after a winter trapped under ice. At this time millions of salmon smolt head out to sea, and rainbows are easily fooled by streamer patterns. This is the absolute best time to fish for rainbows with dry flies. Catching an Alaskan rainbow on a mouse is one of the most amazing sights in fly-fishing.

Our rainbow fishing is split between flyouts and the "braids" upriver, which we access easily with fast jet boats. In the braids, the Alagnak River has hundreds of small channels stretching for miles, making it an ideal habitat for rainbow trout. The rainbows in this part of Alaska are renowned for their beauty and size, with fish exceeding ten pounds landed by guests at the lodge each year.

Other Species:

King Salmon     Sockeye Salmon     Chum Salmon     Pink Salmon     Silver Salmon
Rainbow Trout     Grayling     Arctic Char     Northern Pike
 

Site created and maintained by: Tony Starkie
copyright 1998-2008, Alagnak Lodge, Alaska
Photo credits: Ed Sozinho, Thomas Woelfle