Wade into adventure with an Alaskan fishing trip beyond the norm. Once peak season ends and the cruise ships reposition, the state’s waters still have plenty to offer. The salmon and halibut are waiting. A refreshing experience with views summer can’t provide, a fall fishing trip gives new and expert anglers a unique opportunity to test their skills and bring home some bragging rights.
1. Salmon Fishing
There’s nothing like Alaskan salmon, and with the region’s range of species, there’s nearly always one in season. Silver salmon wait for eager anglers in the fall, and they aren’t alone. Autumn is a great time to hook rainbow trout, often in the same rivers. It’s the right time and place to catch dinner or land a trophy.
2. Shoulder Season
Shoulder season is the travel window between peak and off-season. It’s cooler than the summer, and sometimes, the fall brings more rain. This leads to fewer crowds and easier access to prime fishing spots, rentals, and fishing charter services. Inland rivers and lakes are still accessible, and some tourist attractions offer seasonal discounts. It’s a recipe for a quiet, cozy trip that may cost less than expected.
3. Northern Lights
Seeing the northern lights is on many people’s bucket lists, and for good reason. The ethereal displays typically begin during late summer and early fall. Although they’re unpredictable, the later you visit, the more likely you are to see the cosmic lights. Your chances rise if you’re ready to brave the chill into late October and early November.
4. Fall Colors
The prey is the primary draw for any fishing trip, but the setting matters, too. Alaska is beautiful any time of year, but the autumn blaze lights up riverbanks, lakeshores, and coastlines with vivid colors. Anyone hunting for a colorful experience should time their visit to see the trees, berry patches, and thickets put on their yearly show. It is breathtaking in the moment, and the display makes for enviable vacation photos.
5. Halibut, Lingcod, and More Offshore
While rivers and lakes have plenty to offer, many anglers turn to the sea. Early fall sees the tail end of halibut season off Alaska’s shores. A tricky prize to land, halibut tastes much better than it looks, and its mild flavor is easy for amateur chefs to jazz up with citrus and herbs.
Sport fishers also enjoy the biannual lingcod season. The second open season runs from August through the end of November, giving anglers ample opportunities to wrangle with these feisty fish. Rockfish share the coast, and some lucky fishers may land a shark.
6. Whale Spotting
Like the halibut, migratory whales linger along Alaska’s coast until mid-September. If you’re fishing offshore, you may spy a whale as big as your boat. While grey whales usually head south before fall, you may encounter a humpback before they head to Hawaii, and orcas hunt in the area all year.
If you are considering taking a fishing trip to Alaska, consider going this fall.
Published by: Khy Talara
