The appropriate tackle depends on what fish you are planning to pursue. For trout and Dolly Varden a 4-6 weight rod and a simple reel that can be palmed are fine. For salmon and steelhead a 7-8 weight will do the trick and a reel with a substantial disc drag is standard equipment. When selecting a reel keep in mind that much of the fishing is done around saltwater.

A machined aluminum reel that is saltwater resistant will pay for itself in short order. A large assortment of fly lines is usually not necessary. A weight forward floating line and a spare spool with a type III 10’-15’ sinking tip will cover most situations.

Most of the time streamer fishing is the most effective method. Salmon and steelhead flies are generally attractor patterns that are meant to draw an aggressive response. Dolly and trout flies mimic whatever is the most common food source at that time of the season. In the spring these will often be baitfish patterns meant to look like juvenile salmon.

When the salmon return to the rivers the trout and Dollies follow them in to eat their eggs. Hence, egg flies and similar patterns become effective from July through October. With all the salmon-related food sources available the resident trout are less interested in the usual trout foods. Dry flies and nymphs usually are not as effective.

Clothing is often overlooked as gear. This is one of the biggest mistakes visiting anglers make. It is almost certain that during the course of a week it will rain. Don’t be a weenie and stay inside. Put your rain gear on and go for it! Bring clothes that can be worn in layers and AVOID COTTON at all costs. Synthetics such as Capilene, fleece, and Gore-Tex are best. Another myth to dispel has to do with waders. Thick neoprene waders are NOT NECESSARY! More of your time fishing will be spent walking a creek rather than standing in cold water. Neoprene waders are warm and quickly become very hot when much walking has to be done. Breathable waders are the best choice for fishing in Alaska. Please call or e-mail me with any additional gear and tackle questions.

To purchase any of our products online, or for
more information on the entire state of Alaska,
please visit our new site: Alaska Flyfishing Goods.

Juneau Flyfishing Goods
Brad Elfers, Proprietor
175 South Franklin Street Juneau, Alaska 99801
Phone: (907) 586-3754
Fax: (907) 586-3734
E-mail: flyfishing@alaska.com