Angler’s Guide To Fly Fishing In Alaska

Explore vast, roadless areas while chasing all five species of salmon, leopard-spotted rainbow trout, char, pike, and more in one of the greatest wilderness ecosystems on Earth.

A gorgeous trout is released back into green waters.

Adventurous anglers will find endless options for wilderness floats, jet-boat runs, creek wading, and exploring saltwater estuaries.

Anglers flock to Alaska for true wilderness experiences. Plan on casting alongside brown bears, moose, caribou, glaciers, and mountainous peaks while experiencing the thrill of leaping fish, followed by fresh salmon fillets for dinner.


The diversity of ecosystems in Alaska is beyond impressive. Look to the Tongass National Forest in the Southeast or wild islands like Kodiak for unique steelhead and salmon fisheries. The far northern Arctic rivers are bastions for massive char, pike, and lake trout. The often overlooked and exceptionally remote Aleutian Islands are known for strong winds and even stronger fish.


Then you have road-accessible but wilderness-adjacent areas like Kenai Peninsula, Juneau, Sitka, Fairbanks, and other population centers. Throw in the massive roadless expanses of Bristol Bay, and well…you get the point.


Alaska is big—really big. The fishing is exciting. It’s a bucket-list destination for some and a place where others migrate annually. It’s a special state—truly “The Last Frontier”—that we are all invested in protecting and visiting whenever possible.

Tom Evenson holding a gigantic fish at sunrise.

Orvis Saltwater Expert

Tom Evenson

"Not for the faint of heart, Alaska is truly one of the last frontiers with vast landscapes and rugged mountain ranges that offer amazing ecosystems and wildlife that change dramatically with each season. Fishing is dominated by the salmon migrations, which are the foundational building blocks feeding both the legendary rivers and countless smaller streams sprawled across the state. Whether it's big rainbows chasing a mouse pattern or breaking through low-hanging clouds in a float plane, Alaska always keeps her promise for adventure."

Alaska Adventure Tips

A view of the sunset from inside a small float plane.

Travel Guides

When to Travel to Alaska

Our guide details when to travel to Alaska for fishing, whale watching, nature adventures, and...
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Launch Your Alaska Adventure

Your next angling adventure is waiting, and we make it easy to find the best outfitters, lodges, and destinations in Alaska. Whether you are dreaming of rivers stuffed with sockeye salmon or swinging for steelhead on Kodiak, our adventures team will plan an unforgettable experience. With personalized instruction, top-of-the-line equipment, and access to prime fishing locales, let us tailor your Alaska fly-fishing trip to exceed your wildest angling dreams.


Book your trip today and discover why Alaska is the trip anglers continue talking about long after their return flights land.

Map of Alaska with pins indicating locations of Orvis Trips & Schools

Alaska Fishing Stories

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Master your craft. We have a school for you.

Build a foundation of fundamentals or take your skills to the next level at one of our fly-fishing schools located in fishy locales across the country. Our one- or two-day schools are excellent skill builders, while the longer-length specialty courses are perfect for reaching new heights and bringing perfection to your passion.

An angler lands a fish in a net wielded by another angler.
Two anglers release a rainbow trout back into the water.

Alaska Packing List