Page 46 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide 2017 - Alaska

44  INTRODUCING ALASK A

Sportfishing in Alaska

Sportfishing is Alaska’s most popular sport, and Alaskans
fish regularly while outsiders often make it their main reason
to visit the state. Some visit in the hopes of shipping home
a crate of frozen fish, but for most the real attraction is the
opportunity to spend some solitary time outdoors. However,
anglers in the best fishing areas may find themselves up
against hordes of competing fishermen. Remote sites and
wil derness lodges offer more serene experiences. Those
whose chief objective is to catch fish will find lakes and Catch-and-release fishing is
streams so prolific that success is practically guar anteed, a popular pastime that also
even when several anglers are competing. maintains breeding stocks.

Dipnetting is a favored way of catching Copper River
red salmon and the small and greasy hooligan (eulachon)
in Turnagain Arm (see pp84–5). Only Alaska residents are
permitted to use dipnets.
Fly Fishing
Fly fishing, which involves the use of a long, light rod, an
artificial fly made of fur, feathers, or yarn, and a heavy line
that helps to place the fly accurately, is used primarily to
catch salmon and trout in smaller lakes, rivers, and streams.
The most rewarding fly fishing is found in wilderness
waterways accessed by bush plane.

Special Fishing Tours
Anglers in Alaska can choose from a range of
sportfishing packages, which typically include
transportation, tackle, food, and accommo dation.
Tours range from deep-sea fishing charters to
superb fishing adventures at remote lodges that
are approachable only by floatplane.

Charter fishing tours
involve chartering
a boat with a guide
for half a day or a
full day. Sportfishing
vessels can travel far
from shore to find
the best sportfishing
grounds for enthusi­ Fly-in fishing, a quintessential Alaskan experience,
astic anglers looking involves a floatplane flight to a remote lake for
for a good catch. some quiet angling.

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