Interested in fishing in Alaska? Southeast Alaska is as good as it gets!
Southeast Alaska has some of the best fishing in the world for wild salmon, halibut, trout, char, and more! We’ve put together a list of our favorite places to fish in Southeast – “America’s Salmon Forest”
Fishing in Southeast Alaska – a way of life
Alaska is synonymous with fishing – known all over the globe for it’s prolific wild seafood production. What might be less known, is how Southeast, Alaska – a small corner of a massive state – plays such a huge role in Alaska fishing. The numbers don’t lie. The Alaska Department of Fish and Game estimates the fishing industry accounts for 15% of regional employement! Additionally, Southeast, Alaska is considered a “fish factory” where an average of 75 million salmon return and are caught annually. Southeast, Alaska is home to the Tongass National Forest, often referred to as “America’s Salmon Forest”
The Tongass National Forest – A True Gem of Alaska
What makes Southeast, Alaska such a productive fishery? The answer is the Tongass National Forest, which covers 80% of the land in the region. The Tongass is the largest National Forest in the USA – spanning nearly 17 MILLION ACRES! While the massive scale of the Tongass is impressive, one must zoom in a bit to find thousands of rivers, streams and creeks within the forest that serve as the breeding ground for salmon – thus earning the Tongass the title of “America’s Salmon Forest”.
We’ve compiled a list of our favorite fishing destinations in Southeast to help you narrow down where to go!
Best Overall Fishing Experience: Fly Fishing with Bear Creek Outfitters in Juneau, Alaska
If you want to experience as much of Alaska as possible in one fishing trip – look no further than Bear Creek Outfitters (BCO) in Juneau, Alaska. BCO operates wilderness fly fishing trips via floatplane out of the State Capital in Juneau, Alaska. In business for 30 years, BCO uses Iconic Alaskan Floatplanes to fly deep into the Tongass National Forest and fish remote streams full of salmon, trout, char, and steelhead. There’s no better way to experience this part of the world than getting boots on the ground and fishing along side with the occasional Alaskan Brown Bear. BCO offers, half day, full day and multiday itineraries for their guests. Check them out here.
Best Salt Water Destination: Elfin Cove, Alaska
If you are interested in fishing the salt water from a boat, and harvesting your own seafood to take home with you – Elfin Cove, Alaska is your spot! The tiny fishing village is home to about 30 year-round residents, but Elfin serves as a Mecca for fishing in Alaska. Sitting on the Northwest corner of Chichagof Island, Elfin Cove is perfectly situated to allow easy access to some of the most productive fishing waters on the planet. There are a number of World Class fishing lodges to choose from in Elfin, but a couple of our favorites are Eagle Charters, or for a self-guided trip check out Waters Edge Lodge.
Best Trip for Steelhead Enthusiasts: Chrome Chasers, in Wrangell, Alaska
Inside angling circles, there are few fish more prized than Wild Steelhead, and the Tongass National Forest is home to countless spawning streams for these incredible fish. Often called the “fish of a thousand casts” Steelhead offer a challenging angling opportunity – one that some people find irresistible! Our favorite guide service to chase these fish is Chrome Chasers, located in Wrangell, Alaska. Closer to a backcountry Elk hunt than trolling the ocean for salmon – Chrome Chasers offer a full-value, immersive fishing experience in the Tongass. One that should be on every angler’s bucket list!
Other Notable Mentions!
With so many amazing places to fish in Southeast, Alaska, it’s impossible to list them all, but here are a few more of our favorite destinations and lodge experiences in Alaska!
–Pybus Point Lodge: an fantastic fishing lodge located on the famous Admiralty Island.
–Favorite Bay Lodge: a luxury fishing lodge located in the tiny village of Angoon, Alaska. While salt water focued, they offer fresh water fly out trips with Bear Creek Outfitters as an add-on.
Feel free to contact us today and we can help you plan your ultimate Alaska Fishing Adventure! Email: info@juneauflyfishing.com or Phone: 907-723-2683