Fly-Out Fly Fishing: The Best Way to Experience Juneau

Planning a trip to Juneau, Alaska, or anywhere in the State requires you to make some tough decisions.  With limited time, and so much to see and do, it can be downright stressful deciding how to spend your precious vacation time in the Last Fontier!  If you are looking for the absolute best way to experience Alaska, then a fly-out fly-fishing trip in the wilderness surrounding Juneau, Alaska might be for you!  Hop aboard your iconic Alaskan Floatplane, and fly deep into the Tongass National Forest to fly fish for Wild Salmon, Trout and Char!  Instead of crowds, share your fishing hole with Alaskan Brown Bears, Bald Eagles, Sitka Blacktail Deer and more!  We have 30 years of experience making it happen for our guests!

Fly-Out Fishing:  What’s it all about?

As we’ve written before, floatplanes are a way of life in Southeast, Alaska.  With only about 20% of the State accessible by a road, aviation has been the lifeline for remote Alaska for decades, transporting residents and visitors alike to the most isolated corners.  Fly-Out Fly-Fishing is all about travelling to the most epic and pristine fishing destinations that are otherwise inaccessible or require hours or days to reach by boat from Juneau.  It’s arguably the best way to “do it all” as you can combine a jaw-dropping scenic flight, with worldclass fishing and wildlife, and still fly back to town in time for dinner!

Why take a floatplane to go fishing?

Well, floatplanes are freaking awesome!  At least we think so!  There’s something truly Alaskan about hoping into a floatplane and flying to the fish!  It’s also the most efficient way to get you deep into the backcountry – quickly transporting you away from crowds – where the fish see little to no pressure, ever.  From the moment you take off, you’ll see incredible views of the Mendenhall Glacier, the Juneau Icefield, the waters of the inside passage, and the vast forests of the Tongass.  Keep your eyes peeled for Humpback Whale sightings, and Brown Bears roaming the beaches.  Since we started Bear Creek Outfitters in 1996, we’ve partnered with Ward Air as our aviation partner.  Their experience and aviation knowledge is unmatched, and there’s nobody we trust more with the safety of our guests and employees.

Access the Best Fishing in Alaska!

The biggest reason to go on a fly-out fly-fishing trip in Juneau is the fishing!  The Tongass National Forest is also called “America’s Salmon Forest” due to the vast number of rivers and streams that providing spawning habitat for Wild Alaskan Salmon.  It produces around 48 million salmon annually!  The floatplanes and our permits with the Forest Service give us access to over 65 individual streams.  Prolific runs of Pink Salmon, and robust populations of Dolly Varden represent the two biggest species for fly anglers.  On top of that, you can fish for Coastall Cutthroat Trout, Coho (Silver) Salmon, Chum Salmon, Steelhead, and more!  Most of these fish have never seen a fly in their life.

When to is the best time to fish in Alaska?

Our fishing season starts on May 1st, and runs through late September.  The most popular months to fish in Juneau are July and August, when the fishing is at it’s absolute peak.  Our fishing techniques and locations are vary in order to maintain an incredible fishing experience all summer long.  In early season, we primarily target Dolly Varden as they feed on the out-migrating salmon fry – it’s a blast!  We typically start catching the first pink salmon in late June/early July and that run lasts most of the summer – an absolute must for a fisherman!  Coho salmon offer a more challenging angling experience and typically arrive mid-to-late August.

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

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

A Way of Life in Alaska

Alaska is home to more licensed pilots per capita than anywhere else in the USA, with more than 9,000 active pilots!  According to the State of Alaska, 82% of communities depend on aviation year-round.  With a such an enormous landscape, and over 2.4 million square miles of airspace, it’s hard to put things into persepctive.  Your best bet: book a flight for yourself on an Alaskan Bush Plane!

What is an Alaskan Bush Plane?

The term bush plane collectively refers to the small aircraft used to access remote areas in Alaska, also known as “the bush”.  Bush planes are typically outfitted with large “tundra tires” or floats to allow landing in locations without an improved runway.

With so many amazing places to go flying in Alaska, it can be difficult to decide where to fly, but fear not!  We’ve put together the ultimate list of aviation experiences in Alaska!  Regardless of which one you pick, you won’t be disappointed with these once-in-a-lifetime experiences!

Best Overall Aviation Experience: Take a flight in Juneau, Alaska

If you want to see a little of everything, there’s no better place to go flying than around Juneau, Alaska.  Towering alpine peaks, endless glaciers of ice, picturesque fjords, old growth forests, and much more – the landscape surrounding Juneau has it all!  Juneau is located in the inside passage of Southeast Alaska, and all that water means many of the airplanes are equiped with floats.  Join Wings Airways to take a scenic flight over the famous Juneau Icefield, or up the Taku River to see the many glaciers in that area.  Want a more immersive experience?  Bear Creek Outfitters has been offerring guided fly fishing and wildlife vieiwng trips out of Juneau for 30 years!  You can add flight seeing onto any trip to see even more of the area.

The Ultimate Mountain Flying Experience: Mt. Denali and the Alaska Range

If you’ve always wanted to see the highest peak in North America, there is no better way than from the air!  Well, unless you are willing to climb to the summit!  Standing over 20,000ft above sea level, Denali and the surrounding peaks of the Alaska Range are some of the most stunning mountain views in the world.  Talkeetna Air offers a variety of flight tours in the area, including some with glacier landings via ski plane.  Looking for a custom charter for your private group?  Tordrillo Mountain Lodge offers private charters out of Anchorage.  Thier turbine otter is a great way to see Denali and beyond.

The best flights to see Alaska’s Brown Bears

One of the biggest draws of visitors to Alaska is the wildlife and if seeing the iconic Alaska Brown Bear (or Grizzly) is on your list, here are the best fly-out bear viewing experiences in the State!  If you’re in Southeast Alaska on an Inside Passage Trip – look no further than Bear Creek Outfitters in Juneau!  For 30 years, BCO has offerred professionally guided wildlife experiences on the famous “ABC” islands – home to the densest population of Brown Bears on the planet.  BCO provides transportation, and your highly experienced guide will outfit you with everything you need for a wilderness adventure.  Another famous bear viewing location is Katmai National Park and Preserve – home to the famous Brooks Falls.  Katmai is busier than other bear viewing locations in Southeast, but for good reason.  While there are many flight operators for Katmai, we recommend a private charter from Anchorage with Tordrillo Mountain Lodge – their Turbine Otter is fast and is an incredible way to go see the bears!

Other Notable Mentions!

With so many amazing places to fly, it’s impossible to list them all, but here are a few more of our favorite aviation experiences in Alaska!

-Misty Fjords National Monument: our favorite flight seeing trip in Ketchikan, Alaska.

-Harding Icefield/Kenai Fjords National Park: we love the Juneau Icefield, but this is a close second!  Our recommended trip if you want to go flying on the Kenai Peninsula.

-Wrangell-Saint Elias National Park: if you can’t make it to Denali, then Wrangell-Saint Elias is equally stunning!  Get away from the crowds in Tok, Alaska and go flying with Tok Air Service.

Feel free to contact us today and we can help you plan your ultimate Alaska Bush Plane Adventure!  Email: info@juneauflyfishing.com or Phone: 907-723-2683

Alaska is a popular fishing destination, with over three million lakes and 3,000 rivers, according to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. If you’re looking for the ultimate getaway in the vast and beautiful state, try Juneau fly fishing.

Located in the heart of Southeast Alaska, Juneau has many remote rivers, lush creeks, and crystal-clear streams. These waters are home to various wild fish species that make every cast adventurous.

Let’s explore what you can expect to catch during Alaskan fly fishing in Juneau.

What You’ll Catch When Fly Fishing in Juneau, Alaska

Juneau offers diverse fishing experiences, and what you’ll catch often depends on the time of year and where your excursion takes you.

Dolly Varden or char is one fish you can expect to catch during any season with a light tackle. It has an average length of 12-18 inches and is aggressive and colorful.

Coastal Cutthroat trout are less common than char but are incredibly rewarding to catch. They’re about 10-16 inches long and are known for their vibrant color and elusive nature. The best time to catch them on a fly fishing trip in Juneau is from May to August.

Pink salmon are an abundant salmon species in Southeast Alaska. They’re also the first to show up each summer since they arrive in late June or early July and run throughout the season.

Silver salmon, or Coho, are a favorite among anglers looking for a challenge. They are strong fighters weighing about 8-12 pounds, which makes them a blast to catch. Other fish you might encounter when fly fishing in Juneau include:

• Chum salmon or Dog Salmon
• Rainbow trout
• Steelhead

When to Plan Your Alaska Fly Fishing Trip

Choosing the right time to book Alaska fly fishing trips depends on what you want to catch. However, summer often has the highest fish activity and best weather. These aspects make it ideal for a beginner angler or anyone planning a trip with their family.

Bear Creek Outfitters has knowledgeable local guides who are experts in fish patterns. They’ll help you pick the perfect time to go fly fishing based on what kind of fish you want to catch and your experience.

For example, if your goal is catching salmon in Juneau, they may recommend late June to early September. If you’re targeting Dolly Varden, they may advise you to book any time of the year, but mostly May through September when the fish are most active.

Fly Fishing Tips to Use During Excursions in Juneau, Alaska

Fish eat what’s around them, so when you’re fly fishing in Juneau, you should use flies resembling local insects or baitfish. Additionally, be stealthy in the water and stay low since the fish can spot shadows and hear splashes. Other fishing tips to maximize your experience include:

• Watch the water for signs of fish
• Let your fly drift with the current
• Practice your cast
• Be patient and focus

The Benefits of Guided Alaska Fly Fishing Trips

Booking a guided experience with professionals like Bear Creek Outfitters ensures you’re fishing in the best spots at the best times. The professionals will handle all the logistics, so you just need to show up and enjoy.

Alaskan waters are wild and constantly changing, but the guides at Bear Creek Outfitters are highly familiar with them.

They know the flies to use depending on the time of year, the weather, and water conditions. Besides, they track fish patterns and can easily tell where they’re biting, to give you a fulfilling trip.

While Alaska’s backcountry is beautiful, it’s also remote and has wild animals like bears. A guided trip will ensure you’re in the company of a trained and experienced professional who can help you enjoy other activities like bear-watching safely. More benefits of choosing guided Juneau fly fishing are:

• You can learn about the local culture
• You’ll fish in places most tourists never get to visit
• You’ll understand the weather better, to get the most out of your trip

Guided Fly Fishing Experiences Offered by Bear Creek Outfitters

The fly fishing trips offered by Bear Creek Outfitters allow you to explore Alaskan waters to your satisfaction. Here are some options to choose from depending on your availability and budget:

• A half-day fly-out trip
• A full-day trip
• A multi-day package

A half-day trip will be ideal if you have limited time but want to maximize your experience. It’s a great choice if you’re an angler travelling to Juneau on a cruise ship but want to enjoy a shore activity before leaving.

A full day trip allows you to explore longer and fly further. You’ll enjoy the ultimate fly-fishing expedition and still be able to get back to town before dark.

Multi-day fishing trips give you more time to explore our permitted 65 streams. You can customize your experience by discussing your fishing options with the guide before flying out.

Gear You’ll Need for Juneau Fly Fishing

Even if you’re booking a guided trip, it’s still vital to learn about fly fishing gear. If you’ll take your trip in the colder months, dress in layers to stay warm. Rain gear and waders are also vital for fly fishing during any season. Other fly fishing gear you may need includes:

• Rods and reels
• Flies
• Polarized sunglasses

Bear Creek Outfitters strives to enrich your fly fishing trip by providing all the necessary equipment. All our gear comes from top brands like:

• Echo
• Simms
• Rio
• Sage

We also teach you how to use the gear by providing a casting demonstration customized to your group and the Juneau fishing spots you’ll visit.

Enjoy Juneau Fly Fishing With Bear Creek Outfitters

Juneau fly fishing is an unforgettable adventure to explore when visiting Alaska. The vast wild waters are full of fish like Dolly Varden, salmon, and Cutthroat trout.

Enjoy a stress-free and safe trip by choosing a guided tour with local experts. You should also pick the best time for your excursion based on the fish you want to catch and your availability.

Bear Creek Outfitters offers a thrilling outdoor adventure led by expert guides with over 10 years of experience. We have intimate knowledge of our waters and are passionate about sharing it with our guests. Book your trip now.