Question:
My impression is that you need to really go back country to get some
good fly fishing. Also that salmon may not be the best target species.
Big trout, steelhead and others may be more enjoyable. The problem is
that all the guides and fish camps are pushing the type fishing that
lets tourists catch the most fish. I'd like to know of anyone's
experiences that would point the way to some really fine fly fishing up
there.
Answer:
I'm gonna hate myself for posting this.
It doesn't cost much to fish Alaska, and to get to the best, as long as
you know how to camp, and aren't scared of bears.
First, get a visa card that gives you Alaska Airlines frequent flier
miles. Seafirst bank has one. Run all of your household expenses
through it, business expenses if your job has them. Alaska Airlines
gets you all the way to the good jumpoff locations: Anchorage,
Dillingham, King Salmon, Illiamna, Nome, Kotzebue, etc.
Second, research the raft rental dropoff trips. You can do the
talachulitna out of Anchorage for about 500/person, bush plane and raft
rental. You can do the Goodnews for about 800. This isn't lunch money,
but neither is it five grand for a week.
My threshold for cheap is probably higher than that for some, and lower
than for others. But you can do Alaska for a lot cheaper than other
destination areas, and have a great time. Just be prepared for rain and
bears. The major preparation for both is attitudinal.
