CHILKAT RIVER

The Chilkat River is another very popular fly fishing destination in Alaska. People come to the various rivers from all over the world to catch the large Salmon that run these rivers each year. The Fly fishing can be amazing during these runs, and the season is short so you need to plan your trip early while guides are still available and the lodges still have accommodations available.

There are many Alaskan fly fishing guides, fishing charters, and fly fishing lodges available to choose from. Salmon fly fishing a very popular sport in the state, and many people travel to the many salmon filled streams every year. If you have never fly fished for salmon you do not know what you are missing. Why not give a fly fishing vacation a try?

The Chilkat River is located near Haines and Skagway in Southeastern Alaska. This is another great river to catch Salmon and Trout. You will find all five types of Salmon as well as Cutthroat Trout, Steelhead and Dolly Varden in this river. The area is also well known for another type of fly fisher, the Bald Eagle.

Photo provided by Troutnut.com

You can access this river by boat or via a road so you can wade the river in spots if you prefer. Most of the eagle viewing occurs in a 5-mile stretch that is located between mile markers 18 and 24 on the Haines Highway. The Eagles will feed on the dead Salmon after they have spawned and this portion of the river acts as a reservoir, which keeps the water warmer and free of ice. The Eagle will usually be here from October through February.

The river receives the normal heavy fishing pressure during the typical Salmon runs. Many of the locals will fish for Silvers from the end of September through the middle of October. In November the water is clear and the Silvers are not finished running at this point so the fishing is still solid. Look for fish in smaller pools as the fish tend to get into deeper water.

There are many guides available throughout the state, and they are familiar with many of the rivers. This is what they do for a living and most of them are quite good at their job. They will get you to where the fish are, provide equipment and teach you how to fish form these massive Salmon.


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