MOST IMPORTANT THINGS TO BRING ON
YOUR ALASKA FISHING TRIP
The secret to an unforgettable Alaska fishing trip? Being prepared for whatever Alaska throws your way! There’s nothing quite like fishing in Alaska, but if there’s one thing we’ve learned from spending countless days on the water, it’s this:
Being comfortable makes the difference between a good fishing trip and a GREAT one.
Alaska’s weather has a personality of its own. You might start your morning bundled up in a jacket, enjoy sunshine by lunchtime, and find yourself fishing in the rain that afternoon. Sometimes you’ll experience all four seasons before you even catch your first fish!
The good news? With the right gear, you can enjoy every minute of it.
Here are our recommendations for the most important things to bring on your Alaska fishing adventure.
1. Quality Rain Gear — Our #1 Recommendation!
If there’s one item you shouldn’t skimp on, it’s rain gear. Even during the summer, Alaska can deliver a rainy day. And nothing puts a damper on an otherwise incredible fishing trip faster than being cold and wet. We recommend a fully waterproof rain jacket with a hood. Breathable is fine, but only if it’s fully waterproof…No light-weight or packable style jackets! Waterproof rain pants are also a great addition, particularly if you don’t have breathable chest waders.
Fishology Pro Tip: Don’t let a little rain scare you! Some of our most memorable fishing days happen when the weather isn’t picture-perfect. The fish certainly don’t mind getting wet!
2. Dress in Layers — Alaska Weather Changes Fast
One of the biggest mistakes visitors make is dressing for the weather that they wake up or go to bed to. Alaska temperatures can fluctuate dramatically throughout the day, and being out out on the water & exposed adds an extra element, especially when you’re traveling on a river in an open boat. The best solution is layering, and so we recommend three basic layers:
*Under layer: Lightweight clothing that you hope to wind up in on a beautiful day such as a t-shirt or similar. If you have a sun-shirt to put over the top, even better.
*Insulating layer: A fleece jacket, sweatshirt/hoodie, and/or jacket to keep you warm.
*Outer layer: Your waterproof rain jacket to protect against wind and rain.
The beauty of layering is that you can add or remove clothing throughout the day, and the boats have plenty of room to store extra clothing so bring plenty.
Fishology Pro Tip: For your lower half, a pair of comfortable pants that you can wear with or without waders are the very best option!
3. Waterproof Footwear — Keep Those Feet Dry!
Cold, wet feet can ruin an otherwise fantastic day of fishing. For most guided fishing trips, waterproof booties or shoes are an excellent choice. Depending on the type of fishing you’ll be doing, you may also need waders. Be sure to check with your guide before purchasing or packing them. And don’t forget good socks!
Fishology Pro Tip: Bring an extra pair of warm socks. They take up almost no room in your bag, and you’ll be glad you have them if your feet get wet and/or cold.
4. Polarized Sunglasses — More Important Than You Think
Polarized sunglasses aren’t just for looking cool in your fishing photos. They’re one of the most useful pieces of fishing equipment you can bring. Polarized lenses reduce glare on the water, helping you see beneath the surface. Whether you’re watching salmon move through the river or spotting a trout holding near the bottom, good sunglasses can improve your fishing experience.
Fishology Pro Tip: The most important aspect of sunglasses is that they protect your eyes from flying hooks & weights, and we require eye protection on all our sockeye salmon fishing trips for this reason.
5. Warm Accessories — Small Items, Big Difference
Even during the summer, early mornings on the Kenai River can be chilly. A few small accessories can make a surprisingly big difference in your comfort if the weather decides to be defiant. These items take up very little space but can be lifesavers on a cool morning.
Consider packing:
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A warm beanie
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Lightweight gloves
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A neck gaiter or buff
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Extra wool socks
Fishology Pro Tip: Remember, when you’re traveling in a boat the wind can make temperatures feel considerably colder.
6. A Hat and Sunscreen — Yes, You Can Get Sunburned in Alaska!
Believe it or not, Alaska can deliver some serious sunshine.
During the summer months, we enjoy incredibly long daylight hours. Combine that with sunlight reflecting off the water, and you have the perfect recipe for a sunburn.
Bring a comfortable hat with a brim and sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher. A lightweight neck gaiter is another great option for protecting your face and neck from sun exposure.
Fishology Pro Tip: Don’t underestimate Alaska’s sunshine. Even on cloudy days, UV rays can sneak up on you.
7. Consider Your Own Chest Waders — optional, but…
Waders are needed on any fishing trip that involves sockeye salmon fishing, and yes, we do provide them on our guided fishing trips… BUT, having your own breathable chest waders is also a great idea, for the following reasons:
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You can guarantee that your waders will fit you perfectly, be comfy, and have no leaks.
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Breathable waders make the best rain pants!
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You can wear your own waders if you decide to do any DIY fishing.
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Breathable waders keep you warm & dry in all the conditions AK might throw at you.
If you need suggestions about brands, styles, price-ranges, or anything wader related at all, don’t hesitate to reach out!
Fishology Pro Tip: You can also consider waist-high breathable waders (made my several companies) which are even more comfortable and make using the little boy’s or girl’s room much easier as well.
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