Trout Fishing in Alaska

Find excellent trout fishing all across Alaska including Aleknagik Lake, Becharof Lake, Lake Clark, Iliamna Lake and many other lakes plus plenty of streams and rivers which hold nice populations of trout.

The Alaska state record cutthroat trout was caught in Wilson Lake. The Wulik River produced the Alaska state record dolly varden trout and Clarence Lake was home to the AK state record lake trout.

Visit the Alaska Department of Fish & Game website for information about trout fishing in Alaska.

The 5 primary trouts are the rainbow, brook, brown, cutthroat and lake trout. Brown trout are considered the most difficult to catch and brookies are the easiest. Pure cold water is key to survival of the trouts and the brook trout is the most sensitive to temperature. The others are comfortable in slightly warmer waters.

Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss

Known for its tasty pink flesh, beauty and gameness, the rainbow trout is a favorite among the vast majority of trout fishing anglers. It also appeals to the fly fisherman as it can be tempted to take properly presented flies as well as other baits and lures. It feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms. Rainbow trout fishing is fun for both sport and dining pleasures.

In waters that allow such migration the rainbow trout will remain in streams until it reaches 6" to 9" in length and then travel to lakes or oceans where it will bulk up and then return to the streams or rivers to spawn. Steelhead trout are rainbow trout which have adapted to the salt water environment. Fishing for steelhead is very similar to fishing for rainbows. However in winter the steelhead typically prefer spoons or bait rather than flies.

Lake Trout
Salvelinus namaycush

The lake trout is by far the largest of the trouts. It lives in deep cold lakes and is also known as Great Lakes trout, Mackinaw trout and salmon trout. It feeds on virtually all forms of flesh which abound in its home waters. Minnows, smelt, eels and any variety of small fishes are part of the lake trout's diet. It's rich flaky flesh makes it a tasty table favorite.

In early spring these fish can be taken in the lake shallows on dry flies, wet flies and other slow moving presentations. Once the surface waters warm the lake trout retreats to deep water where trolling with heavy tackle is the preferred method. Spoons and baitfish imitating lures worked near the bottom provide the best results. As summer warms the water, cowbells and other flashing devices trolled deep often can get you to the depth where the lake trout stalk.

Cutthroat Trout
Salmo clarki

Cutthroat trout flourish in cold mountain streams that eventually drain into the Pacific Ocean. It too can be taken on flies as well as other baits and lures. It primarily feeds on small insects, minnows, crustaceans and worms.

Cutthroat trout fishing is an angler favorite on big, fast-moving waters. Fly fishing is the preferred method but they can be caught on any number of minnow or grub imitating lures as well as an assortment of live bait offerings.

Organizations & Resources

Cutthroat Trout Conservation
DMOZ Trout Fishing

If you have information, articles or photos relating to trout which you would like to see published here, please submit them for consideration. We will gladly give you credit for your contribution. If you have a fishing related business and would like to mention it within the context of the article, we will consider your request. For significant contributions we may offer complimentary display ads, please contact us if you are interested.

If you offer fishing guide services we would like to include you as a resource for our visitors. We offer a complimentary listing for your guide service on our Alaska Fishing Guides page or you can see other options to promote your guide services by visiting our Advertising opportunities section.

The states list to the left can direct you to information about trout in other states.

All About Fly Fishing for Trout in Alaska.

42 lbs - 2 oz

42 lbs - 2 oz

52 - 68 Degrees

Prefers generally clear flowing waters with turbulence for oxygenation over gravel, rock or sandy bottoms.

72 lbs - 0 oz

47 lbs - 0 oz

52 - 68 Degrees

Prefers clear to slightly stained water with significant depths and sandy bottoms in the shallows.

41 lbs - 0 oz

8 lbs - 6 oz

68 - 72 Degrees

Prefers slightly stained to murky water with little or no current.