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Fly Fishing for Alaska's Trophy Trout and Salmon
Alaska's Boardwalk Lodge proudly participates in the elite Orvis® Endorsed Fly Fishing Lodge Program — a distinction that demonstrates our commitment to excellence and ensures that this fly fishing adventure will exceed your expectations. As part of this select program, Boardwalk outfits you with complete top-of-the-line Orvis fly fishing equipment. Of course, we certainly won't discourage you from bringing your time-tested favorite fly fishing gear with you.Seasoned Orvis endorsed fly fishing guides will lead you in pursuit of numerous fish species at the hottest fishing holes at 23 lakes, rivers and streams on breathtaking Prince of Wales Island, Alaska. Your fly fishing excursions are typically accessed via Suburban. Although available, the added expense of a fly-out trip is completely unnecessary. Many of these waters are only fished when Boardwalk guests venture out, allowing you to cast and catch in solitude. Our native Alaska fishing opportunities include:
- Steelhead Fishing (Sea Run Rainbow Trout)
- Cutthroat Trout Fishing
- Dolly Varden Fishing
- Silver Salmon Fishing (Coho Salmon)
- Pink Salmon Fishing (Humpies)
- Chum Salmon Fishing (Dog Salmon)
- Sockeye Salmon Fishing (Red Salmon)
TROUT FLY FISHING
Hearty Native Steelhead
Imagine catching native Steelhead — Alaska's wild, sea run rainbow – not hatchery fish. The island's
trophy-class Alaskan lunkers are typically in the 29-37 inch range! These are powerful, fierce fighters that will
make your fly reel sing and can quickly take you into backing. Alaska's Boardwalk Lodge accommodates hearty Steelheaders looking to
land some of these rare and coveted game fish from May 1 through May 31.For fly fishing anglers, we recommend a 9-foot, 7- or 8-weight fly rod. A reel with a smooth drag, loaded with both floating and sink-tip lines, is also recommended. Most of the popular Steelhead flies will work, but some of the better producers include: Comet (orange and red/white), Marabou (black, orange, red), Popsicle, Purple egg-sucking leech, Green-Butt Skunk, Woolly Buggers (green, purple, black), and Black articulated leech.
Dolly Varden Char and Cutthroat Trout
Dolly Varden and Cutthroat Trout are plentiful in nearby lakes and streams, providing year-round excitement. Most Cutthroat and Dollies range from 10-21 inches. These tenacious trout and char leave no shortage of action – you may find yourself catching and releasing till your arms give out!Trout fly fishing gear should include a 3-5 weight rod and a quality reel. An assortment of smolt patterns and dry flies including Stimulators, Adams, Mosquitoes and assorted Nymphs will have the trout and Dollies jumping.
SALMON FLY FISHING
Non-stop battles heat up in July with Coho and Sockeye Salmon runs, followed by a sea of Pink and Chum Salmon in August.
The vast majority of these fish have never seen an artificial fly, much less taken one. Both skilled and novice fisherman
will need to brace themselves for the thrill of a lifetime when these trophy Salmon hit. The fight is non-stop, and the
sheer rod-bending action is exhilarating!Popular flies for all salmon include Bead Head Canadian Leech (rust and black), Egg Sucking Leech (purple and black), Polar Shrimp, Orange Comet and Popsicle.
Silver Salmon Fishing
Silvers, or Coho salmon, are hard fighters and can provide intense action. The Coho average 12-15 pounds, but can be found weighing in at over 20 pounds. These salmon are most plentiful from late July through September.Coho Salmon fly fishing is best approached with 7-8 weight rods in Southeast Alaska. Best fly fishing patterns for Silver Salmon include Bead Head Canadian Leech (rust and black), Egg Sucking Leech (purple and black), Polar Shrimp, Orange Comet and Popsicle.
Pink Salmon Fishing
These are the smallest and most abundant salmon in area waters. Pinks have a two-year life cycle and average 3-5 pounds. Upon entering freshwater streams, pinks develop a dorsal hump, thus their nickname "Humpy." Saltwater Humpy fishing is best during July and August.Fly fishing gear should consist of 5-7 weight rods for Pinks. Popular fly patterns include Bead Head Canadian Leech (rust and black), Egg Sucking Leech (purple and black), Polar Shrimp, Orange Comet and Popsicle.
Chum Salmon Fishing
Often called Dog salmon, Chums are famous for their strength and large teeth, which develop most prominently in males upon entering freshwater. Chum salmon fishing is readily available mid-July through August. These salmon average 15 pounds with an occasional lunker topping 25 pounds.Standard fly fishing gear for Dog Salmon include 7-8 weight rods and several producing flies including: Bead Head Canadian Leech (rust and black), Egg Sucking Leech (purple and black), Polar Shrimp, Orange Comet and Popsicle.
Sockeye Salmon Fishing
Also called Red salmon, Sockeyes are the most difficult salmon to catch in area waters. Sockeyes are highly regarded for their fighting skill.The best rods to battle these lunkers are 7 and 8 weights, paired with a large arbor reel to handle the explosive runs these fish make. Fly colors that work consistently and seem to produce more Sockeyes are: hot pink, ginger black, hot green and chili.
Adventure is never in short supply at Boardwalk. When your fly casting arm grows tired, toss in a line aboard one of Boardwalk's 26- and 27-foot heated cabin cruisers. Saltwater fishing excursions run daily.
Southeast Alaska's 5-Star Adventure!
800-764-3918
Thorne Bay • Prince of Wales Island • Southeast Alaska