Steelhead Fly-Fishing in Sitka, Alaska
Located on the west coast of Baranof Island, Sitka is a small town in Alaska known for its excellent fishing, which is a popular pastime for residents and a large source of industry. Steelhead is a species of large trout commonly found in Sitka's waters that many anglers fish for because of their large size and taste. Fly-fishing for steelhead can be an exciting activity, provided that you do your research first.
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Licenses and Regulations
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In the state of Alaska, anyone over the age of 16 must have a license to fish legally. Non-commercial fishing licenses can be purchased online, at most parks and recreation departments as well as approved bait and tackle stores. Day passes can occasionally be purchased when fishing with charter or private fishing companies. Unless you have a commercial fishing license, it is unlawful to sell anything you catch in Alaska. Penalties for doing so include a revoking of your sportsman license as well as a substantial fine.
Equipment
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Lightweight rods and fly reels, of which there are many varieties, are necessary for fly-fishing. Quick drying or water resistant pants are useful, especially if you plan to fish in the lake or just offshore. Because Alaska's weather is disparately cold and harsh through most months of the year, you will want to have heavy clothing and and change of dry clothes on hand.
Flies and lures best used for catching steelhead can vary and often depend of preference. Many fisherman prefer flies that dangle and stay on the surface, and others rely on slightly submersible flies. They come in a wide variety of colors, and others even have electronic assists that send out signals to draw fish in.
Many fishermen also use electronic sonar assists that measure the depth, temperature and fish density in the water. These devices can be extremely costly but can save a fisherman a great deal of time.
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Safety
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Although fly-fishing is generally regarded as a safe activity, there are a number of precautions you will want to take. Never go out fishing alone, especially if you are a beginner. Always let someone know where you will be going and when you plan to return. If you are fishing directly in the water be sure wear proper foot gear and thermal clothing to keep you dry and warm. If weather conditions change drastically or river currents become strong, head back to dry land immediately.
FIshing Tips
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August, September, and October are the optimum steelhead fishing months, but many fish continue returning to the rivers well into the winter. Adult steelhead prefer fast, deep and running water. During the day, steelhead stay in fast, white-water areas and the area behind large rocks. Hooks must be kept extremely sharp as steelhead fish are light biters.
Charter Fishing and Lodges in Sitka
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The Alaska Premiere Charters Company at The Wild Strawberry Lodge has four, 30-foot private fishing vessels that regularly take large groups of fishermen out for half- or full-day fishing trips. Each boat has a heated cabin for colder weather as well as a private restroom below deck. The Wild Strawberry Lodge is a large fishing retreat with more than a dozen rooms and cabins that can accommodate more than 40 people. There is free wireless Internet in all rooms and a kitchenette in most cabins.
Angling Unlimited is a small, privately owned charter company in Sitka with a 24-foot boat with a custom rigged, wraparound deck that fisherman can cast off of and hook their rods into handless sets. The boat also has a private restroom, heated, multi-seat cabin, several experienced captains who can provide tips and hints for novice fishermen.
Sitka Seaside Lodge is a resort and charter service that takes small groups of fishermen out for 8-10 hour fishing or sightseeing trips on a 24-foot vessel. Bait, tackle and water resistant clothing are provided on all trips. The lodge is located directly on the waterfront and has eight spacious rooms with cable TV, wireless Internet and private bathrooms. Home-cooked meals are included for guests throughout the duration of their stay.
Sitka Parks
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Magoun Islands State Park is a small island that is located off Sitka that is available for fishing year-round. This remote facility only can be accessed by boat and has no visitor facilities but has majestic views and excellent fishing.
Located just 7 miles north of Sitka and within the Tongass National Forest, Starrigavan campground is a 7-acre facility that has year-round camping and fishing on site. There are nightly fees for camping, but day entry and fishing are free of charge.
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References
Resources
- Photo Credit fly fishing image by John Sfondilias from Fotolia.com
