Fly-Fishing for Alaska Rainbow Trout
Alaska Rainbow trout are by far the number one targeted species of fish in this part of Alaska. The Bristol Bay Watershed is the only designated trophy trout area in the state. Guests of Anglers Alibi can fly-out and fish for these leopard bows at prime times to take full advantage of the salmon spawn or early season on dry flies and mouse patterns! Fly-outs in 2025 for June guests will have unlimited flights built into the week with our own plane at the dock. We will only take 8 guests these weeks to ensure all 8 can fly every day if they want to and explore many options in our region.
We also fish the Braids of the Alagnak River targeting rainbow trout on dry flies, mice, and streamers. These Alaskan rainbow trout, also referred to as “leopard bows”, fight harder per pound than any other trout in the lower 48. The lodge industry was founded on rivers like the fabled Brooks River, and we keep this and many more in our quiver of rivers to fish throughout the season.
Some rivers will see rainbows at an average of 22”, while others will see an average of 16”. With the smaller average size rivers, there is usually a higher catch rate. We recommend using a 7 wt. rod for Alaska rainbows as they are harder fighting trout compared to the norm in the lower 48. Some of our special trophy trout rivers will see 8 and 9 weight rods with the probability of a near 30" trout or over 30" trout a strong possibility!
We also fish the Braids of the Alagnak River targeting rainbow trout on dry flies, mice, and streamers. These Alaskan rainbow trout, also referred to as “leopard bows”, fight harder per pound than any other trout in the lower 48. The lodge industry was founded on rivers like the fabled Brooks River, and we keep this and many more in our quiver of rivers to fish throughout the season.
Some rivers will see rainbows at an average of 22”, while others will see an average of 16”. With the smaller average size rivers, there is usually a higher catch rate. We recommend using a 7 wt. rod for Alaska rainbows as they are harder fighting trout compared to the norm in the lower 48. Some of our special trophy trout rivers will see 8 and 9 weight rods with the probability of a near 30" trout or over 30" trout a strong possibility!
When We Fish for Rainbow Trout
Fishing for rainbow trout with Angler’s Alibi is a season long endeavor we start right from the trout opener on June 8th through the last day of the season in early October. Our trout fishing focuses on not only our home river, but we fly-out to many trout streams in nearby Katmai National Park and the famous trophy trout rivers like the Kvichak and Naknek River. The trout options for guests of Anglers Alibi are very similar to lodges that cost twice as much to fish. We split the cost of the fly-out fee among the guests that help keep the overall experience down to a minimum. We are always trying to fish for the largest trout possible throughout the season but also putting our guests in areas with huge populations of wild rainbows that are amazing fighters even at the 20” range.
Our largest trout of the season can come in any week and in almost any river. Our main rivers for trout in that magical 30” range are the Kvichak and Naknek River, Moraine Creek, Funnel Creek, and our very own Alagnak River. Last summer, on our last day of the season, we landed and taped out a true 34” rainbow with a girth that put it over 15 pounds. This was the largest trout of the season but many were landed in that mid to upper 20” range.
Our largest trout of the season can come in any week and in almost any river. Our main rivers for trout in that magical 30” range are the Kvichak and Naknek River, Moraine Creek, Funnel Creek, and our very own Alagnak River. Last summer, on our last day of the season, we landed and taped out a true 34” rainbow with a girth that put it over 15 pounds. This was the largest trout of the season but many were landed in that mid to upper 20” range.
Suggested Rainbow Trout Fishing Gear
For most of our trout rivers, a 7wt. fly rod with floating line is ideal. The only exception is fishing the Kvichak, Naknek River, or American Creek where a 8wt. fly rod is more suited for the bigger and stronger fish of this system. The trout that are caught on the Kvichak come out of Lake Illiamna and are super strong. These trout will jump higher than any other trout I have ever seen! It is not uncommon to see trout leap 6 feet or more above the water surface! This is just unheard of and we love this river for this reason alone. If you are fishing in June and July, a sinking line of a type 5 sink rate or 5 inches per second is recommended to have in your arsenal for fishing streamers. Later in the season, floating lines are used almost exclusively. I would still suggest a sinking line though for swinging flesh flies later in the season, and a type 5 or 3 is perfect for the job. Naknek River trout are fished either by drifting from a boat, or swinging flies from a shoulder or gravel bar. This is a great optiioin for those anglers not suited for hiking like many fly out streams require. The lower American River is fished via a special permit and we use a jet boat to fish this river. It is also a great river to fish for those not really capable of hiking.
Rainbow Trout Fly Patterns
Trout in Alaska are very opportunistic feeders. Early in the season we prefer to use mouse patterns. The Mr. Hanky or Moorish mouse are guide favorites for sure. Dry flies like Royal Wulffs, caddis, stimulators, green drakes, and adams work well in larger sizes like size 10 through 14.
Popular streamers utilize either articulated style or string leech style hooks. The trout have a propensity to strike further back on leeches and bait imitations therefore having the hook further back seems to help with the hook up success. We like Dolly Llammas in black/white and olive/white combinations. We also like intruder style streamers in black/blue, ginger/red/black, and blue/purple/black.
Late in the season, egg patterns or beads are by the number one fly pattern for numbers but flesh flies in white/cream, light pink/cream work well and usually catch the larger trout.
Popular streamers utilize either articulated style or string leech style hooks. The trout have a propensity to strike further back on leeches and bait imitations therefore having the hook further back seems to help with the hook up success. We like Dolly Llammas in black/white and olive/white combinations. We also like intruder style streamers in black/blue, ginger/red/black, and blue/purple/black.
Late in the season, egg patterns or beads are by the number one fly pattern for numbers but flesh flies in white/cream, light pink/cream work well and usually catch the larger trout.
