Alaska Steelhead Fishing

Advice and tips for steelhead fishing in Alaska

Also see Alaska trout fishing and Alaska rainbow trout fishing

  alaska steelhead fishingThe steelhead trout is the ocean going type of rainbow trout.  Alaska steelhead fishing is similar to fishing for rainbows in many ways, but they are generally larger and more graceful.  To the delight of the anglers who partake in Alaska steelhead fishing, these trout are also more spirited fighters.  A steelhead on the line will challenge fishermen with airborne leaps and combative tug of wars.  Though Alaska steelhead fishing does not have the mainstream popularity of salmon or rainbow trout fishing, it accounts for some of the best fishing in Alaska.   

To conserve the population of Alaska's wild steelhead, most anglers practice a catch and release policy when fishing for these sea faring trout. 

Some of the best techniques for employing catch and release are to refrain from using bait, handle fish with wet hands and never with nets, be careful when removing cut line and hooks and above all, and only use barbless hooks.  Practicing these methods will help protect steelhead populations for further propagation of the species and for future sport fishing experiences.  

Drift fishing remains the most effective method for Alaska steelhead fishing.  A bait caster is preferred over a spinning reel for drift fishing.  Fly fishing is also very popular.  Steelhead are generally drawn to egg-simulating attractors and colorful flies. 
 

Identifying Fish When Steelhead Trout Fishing In Alaska

Alaska Steelhead, Alaskan Steelhead TroutThough not as colorful as their freshwater cousins, Alaskan steelhead retain some of the same physical characteristics as rainbow trout.  As juveniles, steelhead closely resemble rainbows, but then their appearance alters when they make their migration from freshwater into the open ocean.  This metamorphosis is essential for the steelhead's survival.   

Like rainbows, steelhead have silver sides, white bellies, olive to bluish green backs and small to mid size black spots scattering the tailfin and upper sides.  One great difference is that the steelhead has a more silvery appearance overall and its markings seem to emerge beneath that silver sheen.  Steelhead are also more streamlined and slender than rainbows.  Average weights for steelheads are around 8 pounds, with recent records reaching upwards of 20 pounds.

During spawning, steelhead return to freshwater and gain a similar appearance to rainbow trout with the distinctive pink, red or pale violet stripe across the midline.
 

Prime Locations For Alaska Steelhead Fishing

South Central Areas for Steelhead Fishing

Chugach:  Copper River Tributaries: Upper Middle Fork Gulkana, Tebay, Tazlina, Hanagita Rivers, Twelve Mile, Hollow Creeks

Kenai:  Ninilchik, Kasilof, Anchor Rivers, Striski, Deep Creeks

Kodiak:  Uganik, Ayakulik, Afognak, Karluk Rivers, Saltery, Malina, Pauls, Akalura Creeks

Places in the Southeast for Steelhead Fishing

Juneau:  Taku River, Peterson Creek

Wrangell: Eagle, Aaron, Anan, Thoms Creeks

Sitka:  Eva, Sitkoh, Hasselborg Creeks, Port Banks, Plotnikof Rivers

Petersburg:  Ohmer, Hamilton, Kadake, Petersburg, Falls, Kah Sheets Creeks, Castle River

Yakutat and Gulf Coast:  Situk, Italio Rivers

Prince of Wales:  Thorne, Kegan, Harris, Klawock, Karta Rivers, Salmon Bay, Staney Creeks

Ketchikan:  Naha River, Ketchikan, Ward, Fish Creeks, McDonald Lake System

Steelhead Fishing Locations in the Southwest

Nelson Lagoon:  Nelson, Sapsuk Rivers

Port Moller:  Bear, Sandy Rivers

Cold Bay:  Trout, Russell Creeks