Alaska Combo Salmon & Trout Fishing Adventure
Private Trip
River Fishing
Target sockeye salmon, silver salmon, Rainbow Trout, and Dolly Varden charRiver fishing adventure accommodates groups up to 14 guestsSeasonal species availability ensures productive fishing throughout the year
This combo trip gives you the best of Alaska's salmon runs paired with some of the most aggressive rainbow trout and dolly varden char fishing you'll find. Depending on when you join us, we'll target either sockeye or silver salmon during their peak runs, then switch gears to work the deeper pools and structure where rainbows and dollies hang out waiting for easy meals. It's a full-day experience that showcases why Alaska fishing is world-class – you're not just catching one species, you're experiencing the entire ecosystem in action. We keep groups small at 14 anglers max, so everyone gets plenty of water time and personalized instruction.
Your day starts early when salmon are most active and the water's still cool from the overnight temperatures. We'll hit prime salmon water first – whether that's targeting sockeye in their traditional holding spots or working the silvers as they push upriver. The beauty of this combo approach is how the day flows naturally. After we've had our fill of salmon action, we shift focus to the trout and char that follow these salmon runs. These fish are opportunistic and aggressive, feeding heavily on salmon eggs and flesh, which makes for some of the most exciting rainbow trout fishing you'll experience. The dollies get just as fired up, and their bright orange fins and aggressive takes will keep your adrenaline pumping all day long.
We switch up our approach throughout the day to match what we're targeting. For salmon, we're typically running heavier tackle – 8 to 9 weight rods with strong reels that can handle long runs and powerful fish. Depending on conditions and species, we might be swinging flies through deeper runs, bouncing eggs along the bottom, or working spinners in the current seams where fish are moving. When we transition to trout and char fishing, we lighten up the tackle and get more technical. These fish are feeding actively but can be selective, so we'll match our presentation to what's working that day. Nymphing with egg patterns, swinging streamers, or even dry fly fishing when conditions are right. I provide all the gear, but if you've got your own setup and want to bring it, just let me know what you're thinking and I'll give you the specs that work best for our local conditions.
Sockeye salmon are the backbone of Alaska's fishery, and when they're running, the action is fast and consistent. These fish average 6-8 pounds of pure muscle and fight harder than their size suggests. They're incredibly strong and make blistering runs that will test your drag system. Sockeye fishing is technical – they don't eat much once they hit fresh water, so we're targeting their aggressive instincts with specific presentations. The best time for sockeye is typically mid-June through July, and when you hook one, you'll understand why they're a customer favorite. Their chrome-bright bodies and incredible stamina make every fight memorable.
Coho salmon, or silvers as we call them locally, are the acrobats of the salmon world. These fish will jump, tail-walk, and put on a show that gets everyone on the boat excited. They average 8-12 pounds and are much more aggressive feeders than sockeye, which means they'll hit a variety of lures and flies. Silver season runs from late July into September, and these fish are known for their aerial displays and long, powerful runs. They're also excellent table fare, with rich, flavorful meat that's perfect for the grill.
Rainbow trout in our waters are something special – they're wild, aggressive, and beautifully colored from feeding on salmon eggs and flesh. These aren't your typical stocked trout; they're native Alaska rainbows that can reach 20+ inches and fight with incredible strength. They're most active during salmon runs when there's plenty of food in the system, making them opportunistic feeders that will hit everything from egg patterns to large streamers. The colors on these fish are stunning – deep reds, bright silver sides, and that classic rainbow stripe that gives them their name.
Dolly Varden char are the overlooked stars of Alaska fishing. These fish are incredibly aggressive and will often out-fight trout of the same size. They're distinguished by their olive-green backs, bright orange fins, and pink or red spots along their sides. Dollies are year-round residents that know every inch of the river, making them smart fighters that use the current and structure to their advantage. They're excellent table fare and provide consistent action throughout the season, often saving the day when other species are being finicky.
This combo trip delivers variety that keeps experienced anglers engaged while giving newcomers a true taste of what Alaska fishing offers. You're not just targeting one species and calling it a day – you're experiencing the full cycle of how these fish interact and feed off each other in the ecosystem. The small group size means you get personal attention and coaching, whether you're perfecting your cast or learning to read the water like a local. With no meals included, you can focus completely on fishing without worrying about set meal times when the bite might be hot. Ready to experience world-class Alaska fishing? Let's get you on the water and show you why this combo trip is trending with both guides and anglers who want the complete Alaska experience.
Salvelinus alpinusArctic char are tough fighters with dark green backs and beautiful pink or white spots - easy to tell from salmon by those light-colored spots instead of dark ones. They average 11-29 inches but can push 20 pounds in the right waters. These char prefer shallow areas under 3 feet, though you'll find some deeper. Late May through early July is prime time when they're feeding on migrating salmon, but they stay active into September. What makes them special is their strong fight and that mild, fatty meat that's perfect for the table. The water stays cold where they live, so they're always ready to scrap. Key tip: stay low and avoid casting your shadow over shallow water - these fish spook easily and won't come back to the same spot if you blow them out.
Oncorhynchus KisutchSilver salmon are pure fighters - they'll jump 6 feet out of the water and give you a battle you won't forget. These acrobatic fish run 12-30 inches and average 8-12 pounds, with that classic silver body and dark blue-green back. You'll find them in calm spots under structure in rivers connected to the ocean. Best fishing is during their runs when they're moving between salt and fresh water. What makes cohos special is their incredible fight and that bright orange-red meat that tastes outstanding on the table. Pro tip: in fast water, swing bright spinners through the current - chartreuse and pink work great. When they're holding in deeper pools, try twitching a jig with a long tail to get their attention.
Salvelinus MalmaDolly Varden are beautiful char with olive-green backs and those distinctive red-orange spots scattered along their sides. They typically run 24 inches and can hit 27 pounds, making them serious fighters that'll test your line. These fish love salmon roe more than anything, so the best action happens during salmon spawning season when they're gorging themselves at river mouths and lake outlets. You'll find them in both fresh and saltwater depending on the season - they move to nearshore areas in summer and deeper saltwater in winter. What guests love is their aggressive fight and the challenge of landing a big char. Here's the key: bring plenty of salmon roe and use regular trout gear, but beef up your tippet because these fish are line-breakers.
Oncorhynchus NerkaSockeye salmon are the prized red salmon that anglers travel thousands of miles to catch. They're smaller than other salmon at 18-32 inches and 4-15 pounds, but what they lack in size they make up for in table quality - that deep red, oily meat is pure gold. These metallic blue-green fish swim close to the bottom when running upriver, typically May through September. Unlike other Pacific salmon, they don't have black spots, making them easy to identify. The challenge is timing your presentation right as they move through with mouths opening and closing. Best fishing is when water temps hit 60+ degrees. My go-to technique: start with a #6 wet fly at mouth level and match your fly size to water conditions - big flies for high water, smaller for low.
Fairbanks