Alaska

Chasing Rainbows in the Heart of the Alaskan Wilderness

Taylor Goodhue November 26, 2025

Now is the time to lock in the best of Alaska's remaining rainbow trout and silver salmon dates. See our favorite opportunities below.

Late summer in Alaska, August rolling into September, delivers some of the most exciting fly fishing of the entire season. Rainbow trout are fired up and feeding aggressively, catch rates spike, and fresh, chrome-bright silvers push into the rivers in big numbers, most of them more than happy to chase a fly. Coho are famously the most aggressive of the Pacific salmon, making them a blast to target whether you prefer swinging or stripping streamers.

A big part of what makes these lodges special is the sheer flexibility they give you. Each morning you can lift off and head straight to whatever water is fishing best—one day it might be a secluded creek you’d never reach otherwise, the next a broad, remote river stacked with salmon. Every outing is shaped around your preferences and the day’s conditions, so you get the most out of every hour you’re out there. Throw in the classic late-season scenery, bears chasing sockeye in skinny water and plenty of Dolly Varden, grayling, and Arctic char throughout the system, and it’s easy to understand why this window is considered one of Alaska’s prime fishing periods.

Rapids Camp Lodge, Bristol Bay - Sage Experiences

  • As a Sage Experiences Outfitter, you'll enjoy premium Sage and RIO Products tackle available for your use that is perfectly matched to the fishery. 
  • State’s widest flying radius with three DeHavilland Beaver floatplanes for unparalleled access.  
  • Diverse fishing options: Katmai’s trophy trout, Becharof’s remote char and salmon, and Naknek’s rainbow trout.  
  • Single-occupancy accommodations with private bathrooms for added comfort.  
  • Fully inclusive packages with private transfers and charter flights 
  • Exceptional dining, featuring gourmet meals paired with private-label wines. 

2026 Last Available Dates:
August 21 – 28: 6 Spots open
August 28 – September 4: 4 Spots open

Intricate Bay Lodge, Bristol Bay

  • Great rainbow trout fishing in the fabled Iliamna/Katmai region of Bristol Bay Alaska 
  • High quality meals and accommodations in the heart of the Alaskan wilderness 
  • Choose between full fly out, partial fly out, or float trip/lodge hybrid packages 
  • Access a wide range of systems by raft, jetboat, or hiking 
  • Fish with great guides who can work with guests of all abilities and ages

2026 Last Available Dates:
August 29– September 4: 12 spots open
September 5 - 11: 12 Spots 

Royal Wolf Lodge, Bristol Bay

  • Experience one of Alaska’s finest fleet of aircraft including the unique and nimble Helio Courier’s 
  • Enjoy the location within Katmai National Park which allows for short flights to the most productive rainbow trout fisheries in the state.  
  • Fish with experienced guides which provide great instruction while sharing their vast knowledge of Alaska. 
  • Enjoy owners that have decades of experience operating in the bush and who have built a lodge that offers true comfort. 
  • Experience trophy trout waters, Katmai Park and its surroundings which offer the world’s best bear viewing and scenic flights. 

2025 Last Remaining Dates
August 28 – September 4: 2 spots open
September 4 – 11: 4 spots open
September 11 – 18: 2 spots open

Prime Time Silver Salmon Dates

Alaska West, Kanektok River

Experience incredible silver salmon fishing on a truly wonderful river, paired with a comfortable camp setting that keeps you close to the action. Expect strong numbers of silvers, with bonus opportunities for trout and Dolly Varden to round out the adventure.

2025 Last Remaining Dates
July 26 – August 2: 6 spots open

Sapsuk River Camp, Alaska Peninsula

For those looking for true adventure in a remote piece of Alaska, Sapsuk River Camp may be the place for you. This tent camp on the Alaska Peninsula boasts high catch rates with very little pressure for Silvers.

2025 Last Remaining Dates
August 26 - September 2: 2 spots open
September 9 –16: 4 spots open
September 16 – 23: 6 spots open

Contact Taylor Goodhue

Taylor is a native Oregonian who has been passionate about fly fishing for as long as he can remember. Prior to joining Fly Water Travel, he worked with Confluence Fly Shop in Bend, Oregon, where he served as an instructor, guide, and sales associate. His deep love for both travel and the sport has taken him across the globe in pursuit of a wide variety of fish species.

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