Best Rod (weight) for Your Alaska Fly Fishing Trip

01.17.17

We receive a fair number of questions about the “best” weight fly rod to bring on your Alaska Peninsula fishing adventure. Below is Rus’s simplified recommendation for single-handed rods at our two operations.

By Trip

• Alaska Wilderness OUTPOST: 5, 7, 9 (or 10)
• Alaska Wilderness SAFARI: 6, 8

By Month

• June: 5, 7
• July: 5, 7; 9 after July 4 or so
• August: 6 or 5 and 7, 8 or 9
• September: 6 or 5 and 8 or 9

By Species

• Arctic Grayling: 5 or 6
• Rainbow Trout: 7 or 6
• Dolly Varden: 7 or 6
• Pink Salmon: 7 or 6
• Chum Salmon: 8 or 9
• Silver Salmon: 8 or 9
• King Salmon: 9 or 10
• Halibut: we provide tackle

Other Thoughts

• All reels should be rigged with a floating line. In some occasional situations, a short (5′ to 10′) sink-tip line or sinking leader can be helpful. But a floating line only will work just fine.
• Rods with fighting butts are mandatory on 7 thru 10 weights. If you have a choice, one on your 6 weight will be very helpful.
• 4 piece rods are better for traveling on major airlines and for the charter flight to camp. They may actually fit inside your duffel bag. 3 piece rods are OK. We don’t recommend 2 piece rods for travel ease.

For extensive discussion on rods, reels, lines, etc, click here.

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