I’ve always envisioned fishing in Alaska. The untamed scenery, endless waterways, and the chance for a once-in-a-lifetime catch drew me in. So when I finally arranged a float fishing expedition with Alaska Rainbow Adventures, it felt like responding to an invitation from the wild.
The journey began on a chilly morning as we set off into a winding river bordered by diverse landscapes, from open tundra to lush forests, all framed by rugged snow-capped mountains. The guides informed us about the leopard rainbow trout that inhabited these waters, their vibrant spotted designs more astonishing than any fish I had ever pictured. I had seen photos, but encountering one in real life posed a totally different adventure.
The water was crystal clear, allowing me to see shadows darting beneath the surface. My guide, Matt, provided me with tips on how to interpret the current and cast my line accurately. “Let it drift,” Matt suggested as I made another throw. Suddenly, the line tightened—a gentle tug that quickly transformed into a fierce pull. My heart soared as I set the hook. The fish surged downstream, pulling line off my reel.
“It’s a good one!” Matt yelled, grabbing the net. The battle was thrilling. The trout was robust, making multiple runs, challenging both my patience and skills. My arms were sore, but I remained steady, carefully guiding the fish as the guide urged me to maintain my composure. Finally, with a last graceful leap, the trout slowed and broke the surface.
What I saw was nothing less than awe-inspiring. The fish was a work of art—its gleaming body adorned with bright colors and intricate black spots that justified its “leopard” name. Matt deftly placed the net under it and gently lifted it from the water.
“You did it,” he said, beaming as he held it up for my admiration. I was left speechless. The trout was even more beautiful than I had envisioned. Its green to golden tones faded into soft pinks and reds along its underbelly, and its leopard-like spots appeared almost too exquisite to be real.
We carefully measured and admired the fish before releasing it into the river, where it flicked its tail and disappeared into the depths. As I watched the ripples fade away, I understood that this feeling would be a lifelong pursuit. And the best part? This was only day one of an exhilarating eight-day float trip with the incredible guides at Alaska Rainbow Adventures in Southwest Alaska, there would be more to come!
Float Fish Alaska – akrainbow.com / floatfishalaska.com / kanektokriveralaska.com / goodnewsriver.com
