Fly Fishing or Spin Casting on Alaska Float Trips
Fly fishing or spin casting — either is appropriate on every river we float. We guide both, and we'll offer basic instruction to any angler who wants to pick up a fly rod for the first time.
Fly fishing and spin casting both work exceptionally well on Alaska float trips on rivers like the Kanektok, Goodnews, Arolik, Togiak, and Alagnak.
The rivers we float — the Kanektok, Goodnews, Alagnak, Arolik, and Togiak — hold all five species of Pacific salmon, trophy rainbow trout, Dolly Varden, and Arctic grayling. What you bring, and how you set it up, depends on which species you're prioritizing and what time of season you're fishing.
Our guides carry a working knowledge of both methods and will put you on fish regardless of your preferred approach. If you've always wanted to try a fly rod on a big Alaska river, there's no better place to start — and we'll help you get there.
We have TFO fly rod and reel packages in 10wt, 8wt, and 6wt available for rent. Quantities are limited — inquire at booking if you need rental rods. Spin fishing rods and reels are available at no charge — just bring your own lures. We also carry spare setups on every trip in case something unexpected happens to your primary gear.
Spin Casting Setups
A versatile approach that covers the full range of species on our rivers. The right setup depends on the target.
For most salmon and trout fishing, a medium-action rod capable of handling 10–15 lb line and lures from 3/8 to 3/4 ounce covers the majority of situations. Blue Fox Pixies (chrome/red or chrome/pink), Mepps spinners, and T-spoons are proven performers on all our rivers.
| Target Species | Rod Action | Line | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| King Salmon (Chinook) | Heavy action | 20–30 lb | Upsize significantly. Kings will test your gear hard. |
| Coho, Chum, Sockeye | Medium-heavy | 12–17 lb | General all-around salmon setup. Pixies and spoons in bright colors. |
| Pink Salmon | Medium-light | 8–12 lb | Pinks are aggressive — any reasonable lure works on a fresh run. |
| Rainbow Trout (large) | Medium | 10–14 lb | Smaller spinners. Egg-imitating lures during salmon runs. |
| Dolly Varden & Grayling | Ultra-light | 4–8 lb | Small inline spinners. Grayling on ultra-light are outstanding fun. |
Fly Fishing Setups
Southwest Alaska is world-class fly water. Big fish, aggressive takes, and enough species diversity that you'll want more than one rod rigged at a time.
For Chum, Coho, Sockeye, and large Rainbows, the workhorse setup is a 9-foot 8-weight rod with a reel holding at least 150 yards of 20-pound backing. Bring both floating and sink-tip lines — this covers the majority of what you'll encounter on most trips throughout the season.
For King Salmon, move up to a 9–9.5 foot 10-weight with real backbone. Sink-tip lines — a Teeny T-400, SA Wet Tip V, or fast-sinking shooting heads — get heavy flies down where Kings hold. Also rig a floating line for shallow-water situations.
For Pink Salmon, Arctic Char, Grayling, and smaller Rainbows, a 5-weight is the popular choice (8 to 9 feet, 100 yards backing). A 4-weight or 6-weight works beautifully too — grayling on a 4-weight dry fly is one of the best things you'll do on this trip.
Rod & Reel Guide by Species
A side-by-side breakdown for fly and spin anglers.
King Salmon: 9–12 wt (10 wt preferred). Sink-tip or fast-sinking shooting head + floating line for shallows. Heavy, wind-resistant flies.
Coho, Chum, Sockeye + Big Rainbows: 7–9 wt (9 ft 8 wt most popular). 150+ yds 20 lb backing. Floating + sink-tip lines.
Pink Salmon, Char, Grayling + Smaller Rainbows: 4–6 wt (5 wt popular). 100 yds backing.
Mouse Fishing for Rainbows: 6–7 wt floating line. Waking a mouse on a tight loop is one of the most exciting things on any of our rivers.
King Salmon: Heavy action, 20–30 lb line. Large spoons and wobblers. Don't undergun this fish.
Coho, Chum, Sockeye: Medium-heavy, 12–17 lb. Blue Fox Pixies (chrome/red or pink), Mepps spinners, T-spoons.
Pink Salmon: Medium-light, 8–12 lb. Pinks are aggressive on a fresh run.
Rainbow Trout + Dolly Varden: Medium to light, 8–14 lb. Smaller spinners. Egg-imitating lures during salmon spawn.
Grayling: Ultra-light. Small inline spinners. These fish are a joy on light gear.
When Each Method Works Best
Neither approach is universally superior. The right choice depends on conditions, species, and what you enjoy doing.
- Sight-casting to visible fish in clear water
- Mouse fishing for trophy rainbow trout
- Dry fly grayling fishing in upper reaches
- Presenting delicate patterns to selective fish
- Coho on the surface — one of the best experiences in Alaska
- King Salmon — heavy gear with direct control
- Covering wide water quickly in larger rivers
- Windy conditions where casting is difficult
- Beginners who want immediate action
- Sockeye on aggressive retrieves in tight water
Hooks & Spares
Two rules that apply to every trip, regardless of your method.
We strongly discourage treble hooks and ask that you replace them with barbless single hooks one or two sizes larger before your trip. This applies to both fly and spin setups. Single barbless is required on some of the waters we float, is better for the fish, and results in more solid hookups and more fish landed. Crimp down your barbs before tying on anything.
Bring at least two complete rod and reel setups. Breaking a rod tip in the middle of a week-long float trip is a long way from a tackle shop. Extra spools with different lines (floating + sink-tip at minimum) give you versatility without extra rod weight. The RIO VersiTip system is a practical solution for traveling anglers working within bush-plane weight limits.
Ready to Talk About the River?
Paul will give you a straight answer on gear, species timing, and which setup makes sense for your trip.
Or call (907) 357-0251 (voice only) · [email protected]