By Pete Robbins – Half Past First Cast

 

Right now, you may be turning your attention away from summer pursuits as the days get shorter. In all likelihood, though, you have it better than the good people of Alaska. The darkness far outweighs the light for them during the coming cold winter months. If they didn’t have seasonal affective disorder before they moved there, they probably have it now.

Despite that tale of woe, you should be thinking about next year’s trip to Alaska now. If you haven’t already been, I cannot stress enough that a trip to the 49th State is America’s version of going on safari within our own borders. It’s a tremendous opportunity and experience for outdoorsmen and outdoorswomen, people who love nature, and travelers who want to be awed every day. Critically, for most of us the travel season there is short – essentially June through August – and that makes it imperative to plan your trip as early as possible. There are several factors at play:

The first is TIMING. If you want to catch a particular type of salmon, or to be able to keep a certain species of saltwater fish, you’re at the mercy of the regs and the runs. If they’re not there, you can’t catch them, and if they’re not legal you can’t keep them. If you need specific date ranges, act sooner rather than later.

The second factor is PRICING. Everything is expensive up there, from hotels to bottled water to beer to gas. As you get closer to your scheduled dates, things may go up, they may go down, but by having essentials (e.g., rental car, hotels) on the books (and cancellable) you avoid shell shock at a later type.

Third, there’s SCARCITY. Not just at the lodges and among the guides – although the best and most popular among them also seem to get booked up earlier and earlier every year – but also among those commodities listed above. Since the pandemic, there have been a limited number of rental cars up there. At a certain point, you may not be able to get one at any price. Lock that sucker in before you get left in the dust, because if you arrive there and can’t find one you’re out of luck.

From a practical standpoint, it also makes sense to get moving now. You’ll want to block out the time to get there, get back, and get around to different places during your stay. It’s a big place, and while intrastate travel is not difficult, it may be time-consuming. Extend the visit as long as possible. You’ll be glad that you did.

Additionally, if (like us) you’re not an experienced fly angler and you intend to try it, it might make sense to practice your casting or take a lesson before you go. It’ll mean less wasted time on the water.

From a practical perspective, whether you’re doing a complete DIY road camping adventure or the highest end bespoke lodge experience possible, you’ll want to have the proper amount of money allocated so that you don’t feel you had to sacrifice in any way. This gives you the lead time to make sure that everything is covered.

While several different airlines serve Anchorage and Juneau, and we’ve used at least four, Alaska Airlines seems to have a lot of great deals, including BOGO options. Sign up for their email newsletter and get ready to pounce once you have dates in mind. Even if they’re not your preferred carrier, start monitoring the airline that serves your needs best and be sure to have your frequent flier accounts humming.

Finally, if you have flexibility, consider going on the edges of the “traditional” season. Some of the saltwater charters offer discounts in May, and on the Naknek River many of the biggest (30”+) rainbows come after Labor Day. Everything else will likely be less expensive and less congested, too.

If you’d like to book a trip to Bear Trail Lodge or a saltwater charter, or you’d like other advice about an Alaska visit, feel free to email us at [email protected] any time. We can’t wait to go back – we’re already planning our next couple of trips.