Tips For Lake Fishing In Alaska
Can you imagine the excitement that 12-year-old Daniel Thorsness felt when he reeled in the record 47 lb. lake trout out of Clarence Lake Alaska in 1970?
The more than 320 lakes to fish in make Alaska one of the most desirable fishing locations in the world. While Lake Trout is the most common type it is also home to Rainbow Trout, Northern Pike and Salmon.
Alaska houses some of the largest Lake Trout around. It is believed that their massive size is due to the difficulty in catching them. Local anglers focus more on the for sure catch leaving a lake trout for anyone who enjoys a bit more of a challenge.
Lake trout, a member of the char family, (also known as Lakers or Mackinaw trout) resides in the deeper lakes of Alaska.
The Alaska Range, Brook Range, Bristol Bay watershed, the Alaska Peninsula, Lake Clark National Park, areas of the Kenai Peninsula, and lakes on the north side of the Chugach Mountains are great locations for lake fishing in Alaska. Some of these locations are very remote and require the use of ATVs, snowmobiles, or foot hiking to reach the lakes.
Insight on the habitat and behavior of the Lake Trout gives the angler an advantage over the novice angler. Some tips:
1. Lake trout can be found near the top of the lakes and shorelines in spring and then gradually further in the deeper cooler waters as the temperature rises.
2. Small crank baits, fly streamers, spoons, gigs and spinners are best when fishing in shallower waters or near the outlets or inlets of stream off lakes.
3. Use Planner boards when trolling to keep baits away from the boat lowering the sound and vibration that will divert the Lake Trout from your bait.
4. The deeper cooler water locations are the best fishing grounds during early summer while the shallower waters are ideal in late fall.
5. Late trout’s spawning time is during September and November.
6. A water temperature of 52 degrees Fahrenheit or less is preferred by Lake Trouts.
7. Best bait is the preferred diet of the Lake Trout.
8. Killing the catch immediately and letting it bleed in the water is a good way of reducing the possibility of attracting bears.