10 Things to Bring on an Alaska Fly Fishing Trip — and a Few Things You Should Leave at Home
Planning an Alaska fly fishing trip is different from packing for just about any other fishing vacation.
You may leave the lodge in the morning under blue skies, travel by floatplane into a remote river system, spend the day wading for wild rainbow trout and salmon, and return that evening after experiencing rain, wind, sunshine—and possibly a close-up view of Alaska’s incredible wildlife.
The key isn’t bringing everything you own.
It’s bringing the right things.
At Iliamna River Lodge, we’ve spent decades fishing Alaska and helping anglers prepare for their trips. And because rods, reels, flies, leaders, waders and wading boots can be provided at the lodge, you don’t necessarily need to travel to Alaska carrying half of your local fly shop.
Here are 10 things we recommend bringing on an Alaska fly fishing trip—including several items first-time Alaska anglers might never think about.
1. A Great Waterproof Rain Jacket
If you’re going to spend money on one piece of clothing for your Alaska fly fishing trip, make it a quality waterproof rain jacket.
Alaska weather can change remarkably quickly.
A beautiful sunny afternoon can be followed by wind and rain, while mornings can begin quite cool before warming considerably.
That’s part of fishing Alaska.
A high-quality waterproof, breathable shell such as a Gore-Tex-style jacket protects you from both rain and wind while allowing you to add or remove layers underneath it.
Don’t rely on a heavy insulated winter coat to do everything.
Instead, think of your rain jacket as the protective outer shell of an entire layering system.\
2. Breathable Waders and Non-Felt Wading Boots — If You Prefer Your Own
Many experienced fly anglers naturally prefer fishing in their own waders and boots.
If that’s you, bring them.
Stocking-foot breathable waders are generally the best choice for Alaska because they’re comfortable, relatively lightweight and easy to layer underneath.
There are two important things to remember about your boots:
Bring non-felt soles and leave the studs and cleats at home.
Felt-soled wading boots are not appropriate for fishing Alaska’s waters, and studs and cleats can damage boats and aircraft.
But here’s the good news if you’re fishing with Iliamna River Lodge:
You don’t have to bring waders or boots at all.
We maintain a full inventory of waders and wading boots available to our guests at no additional charge.
That can free up a surprising amount of space—and weight—in your luggage.
3. Layers Instead of One Heavy Coat
One of the secrets to staying comfortable while fly fishing Alaska is learning to dress in layers.
Start with a moisture-wicking base layer. Synthetic materials or synthetic/wool blends work well because they move moisture away from your skin.
Over that, add a medium-weight insulating layer such as fleece or wool.
On colder days, add another fleece or lightweight insulated jacket.
Then finish everything with your waterproof shell.
The advantage is flexibility.
If the temperature climbs during the afternoon, remove a layer. If you’re flying to a colder river or rain begins moving through, put it back on.
Also pack several pairs of good wool or synthetic fishing socks.
One small but important tip: don’t make your wading boots so tight with heavy socks that you can’t move your toes. Restricted circulation is one of the fastest ways to end up with cold feet.
4. Your Favorite Fly Rod — If You Have One
One of the most common questions we hear is:
“What fly rod should I bring to Alaska?”
The answer depends on what you’ll be fishing for and when you’re visiting.
For Alaska rainbow trout, a quality 5- to 7-weight single-hand rod can cover a tremendous amount of fishing, with a 6-weight being an excellent all-around choice.
Different situations may call for heavier equipment, two-handed rods, sink tips or specialized setups.
But here’s something important to understand when you’re staying at an established Alaska fly fishing lodge:
You don’t necessarily need to bring rods at all.
Iliamna River Lodge provides the rods, reels and other fishing equipment needed for the waters you’ll be fishing.
Our guides know where you’re fishing that day, what species you’re targeting and what techniques are working.
If you have a favorite rod that you love casting, absolutely bring it.
If you’d rather travel light, leave the rod tubes at home.
We’ll have you covered.
5. Your Favorite Flies — But Don’t Bring Your Entire Fly Shop
There’s something irresistible about tying or buying flies for an Alaska fishing trip.
Mouse patterns. Streamers. Egg patterns. Flesh flies. Dry flies.
And plenty of patterns that look like they could frighten a small bird.
Bring your favorites if you enjoy fishing your own flies.
Just remember that Alaska fishing changes throughout the season. A pattern that was incredibly productive several weeks earlier may not be what the fish are eating when you arrive.
Salmon runs progress. Trout change food sources. River levels change. Fishing techniques change with them.
That’s why one of your greatest pieces of “equipment” is your guide.
Our guides are fishing these waters throughout the season and know what’s producing right now.
At Iliamna River Lodge, flies, leaders, tippet and the terminal tackle needed for your fishing are available.
So bring your favorite fly box.
Just don’t feel obligated to bring 12 of them.
6. Two Pairs of Polarized Sunglasses
Polarized sunglasses are essential equipment for Alaska fly fishing.
Amber and copper-colored lenses are particularly useful because they can improve contrast when looking into rivers and help you spot fish, structure and changes in depth.
But here’s the part people don’t always consider:
Bring two pairs.
Sunglasses fall out of boats. They get stepped on. Frames break. Glasses mysteriously disappear.
Losing your only pair of polarized glasses on the second day of a weeklong Alaska fishing trip is something you’ll only do once.
A backup pair weighs almost nothing and can save the day.
7. A Small Day Pack and Waterproof Bags
Your primary suitcase stays at the lodge.
Your day pack goes fishing.
Bring a comfortable, compact backpack or day pack capable of carrying:
- Your rain shell or an extra layer
- Camera or phone
- Polarized glasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellent
- Medications
- Small personal items
Here’s another inexpensive Alaska fishing hack:
Bring several gallon-size resealable plastic bags.
They’re fantastic for organizing small items inside your pack and protecting electronics and other gear from rain and splashes.
Also throw a couple of larger plastic bags into your suitcase.
When it’s time to travel home, you’ll have somewhere to put wet or dirty fishing clothes without packing them against everything else you own.
It’s simple, inexpensive and surprisingly useful.
8. Insect Repellent — and Consider a Head Net
Yes, Alaska has mosquitoes.
No, they’re not going to carry you away.
But there are days and locations where insects can become annoying, particularly when the air is calm.
A good insect repellent belongs in your day pack.
Another item that takes almost no space is a lightweight mosquito head net.
You may never use it.
But if you encounter one of those days when you really need one, it can suddenly become one of the most valuable pieces of equipment you packed.
9. Sunscreen, Lip Balm and Your Personal Essentials
When people imagine Alaska, they tend to think about cold weather.
They don’t necessarily think about sunburn.
But you’re spending long days outdoors, often around water, with very long daylight hours during the Alaska summer.
Pack sunscreen and use it.
Lip balm with sun protection is another easy item to forget.
Most importantly, remember prescription medications and personal necessities that may be difficult—or impossible—to replace once you’ve traveled into remote Alaska.
Iliamna River Lodge is located in the Bristol Bay region and is accessible by floatplane and jet boat.
That’s exactly why people come here.
It’s also why you don’t want to discover after arriving that an essential medication is sitting on your bathroom counter back home.
10. A Camera — and Bring Binoculars
Your phone will probably take fantastic pictures of your Alaska fishing trip.
But consider bringing a dedicated camera if photography is important to you.
And there’s another item we think deserves a spot in your bag:
Binoculars.
You’re coming to Alaska to fish, but fishing is only part of what makes this experience extraordinary.
You may see brown bears feeding along rivers, bald eagles overhead, moose, waterfowl and wildlife that you’ve previously only seen on television.
Traveling by floatplane also gives you a perspective on Alaska that relatively few people ever experience.
There will be moments when you’ll be very glad you have something besides a fly rod in your hands.
BONUS: Bring the Right Attitude
This won’t take up any room in your suitcase.
And it may be the most important thing you bring.
Come to Alaska ready to be flexible.
Weather changes. Water changes. Fish move.
A river you expected to fish may not be the river that offers the best opportunity that morning.
That’s one of the reasons fly-out fishing is so exciting.
At Iliamna River Lodge, we have access to numerous fishing destinations throughout the Bristol Bay region using floatplanes, jet boats and other transportation.
Trust your guides.
They aren’t looking at where the fishing was good when somebody wrote a fishing report three months ago.
They’re looking at what’s happening today.
Sometimes the unexpected fishing day becomes the one guests talk about for years.
What NOT to Bring on an Alaska Fly Fishing Trip
Knowing what to leave home can be just as important as knowing what to pack.
Don’t Bring Felt-Soled Wading Boots
Bring non-felt wading boots if you’re bringing your own equipment.
And please don’t bring boots with studs or cleats. They’re hard on boats and aircraft.
Don’t Bring Bear Spray on the Aircraft
Seeing Alaska brown bears in their natural environment can be one of the highlights of a trip.
But bear safety isn’t something guests need to improvise.
Your guides are experienced in Alaska’s wilderness and understand how to behave around bears. Follow their instructions and the specific bear-safety procedures provided by your lodge.
Don’t attempt to fly with bear spray.
Don’t Bring Every Rod You Own
If you love your favorite fly rod, bring it.
But don’t assume you need a rod case resembling a small missile launcher filled with every rod from a 3-weight through a 10-weight.
Talk to us before your trip.
We can tell you what fishing you’re likely to encounter during your particular week and what equipment you’ll actually need.
And at Iliamna River Lodge, rods and reels are provided if you’d rather leave yours home.
Don’t Bring Every Fly You Own
We understand.
This one may be difficult.
But remember: our guides know what the fish are eating.
Bring some favorites if you’d like, particularly flies you’ve tied yourself and want to catch an Alaska rainbow trout on.
Then let your guide help you choose what’s going to give you the best chance of success.
Don’t Overpack
Remote Alaska travel frequently involves smaller aircraft, floatplanes and boats.
Soft-sided luggage is generally much easier to handle than enormous rigid suitcases.
Before traveling, always check the luggage requirements provided for your specific trip and flight arrangements.
The Ultimate Alaska Fly Fishing Packing List
Before you zip the bag closed, run through this quick checklist:
Clothing: waterproof rain jacket, moisture-wicking base layers, fleece or wool midlayers, fishing pants, wool/synthetic socks, comfortable lodge clothing and camp shoes.
Fishing: polarized sunglasses plus backup pair, favorite rod if desired, favorite flies if desired, day pack, insect repellent and sunscreen.
Personal: medications, toiletries, lip balm, camera/phone, chargers and binoculars.
Organization: resealable waterproof bags and a larger bag for wet clothing.
Optional: personal waders and non-felt, non-studded wading boots.
And remember:
You don’t have to bring everything.
Travel Light. We’ll Handle the Fishing Gear.
Part of staying at an all-inclusive Alaska fly fishing lodge is eliminating much of the hassle associated with planning a remote fishing adventure.
At Iliamna River Lodge, guests have access to the fishing equipment needed for their trip, including rods, reels, flies, leaders, tippet, waders and wading boots.
Our experienced guides help select the equipment and techniques appropriate for the rivers, species and conditions you’re fishing.
That means you can travel with your own favorite gear—or arrive without hauling rods and waders across the country.
Either way, we’ll be ready.
Located on the Iliamna River in the heart of Alaska’s Bristol Bay region, Iliamna River Lodge provides access to remote fishing for wild rainbow trout, Arctic char, Dolly Varden and all five species of Pacific salmon.
From floatplane fly-outs and jet-boat fishing to wild rivers, incredible wildlife and the landscapes of Bristol Bay, an Alaska fly fishing trip is about much more than what’s inside your suitcase.
Pack smart. Travel light. And get ready to experience Alaska.