anchorage, ak

[rouleur35]

HI,

For some reason delta has decided to sell tickets to Alaska cheaper than I have seen over the last couple of years so I have decided to finally go. I am flying in to Anchorage sep 8 and out the 17th. I am planning on renting a car. I will admit I am somewhat overwhelmed due to all of the different things I have heard so I am turning here for advice. My basic plan is to fish and explore Tues to Fri. Friday head to Denali for the weekend. Thinking about a fly out fishing trip on Monday and then more fishing Tues and Wed.

I am looking for suggestions on hotels, camping options, guide options ( both fly out and driving), dining and anything else you would think is important. Also I am thinking I will bring 4 rods so looking for recommendations on what to bring as well.

Generally I don't mind doing things by myself and have a lot of experience in the backcountry.

Any and all advice appreciated.

thanks,
tom

[johnsquires]

As far as dining in Anchorage, I like The Glacier Brewhouse and The Moose's Tooth.

We use the Puffin Inn in Anchorage because it's close to the airport and car rental. Just down the street from the Puffin Inn is Gwenie's and they have a good breakfast, and just next to them is Alaska Express Car Rental and I've found they have the best rates. Since you are going Sept 8 and that is "after season," you will get very good car rental rates for your trip to Denali. Check the weather forecast before heading to Denali so you aren't disappointed by not seeing the mountain.

I fish the Bristol Bay region, so I will leave it to others to advise you about fishing around Anchorage. I will say that a lot of people from the lower states have misconceptions about Anchorage and the surrounding areas - it's a regular large city, spread out, and not wilderness by any means. Just don't want you to be disappointed. These days, like so many other places, it takes some effort to get into the wilderness in Alaska.

[Calvillo]

Take your fire-proof waders!

[johnsquires]

Take your fire-proof waders!

Fireproof waders will probably be a necessity in most western states this year. Very sad.

[Calvillo]

Agreed 110%, need to get smart quick.

[rouleur35]

Thanks, I will check out those restaraunts car rental and hotel
Any rod or guide or fly out guide suggestions?

I will bring my fireproof waders

[gitt]

I personally would not break up a 9-10 day trip with Denali in the middle. Either do it first thing or not at all and save it for your next trip. Drive time from Denali to Cooper Landing under good conditions runs 6 plus hours and each direction you are driving through Anchorage with traffic. You could always find a place to stay ahead of time in Talkeetna and use a boat shuttle/water taxi, if it still exists it is called Mahay's Water Taxi Service, up to Clear Creek. If you hit it right, there is fantastic dollie, rainbow and possibly silver fishing to be had. Know that you won't be alone and the bear thing fishing solo can be bothersome. I don't see you doing anything other than deep dredge nymphing eggs for your time frame for rainbows and dollies. Silvers can be had swinging deep as well. It will be tough with switch until you hit the Kenai around Cooper Landing. I would definitely try the coastal streams down along the Cook Inlet between Soldotna and Homer for fresh silvers and possible steelhead. Don't bother with the fly out unless you have money to burn and have fully funded your retirement. Folks fish below the highway on those coastal streams for silvers, but steelhead can be caught both below and above the highway on the swing. Lodging and camping in Anchor Point is cheap.

If you don't want to fish for a couple of days, hit Denali. See if you can still get a spot at Wonder Lake Campground- its a backpack walk in campground with views of Denali that you see in calendars and coffee table books when the weather gods permit viewing with a three day minimum. You don't have to stay three days, just pay for it. Leave after the weather clears and you get your photos. If the weather is not ideal, you just see the base otherwise. Or just take the 10 hour bus ride round trip to Wonder Lake and back to the visitor center. If your goal is to mainly fish, blow off Denali and head toward Cooper Landing as has been suggested and work your way toward Homer over your stay. There will be other traveling fishermen in the area with good intel where to locate fish. Don't be afraid to engage your fellow angler for help and advice. The guide thing can be good, but don't spend more than one day. Either fish the Refuge for with the guide or below Skilak the first part of your trip. Know ahead of time that the Refuge (upper Kenai) is motorless and below Skilak (lower Skilak) allows boats with motors. Know that the upper Kenai floats look more like a continuous hatch and everyone just gets in line. Its your call what you want to do for your timeframe. Best of luck narrowing your focus. You picked an excellent time to be up there. I hope this helps more than confuses you.

As far as rods, leave the 4 wt at home unless you want to break it. It will work if you decide to hike into lake for grayling and there is no wind. Otherwise, you are under gunned for your timeframe with that 4 wt.