WHEN TO GO Most Alaskan rainbow trout do not stay in the streams during the winter due to the often total freezing that occurs. Once ice out occurs on the lake, fish may begin to migrate from the lake into the streams. Good fishing begins in early to mid June when rainbows are concentrated at lake outlets and river mouths to feed on sockeye smolts venturing out to sea. Smolt patterns will yield fantastic action through July. As the month progresses, action will slow until August when the salmon begin to establish reds, or spawning beds.
Autumn is the season to catch record-breaking fish.
Larger rainbows that spend much of the summer in the lake will move into rivers and streams to gorge on eggs and carcasses until the rivers begin to freeze in October. Considering the numerous break-offs one can experience, keep plenty of flies on hand, and always use the heaviest tippet that the trout can tolerate. These fish are big and can average 25 inches in many places, so don't hesitate to start with 0X or 1X tippet and only go down in size if the rainbows become picky. A nine foot six weight is a great all around rod for this area. That size rod will provide for great fights yet have a little extra power for casting in the wind.