Alaska Fish and Shellfish Species
Rainbow Trout | Alaska Fishing
Rainbow trout (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are probably the most common trout species taken anywhere in the world. They are used widely in stocking and enhancement projects in many areas and are a staple of fish hatcheries all over the United States. In Alaska, we take our wild rainbow trout very seriously. So seriously, in fact, that most Alaska anglers release them to fight another day. Rarely is a rainbow kept for food, as there are plenty of other species readily available without depleting rainbow stocks. Alaska's rainbows enjoy celebrity status almost statewide.
Dolly Varden | Alaska Fishing
While many Alaska anglers are focused on popular species like rainbow trout, or mighty king salmon, acrobatic coho salmon, or hard-fighting sockeye, another fish lurks beneath the surface and offers as much or more, the Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma). An aggressive fighter, Dollies are predatory fish that were once targeted for their depredations on salmon populations, even to the point that bounties were placed on their tails. At five cents a tail, over $300,000 was paid out to curtail Dolly production in Alaska. That program was wisely mothballed, and Alaska's Dolly Varden population is now in great shape. The fish are beautiful, hard-fighting, and they are excellent table fare whether served over a riverbank campfire or in one of Alaska's finest lodges.
Brook Trout | Alaska Fishing
Brook trout (salvelinus fontinalis) are members of the char family and indigenous only to the eastern United States. They were introduced to areas outside the eastern seaboard by the American Acclimatization Society and other similar organizations. That started around 1950, and brook trout were introduced into streams and lakes in Southeast Alaska between 1917 and 1950. Over the years, brook trout died out in many places, leaving reproducing populations only in a handful of lakes in Southeast, where they are considered an invasive species. Many of these lakes are accessible only by floatplane.
Cutthroat Trout | Alaska Fishing
Cutthroat Trout (Oncorhynchus clarki clarki) are eagerly sought by both fly and spin anglers, offering excellent angling opportunities throughout Southeast Alaska. Their bright colors, dark spots, and feisty, aggressive nature move them high on the list for light-tackle anglers interested in a pristine experience on the cool, clear waters where cutthroats live.
Sheefish | Alaska Fishing
One of the most unusual fish found in Alaska is the sheefish. It was known at one time by the French term “poissons inconnu,” which meant “unknown fish.” People still use the term “iconnu” occasionally, though “sheefish” is more common. A member of the whitefish family, sheefish grow to very large size and are eagerly sought after by anglers. Older sheefish live up to 30 years and obtain lengths over 40 inches. The state record tipped the scale at 53 pounds. Biologists believe there are sheefish out there that weigh over 60 pounds.