Some of the Fish in Alaska...

Alaska has many different types of fish and shellfish that are desirable to the average fisherman. Alaska is of course famous for the five species of salmon that frequent her shores and rivers and for the halibut that are found along her coast. Many people don't have any idea about all of the other species of fish that can be found, caught and eaten from Alaska.

Alaska has some of the best trout and steelhead fishing that can be found anywhere. Trout and steelhead are excellent for eating and can provide a fight that will thrill even the world's most experienced fishermen. They are found in many of Alaska's 3000 rivers and 3 million lakes. The steelhead, of course, are also found along the coast in the saltwater.

Also found in the rivers and lakes or in the saltwater of Alaska are Char, both arctic char and dolly varden. These are very similar to and are often confused with trout. They fight like trout and are caught with the same bait and equipment.

One of the prettiest freshwater fish and also very popular with the locals is the Arctic Grayling. They come in various shades and range from trout colored to very dark, almost black with iridescent colors along the edges of their fins. They are great eating.

In the saltwater, try your hand at ling-cod, pollock, Pacific cod, and numerous types of rock-fish. All of these are found at or near the bottom of the ocean and you never know which may be on your hook when you reel it in.  They are all caught with the same deep-water gear and bait. All of them fight hard and will provide you with many fresh fillets on your plate.

And, we cannot forget to mention the crabs and shrimp that are so plentiful in Alaskan waters. These are caught by dropping a baited "pot" or trap to the ocean floor, letting it stay a few hours or overnight, and then pulling it back up to retrieve your catch. There is nothing better to eat than fresh-caught shellfish right from the boat.

I have come to look forward to and immensely enjoy the time that I get to spend fishing in Alaska. I have a website dedicated to educating, helping, and preparing people for a fishing trip to Alaska. Come on over and see if I can help you at www.fishingtriptoalaska.com. I also am giving away a free ebook titled Alaskan Fishing Tips for Beginners as a free download. Come and get your copy.