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Arctic Char

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Arctic Char are an interestingly beautiful fish species. Their coloring is the opposite of trout, which have a lighter background color and darker spots. Arctic Char are often a mild muddy green color along their back that fades into a sunset orange hue along their sides and bellies. They may also present bright red and yellow spots along their back and sides. The fins are brightly colored and have a crisp white edge that adds to the sharpened look of these fish. The Char has a darker background color and light spots that may even appear brightly colored. The Arctic Char species is closely related to the Dolly Varden, which is also a char.

Arctic Char is a salmonid fish that can be found in the clear bottom lakes and streams in certain parts of Alaska - and these fish are amazing fighters. They are often overshadowed by the lure of bigger salmon, but make no mistake these are awesome fish to fight and just as delicious as the best salmon.

Arctic Char
Arctic Char - © Charlie Kindel

Where to Fish for Arctic Char

The Char enjoys the colder waters of Arctic and subarctic lakes and rivers. As such their territory is fairly limited to the inland portion of Bristol Bay, and in the arctic circle and polar regions. Char are mostly found in lakes, though some are also caught in rivers. Like Rainbow Trout, they seem to follow the salmon. A good sized Char can weigh up to 10 pounds with a maximum weight of up to 15 pounds.

If you are fishing for Arctic Char in rivers, remember that they love the colder waters. One of the best places to fish is in the deeper holes where a whitewater rapid or rapid riffle empty into a deeper hole. If you approach slowly, you may see your target. They like to bask on the shallow edges of pools where the water is calm. At the slightest indication, they will dash off into the blue murky waters that color the deeper holes.

Fly Patterns for Arctic Char

Char, like other salmonid fish, love salmon roe. Keep that in mind when picking out flies. When the salmon are not in the river, the Char eat insects and smaller fish. The key is to look around the river before you begin to fish. The Char are primed to eat whatever is available, but as chaotic as that may sound, there is a deeper cycle. That cycle follows the insect life cycles and the spawning cycle of the salmon. If the salmon are in the river, consider something with an egg pattern such as the Peachy King #12 or the Double Egg Pattern. Popular insect dry flies include the Alaskan Dart, Alaskan Omlette and Glo Bug patterns. If you have an egg kit, consider adding a few beads to your leader if the salmon are also in the river. This is a good trick when fly fishing for Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden as well. For deeper holes, use brighter flies.

Top Fishing Trips for Arctic Char


Alaska Trophy Adventures Lodge
Alaska Trophy Adventures Lodge
Alaska's Premier Fishing and Bear Viewing Lodge Since 1988 | Remote Fly-In Fishing Lodge on the Alagnak River
226 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $4,500 to $5,000 Per Person
Katmai Lodge
Katmai Lodge
Ready for the Trip of a Lifetime at Our Remote Alaska Fishing Lodge? | Experience the Best Fishing in Alaska, Abundant Wildlife & Exceptional Service at Katmai Lodge
173 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $7,000 to $8,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $6,000 to $7,000 Per Person
No See Um Lodge
No See Um Lodge
World Renowned Alaska Fishing Lodge, Unforgettable Experience - It’s one of the last truly pristine wilderness areas left in the world. Endless miles of crystal clear rivers teeming with wild rainbow trout and huge chinook salmon.
83 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $15,000 + Per Person
Package: Flexible and Customized Fishing Program
FishHound Expeditions
FishHound Expeditions
Guided Single Day & Overnight Fly-Fishing Trips on some of Alaskas' Best Rivers | Choose From Single Day Float, Wade or Heli-Fishing & Multi Day Remote Guided Float Fishing Trips
71 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $4,500 to $5,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $150 to $199 Per Person; $200 to $299 Per Person
Current Special: Half & Full Day Guided Alaska Fishing Trips
Package: 6 - 10 Day Float Fishing Trip Fishing Adventure in Western Alaska
Angler's Alibi
Angler's Alibi
World Class Fly-Fishing on the Alagnak River | Remote Fly-In Fishing Camp
40 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $4,500 to $5,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
Frontier River Guides
Frontier River Guides
5 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $4,500 to $5,000 Per Person
Alaska Fishing & Rafting Adventures
Alaska Fishing & Rafting Adventures
400 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Bettles Lodge
Bettles Lodge
291 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $4,500 to $5,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
Kenai River Drifters Lodge
Kenai River Drifters Lodge
275 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
Alaska Heavenly Lodge
Alaska Heavenly Lodge
148 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Orca Adventure Lodge
Orca Adventure Lodge
130 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Redoubt Mountain Lodge
Redoubt Mountain Lodge
121 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $5,500 to $6,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $4,500 to $5,000 Per Person
Soaring Eagle Fishing & Adventures
Soaring Eagle Fishing & Adventures
119 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
Alaska Rainbow Lodge
Alaska Rainbow Lodge
85 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $12,000 - $15,000 Per Person
The Farm Lodge
The Farm Lodge
85 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $6,000 to $7,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $4,500 to $5,000 Per Person
Crooked Creek Retreat
Crooked Creek Retreat
81 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
Kenai Riverside Lodge
Kenai Riverside Lodge
77 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $4,500 to $5,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
Alaska's Gold Creek Lodge
Alaska's Gold Creek Lodge
65 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $5,500 to $6,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
Fishtale River Guides
Fishtale River Guides
63 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Bristol Bay Lodge
Bristol Bay Lodge
63 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $12,000 - $15,000 Per Person
Dave Fish Alaska - Alaska River Guides
Dave Fish Alaska - Alaska River Guides
53 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person; $500 to $599 Per Person
Alaska's Anvik River Lodge
Alaska's Anvik River Lodge
44 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
4 - 5 Days: $4,500 to $5,000 Per Person
Crystal Creek Lodge
Crystal Creek Lodge
43 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $15,000 + Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $12,000 - $15,000 Per Person
Intricate Bay Lodge
Intricate Bay Lodge
42 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $5,500 to $6,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $4,500 to $5,000 Per Person
Deep Creek Fishing Club
Deep Creek Fishing Club
39 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $5,500 to $6,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
Alagnak Lodge
Alagnak Lodge
36 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $5,500 to $6,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Lodge
Iniakuk Lake Wilderness Lodge
35 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $9,000 - $12,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $7,000 to $8,000 Per Person
Rainbow King Lodge
Rainbow King Lodge
32 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $9,000 - $12,000 Per Person
Double Haul Fly Fishing
Double Haul Fly Fishing
31 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Naknek River Camp
Naknek River Camp
23 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person