My Alaskan Fishing Trip
Ratings and Reviews Powered by TripAdvisor Tripadvisor Logo

Dolly Varden Fishing in Alaska

Would you like to contact to check availability or learn more?


Fill out the info below and someone from will get back to you.

Email Sent


The Dolly Varden species are often confused with trout but they are, in fact, a Char. The Char is a salmonid fish that are colored just the opposite of trout. These are darkly colored fish with brightly colored dots in reds, oranges, and yellows. Trout have darker spots. Dolly Varden also differ from Arctic Char in that the mouth of Dolly Varden are more hook-shaped like those of a salmon. These are wonderful sport fish that love to fight but they are quite a bit different than fighting a rainbow trout. If you hook a Dolly Varden, the fish will stay lower in the water near the bottom. They are crafty too so never let them gain slack on the line.

There are two types of Dolly Varden, the dwarfs and the regular. The dwarfs are smaller fish with a 3-6 inch body. The regular Dolly Varden can grow upwards of 24 inches in length and a trophy sized Dolly Varden weighs over 25 pounds.

Dolly Varden caught at Angler's Alibi Lodge - Alagnak River, Alaska
Dolly Varden caught by Rebekka Redd at Angler's Alibi Lodge - Alagnak River, Alaska

Where to Find Dolly Vaden

The larger variety of Dolly Varden are found north of the Alaska Peninsula and into the interior sections of Alaska. The Kenai River is an excellent spot to find Dolly Varden but it is not the only spot. The intertidal zones of the rivers are often an excellent spot to find Dolly Varden. If you are in a section of river above the brackish water line, then look for the Dolly Varden along riffle zones, in medium to deep holes and runs of the river. The Dolly Varden are in the river for two reasons. One is to eat salmon roe and the other is to find their own spawning ground. Dolly Varden travel from freshwater to oceanic waters and back again to spawn. They differ from salmon in the fact that they can spawn multiple times in their life.

Fly Patterns For Dolly Varden

Dolly Varden are veracious eaters, but they can be picky about flies. The best choice is to follow the example of the river. Whatever the river is offering up for food is what you should mimic your fly pattern after. If the salmon are in the water then egg patterns work well. Flies like Unreal Eggs, or flies with beads are usually awesome choices for both Dolly Varden and Rainbow Trout. If you are fishing in the tidal zone consider flies that mimic minnows. The Clouser Minnow series are a good choice as well.

When setting the hook keep in mind that the mouth of Dolly Varden is very soft so don't set the hook too roughly, or you will lose the fish. If you are fishing in a catch and release area, never take the Dolly Varden from the water. Instead, remove the hook while the fish

Additional Info

View Dolly Varden Flies from Alaska Fly Fishing Goods

View Dolly Varden Flies from Bristol Bay Flies

Fly Fishing Quartz Creek for Dolly Varden

Excellent video on fishing for Dolly Varden by Alaska Sportsman's Lodge

Top Fishing Trips for Dolly Varden


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
Kodiak Island Resort
Kodiak Island Resort
Remote, World-Class Sport-Fishing Lodge on Kodiak Island, Alaska | Experience Kodiak Island's outstanding fishing, magnificent scenery, abundant wildlife and our fishing lodge's four-star service!
144 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $5,500 to $6,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $4,500 to $5,000 Per Person
Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker
Alaska Fishing with Mark Glassmaker
Top-Rated Fishing Guides & Affordable Lodging Packages | Kenai River, Cook Inlet & Remote-Fly Out Fishing
142 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Half Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person; $500 to $599 Per Person
Cooper Landing Fishing Guide
Cooper Landing Fishing Guide
Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a first-time angler interested in a fishing trip in Alaska, we are the Kenai River Guide Service for you.
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
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Package: Full Day of Salmon Fishing - $295 Per Person
Package: Half Day of Salmon Fishing - $195 Per Person
Salmon Catcher Fishing Lodge
Salmon Catcher Fishing Lodge
Experience a fully guided fishing & adventure trip in one of the Kenai Peninsula’s premier fishing lodges offering outdoorsmen and families luxury accommodations in the finest handcrafted spruce log cabins
129 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $4,500 to $5,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
Salmon Falls Resort
Salmon Falls Resort
Premier All-Inclusive Ketchikan Fishing & Adventure Lodge | Choose From Guided or Self-Guided Fishing and Customize with Adventure & Sightseeing Options
123 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $5,500 to $6,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
Alaskan Fishing Adventures
Alaskan Fishing Adventures
Top Rated Alaska Fishing & Adventure Lodge | Something for Everyone - Perfect for Families, Couples, Groups or the Die-Hard Angler!
116 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
Package: 4 Night Stay - Guided Fishing Package
Package: 7 Night Stay - Guided Fishing Package
Alaska FishOn! Charters
Alaska FishOn! Charters
Affordable Kenai Peninsula Fishing & Lodging Packages | Kenai River, Kasilof River, Cook Inlet & Fly-In Fishing Options
82 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $500 to $1,000 Per Person
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Current Special: 4-Day Salmon & Halibut 'Captain's Special' Package (August & Sept)
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
Kenai Drift Anglers
Kenai Drift Anglers
At Kenai Drift Anglers, we are dedicated to providing the best Alaska fishing experience possible
56 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person; $300 to $399 Per Person
Package: Full Day of Guided Fishing
Package: Half Day of Guided Fishing
Alaska Hooksetters
Alaska Hooksetters
Nestled amidst the pristine wilderness, our lodge offers all-inclusive vacation packages that ensure you have everything you need for an unforgettable fishing adventure. | Regularly Offers Specials Call 907-283-4671 For Discounts!
49 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $4,000 to $4,500 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,000 to $3,500 Per Person
Current Special: Spring Special Fishing Package
Package: Catch em` All Deluxe Fishing Package
Island Point Lodge
Island Point Lodge
Self-Guided Fishing on Alaska's Inside Passage | Fishing for Salmon, Halibut, Trout, Steelhead & More | Packages Include Fishing Boats & Gear, Lodging & Meals
31 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
Frontier River Guides
Frontier River Guides
5 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $4,500 to $5,000 Per Person
 Anglers Haven Lodge
Anglers Haven Lodge
Experience all that the Alaskan Kenai Peninsula has to offer in a relaxing atmosphere at an affordable price! | *Custom packages for any angler or if you just want to experience the last frontier | Specials always available , call 907-201-2007
6 - 7 Days: $3,000 to $3,500 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $2,000 to $2,500 Per Person
Current Special: Silver & Gold Special
Current Special: Self-Serve Sockeye Special
Island Wings Air Service Fly-Out Fishing Tours
Island Wings Air Service Fly-Out Fishing Tours
801 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $500 to $599 Per Person
Full Day: $800 to $899 Per Person
Miller's Landing
Miller's Landing
798 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Half Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Full Day: $300 to $399 Per Person; $200 to $299 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 Kenai Fishing for Fun
Alaska Kenai Fishing for Fun
265 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person; $400 to $499 Per Person
Kenai River Trout Anglers
Kenai River Trout Anglers
256 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Alaska River Adventures
Alaska River Adventures
227 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
Tower Rock Lodge
Tower Rock Lodge
220 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $2,500 to $3,000 Per Person
Five Dogs Fishing
Five Dogs Fishing
197 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person; $300 to $399 Per Person
Kenai River Float-n-Fish
Kenai River Float-n-Fish
183 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Talon Air Service Fly-In Fishing Trips
Talon Air Service Fly-In Fishing Trips
174 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Full Day: $300 to $399 Per Person; $400 to $499 Per Person
Phantom Tri-River Charters
Phantom Tri-River Charters
165 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Gwin's Lodge
Gwin's Lodge
165 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 Per Person
Alaska Rivers Company
Alaska Rivers Company
157 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $1,500 to $2,000 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
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
Chadwick’s Fishing Guide Service
Chadwick’s Fishing Guide Service
130 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Full Day: $300 to $399 Per Person; $200 to $299 Per Person