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

Rainbow Trout 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


Rainbow Trout are one of Alaska's most sought-after sports fish. These fish have a diverse range and habitat. Some of the best fishing is on the Alagnak River in the Bristol Bay Watershed. The Kenai River and its' tributaries are also keen spots for trophy sized rainbows.

Rainbow Trout are voracious feeders. They are known to follow the salmon and feed upon carelessly buried salmon roe. They are fond of roe from all five species of salmon. The smaller clear bottom streams and rivers offer rainbows year round food. When the salmon are not in the rivers spawning, the rainbows make a meal out of aquatic and terrestrial insects. In the smaller streams, they grow to monstrous sizes. While a good sized rainbow will easily weigh ten pounds, a trophy rainbow trout can weigh up to 18 pounds and be 30 inches long.

Beautiful Rainbow Trout caught & relased with Cooper Landing Fishing Guide, LLC - Kenai River, Alaska
Beautiful Rainbow Trout caught & relased with Cooper Landing Fishing Guide, LLC - Kenai River, Alaska

Fishing for Monster Rainbow Trout

Start with an 8 weight pole, but consider a 9 weight pole if the salmon are in the streams. Rainbow trout are fighters so a medium to heavy size reel is needed. Most areas are catch and release only for trophy rainbows, especially the smaller Copper River. The abundance of trophy sized fish is due to the catch and release policy. How you catch and land a fish will play heavily upon its survival once you release it. The Catch and Release rivers are found in this handy guide by the Alaska Department of Fish and Game. The expectation for sports fishermen is that they know how to catch and release fish. This guide explains the steps for catch and release, and lists the Alaska State Trophy Fish record holders. Maybe you can add your name to that list.

Best Flies for Rainbow Trout

Like many of the fish found in the Alaska river systems, fly selection is going to depend on what the river has to offer in terms of food. When the salmon are in the river, roe and egg flies work best. The color selection for roe, beads, and egg flies change depending on where the salmon are in their run. Fresh roe is brightly colored orange-red but older roe can range from pink to chartreuse in color. So if you are rigging up for rainbows during salmon season, consider the timing of the run. Rainbows are known to follow the king salmon upstream. They happily feed on roe all along the way. So from May through September, brightly colored flies in egg patterns work well.

Rainbows are opportunistic feeders. They will strike a wide range of flies, but the flies that work are usually those that mimic what the river is offering. Insects, such as flesh flies, egg sucking leech, and naiads will work too. Rainbow trout will also hit flies that represent frogs and mice. Be sure to have a well-stocked and varied fly selection when fly fishing for rainbow trout in Alaska. Dry flies or wet flies depend on the river and the time of year. For some of the best trophy rainbow fishing, try the waters around Lake Iliamna.

Additional Info

Great Video on fly fishing for Rainbow Trout in Alaska

How to tie a Moorish Mouse Fly

Related Reading

Top Fishing Trips for Rainbow Trout


Jimmie Jack's 'Original' Alaska Lodge
Jimmie Jack's 'Original' Alaska Lodge
All-Inclusive Top Quality Guided Freshwater & Saltwater Fishing Trips | Expect a High Quality Experience Both On & Off the Water at an Affordable Price!
327 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $4,000 to $4,500 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
Current Special: $500 off any available 2023 dates!
Package: Signature Seven Package - June/July/Aug/Sept
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
189 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $4,500 to $5,000 Per Person
Current Special: Exclusive 2023 Cost of Living Breaker Deal!
Package: Comfort Lodge Package
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
168 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $7,000 to $8,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $6,000 to $7,000 Per Person
Wilderness Place Lodge
Wilderness Place Lodge
Incredible Selection of Fishing, Wildlife & Adventure Packages in a Remote Location | Perfect for Families, Couples, Groups & Guests with Limited Fishing Experience to Expert Anglers
156 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $5,500 to $6,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $4,500 to $5,000 Per Person
Current Special: 2023 June/July Trout, Pike, Lodge + Day Float Fishing Package
Package: 2023 Alaska Fishing Lodge Packages
Tal-Adventures Lodge
Tal-Adventures Lodge
Experience a Remote, Unforgettable, Outdoor Alaskan Adventure | Expect experienced local fishing guides and loads of add on adventures to choose from like heli-hiking, flightseeing, whitewater rafting & more!
6 - 7 Days: $6,000 to $7,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $5,500 to $6,000 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!
142 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $5,500 to $6,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $4,500 to $5,000 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
126 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $4,500 to $5,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
Current Special: Premium Fishing Package - 5, 6 or 7 Night Stay - Mention This Ad & Save 20% in May/June (10% in July/August)
Current Special: Executive Fishing Package - 5, 6 or 7 Night Stay - Mention This Ad & Save 20% in May/June/July/August
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!
115 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
Current Special: Early June - Crazy for Unlimited Cod
Current Special: Last 2 Weeks of June - Castaway Cabins Special
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.
114 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
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
111 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
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
108 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $5,500 to $6,000 Per Person
4 - 5 Days: $3,500 to $4,000 Per Person
Current Special: Your Choice - Buy One Get One Free or 50% Off
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.
78 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
6 - 7 Days: $15,000 + Per Person
Current Special: Father's Day Week Special - Bring Your Son & Save 20%
Package: Flexible and Customized Fishing Program
Alaska FishOn! Charters
Alaska FishOn! Charters
Affordable Kenai Peninsula Fishing & Lodging Packages | Kenai River, Kasilof River, Cook Inlet & Fly-In Fishing Options
71 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
64 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
52 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
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
Rust's Flying Service
Rust's Flying Service
1367 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Full Day: $500 to $599 Per Person; $600 to $699 Per Person
Rod's Alaskan Guide Service
Rod's Alaskan Guide Service
1316 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person; $300 to $399 Per Person
Ninilchik Charters
Ninilchik Charters
809 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Island Wings Air Service Fly-Out Fishing Tours
Island Wings Air Service Fly-Out Fishing Tours
777 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $500 to $599 Per Person
Full Day: $800 to $899 Per Person
Miller's Landing
Miller's Landing
708 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
Alaska Fishing & Rafting Adventures
Alaska Fishing & Rafting Adventures
369 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Kenai River Drifters Lodge
Kenai River Drifters Lodge
263 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
242 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
238 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person
Alaska River Adventures
Alaska River Adventures
223 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
207 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
190 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
181 Reviews - TripAdvisor® Traveler Rating
Half Day: $150 to $199 Per Person
Full Day: $200 to $299 Per Person