Two decades ago, the State of Alaska began an aggressive management plan to assure the future of our wild salmon stocks. As a result, we have had record breaking runs for the past three years. Starting in April, five different types of salmon begin their journey back to the stream where they hatched. We call this "running". The run starts with the Chinook (King), Sockeye (Red), Humpy (Pink) and ends with the Coho (Silver) salmon. Chum (Dog) salmon run all summer long. Although Alaska is well known for salmon, don't forget our halibut. These large flounders can reach four hundred (400) pounds. One hundred (100) pounders aren't uncommon and you can fish for them all year long.
Sport Fishing- If it's one of our trophy King Salmon you want, we'll take you to our favorite fishing hole. Perhaps you'll visit in September, when the powerful Cohos are running. Your eyes will light up when all of the fishing reels are screaming at once. Here in S.E. Alaska the effect of the moon creates some of the larger tidal fluctuations ( vertical movement of water) in the world. Changes of twenty feet in height from low to high tide are normal. Because of these large fluctuations, and the long daylight hours in the Summer ( 18 -20 hours) fish follow feeding and cruising patterns. Alan can show you where and how to find the fish, and if the tide is right even land a big Halibut. All gear is provided, all you need is your lucky fishing hat and lunch.
One of our favorite outings is a day or two spent, on one of the high mountain lakes, trout fishing. The floatplane drops us off early, complete with camping and fishing gear. The lakes have plenty of rainbow trout, and one even holds the state record for rainbows. We can arrange for you to spend a day, a week or even the rest of the year at one these unique places.
Commercial Fishing- Perhaps you've wondered what makes commercial fishermen so rugged. John and Sylvia have been commercial fishermen in Alaska for fifteen (15) years. Their fishing vessel "Fidelia", a thirty-eight (38) foot fiberglass boat, is a working gillnet, shrimp, halibut and dive fishery platform.
Gillnetting is one of three types of commercial methods ( trolling and seining are the other two) used to catch Salmon. In Alaska the fish have a better chance than the fishermen. The nets are not very deep due to size restrictions. This way they only catch Salmon, and most of the school passes under the net. Those fish that swim toward the net can see it because we can't use monofilament line. It's a game of chess in a field of fish and other boats.
Halibut are caught on a longline; literally. A line sometimes 2 miles long is set out with anchors attached to each end. Along this line hooks are baited and attached every 16 feet. The line is left in the water for hours, (soaked) and then reeled onto the boat. One crewman lands the large flounders onto the deck of the boat, while others coil the line, or clean fish. If the roller man sees a big (150 lb) slab in the water he calls for help, and everyone helps land the fish.
Have you ever seen an angry 25 lb octopus when he's caught an unwilling ride to the surface on a shrimp pot? The pots are round and four feet in diameter. Everyday they work through 150 pots. You'd be surprised at the things that find their way into those pots. How can starfish get through those little holes? Children love the variety of animals, and since the animals are alive, we can see them and return them to the sea unharmed.
John and Sylvia fish from early May to late November and they'll gladly welcome you aboard as a crewman for the day. Salmon fishing from June through September, Pot Shrimp fishing in October, Sea Cucumber diving in November and Halibut longlining all-year long. We can arrange a crew license for you, and of course, rubber boots and raingear.
Alaska Vistas Inc. P.O. Box 2245 103 Front St. Wrangell, Alaska 99929 Toll Free 1-866-874-3006 Tel 1-907-874-3006 Fax 1-907 874-2997
