If you think leisure fishing across Alaska sounds like a great way to see this magnificent state, then this sample itinerary is sure to hook you! You’ll get to see wilderness scenery that most visitors don’t access, while still taking the time to catch Alaska’s highlights, including its renowned glaciers. Plus, this trip has you cruising the Inside Passage, so you’ll have plenty of options for R&R — just the way a vacation should be!
Travellers of all skill levels will enjoy this trip leisure fishing across Alaska. It’s got a wide variety of fishing day trips, providing the opportunity to catch-and-release salmon, halibut, yelloweye rockfish, cod, crab, northern pike, Arctic grayling, and more, with the occasional cookout so you can savour the fruits of your labour.
For those wishing for a truly remote overnight backcountry fishing experience, that can be arranged as well, so make sure to get in touch and enquire!
And remember, since this is just a sample itinerary, it can be completely customized to suit your individual tastes and preferences. Get in touch to start planning your perfect trip!
Day 1:
Fly to Fairbanks
Depart from your nearest airport at a reasonable hour in the morning, and arrive in Fairbanks, Alaska, at a reasonable hour in the evening!
Overnight in Fairbanks
Once you’ve checked-in to your hotel, you can either rest up or head out for a night on the town.
Day 2:
Full-Day Fishing Trip
Start the trip off right with a fishing excursion on your first official day. You’ll have the chance to fish for northern pike and Arctic grayling, among other species.
Overnight in Fairbanks
After your fishing trip, you’ll want to head back to your hotel to freshen up for dinner.
Day 3:
Arctic Circle Flightseeing
See incredible Alaskan scenery from above as you fly to the Arctic Circle, where you’ll land at a wilderness community. Enjoy an introductory tour before returning to Fairbanks.
Riverboat Discovery Cruise
After lunch, board an authentic sternwheeler for a tour of the area.
Overnight in Fairbanks
Return for a last night at this hotel.
Day 4:
Travel to Talkeetna
Ride the Alaska Railroad to your next destination. Since this is a full-day trip, you’ll enjoy the benefits of Gold Class seating:
- Glass-dome ceilings
- Upper-level outdoor viewing platforms
- Inclusive dining in the full-service dining car
- Two complimentary alcoholic beverages
- Narration by an Alaskan tour guide
Denali Flightseeing
Take to the air once more on an excursion to see the summit of Mount Denali and other peaks and glaciers of the Alaska Range.
Overnight in Talkeetna
Feel closer to nature from your cabin at a mountain lodge.
Day 5:
Half-Day Fishing Trip
Take a jet boat onto the Talkeetna River to discover some of the best fishing holes in Alaska, where you’ll have the opportunity to catch various species of salmon, as well as rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, and Dolly Varden char.
Travel to Anchorage
You’ll have time for lunch at your lodge before boarding the train to Anchorage, where you’ll once again ride Gold class to take advantage of delicious on-board dining options.
Overnight in Anchorage
Once you’ve checked-in to your hotel, you’re free to enjoy a night out or a good night’s sleep.
Day 6:
Fly-in Fly Fishing Day Trip
Take off on a small bush plane to land on a secluded lake or stream, where a guide will teach you the ropes of fly fishing if this is your first time.
Anchorage Trolley Tour
Back in the city, you’ll have time for a shower before heading out again for a short introduction to Anchorage’s highlights.
Overnight in Anchorage
After dinner, return for a second and last night at this hotel.
Day 7:
Travel to Seward
Early in the morning, have breakfast while travelling Gold class on the Alaska Railroad to Seward. Check-in to your hotel before beginning your explorations.
Gold Panning Excursion
Learn about Alaska’s Gold Rush history on a short excursion. You’ll have the chance to pan for gold, and you can even keep everything you find!
Alaska Sea Life Center
Next, spend a few hours getting to know the inhabitants of the Alaska Sea Life Center, a world-class research, rehabilitation, and educational facility.
Overnight in Seward
Once you’ve had dinner, why not take a walk along the waterfront before returning to your hotel?
Day 8:
Kenai River Fishing Trip
On this full- or half-day excursion (depending on your cruise departure), travel to the Upper Kenai River for a spin fishing experience on a drift boat. Depending on the season, you could catch rainbow trout, Dolly Varden char, or multiple species of salmon.
Cruise Departure
After returning to your hotel for a shower and check-out, you’ll head to the port, where you’ll leave firm land behind for a while as you board your ocean cruise ship. This sample itinerary offers the choice between a 7-day or 10-day cruise.
Day 9:
Scenic Cruising: Hubbard Glacier
On this day, your cruise ship will spend several hours in the area of Hubbard Glacier so you can enjoy as much of the scenery as possible before moving on.
Day 10:
Icy Strait Point Fishing Excursion
Upon arrival, you will enjoy more leisure fishing at a nearby stream. You will then be free to spend the rest of the day at your leisure, either at port or aboard your cruise ship.
NB: Remove this day if you opt take the 7-night cruise, as this port of call is only available on the 10-night cruise.
Day 11:
Halibut Fishing from Juneau
Revel in the excitement of this unique opportunity to catch the world’s largest flatfish!
Visit to Mendenhall Glacier
Next, board a shuttle to visit the Mendenhall Glacier at your own pace, and return when you’re ready.
King Crab Feast
Satisfy your appetite at a renowned local restaurant for mouth-watering crab dishes such as legs, cakes, and bisque.
Mount Roberts Tram
End the day with a ride up this local mountain for sunset views of the city and surrounding area.
Day 12:
White Pass Summit Tour
Board a motor coach and travel on the Klondike Highway to White Pass Summit, where you’ll see landmarks and artifacts of the 1898 Gold Rush.
Salmon Fishing in Skagway
Return to Skagway and head out on a half-day leisure fishing excursion for salmon.
Day 13:
Cod Fishing from Sitka
Try your hand at fishing for ling cod on this full-day excursion.
Day 14:
Fishing for Yelloweye Rockfish in Wrangell
Another unique leisure fishing opportunity awaits you on this day. Take advantage of this chance to tick another species off your list on a full-day trip.
NB: Remove this day if you opt take the 7-night cruise, as this port of call is only available on the 10-night cruise.
Day 15:
Ketchikan Seaplane Tour
See the area from the air first thing in the morning, including the Ketchikan Fjords.
City Trolley Tour
Next, see the city from up close on a short tour on an authentic wood and brass trolley.
Bering Sea Crab Fishermen's Tour
Ride aboard a commercial fishing boat that was featured on a popular TV show, and observe the crew in action while listening to their stories. Apart from crab, you might also see octopus, prawns, eels, and more.
Day 16:
Scenic Cruising: Inside Passage
Marvel at the passing scenery from the comfort of your cruise ship.
Day 17:
Victoria Full-Day Excursion
Hop on a motor coach for a tour of the city’s best attractions, including Craigdarroch Castle, Beacon Hill Park, Mount Tolmie, a local winery, and lunch at Butchart Gardens. Spend the evening with some free time in the city, or return to your cruise ship.
NB: Remove this day if you opt take the 7-night cruise, as this port of call is only available on the 10-night cruise.
Day 18:
Crab Fishing in Vancouver
Once you’ve checked-in to your hotel and had some lunch, you’ll get one last opportunity to head out to sea for some leisure fishing. But this time, you’ll actually fish for crab. And, you’ll get to prepare it — and eat it — at a beach cookout!
Grouse Mountain
Then head up to the mountains to get a bird’s eye view of Vancouver. Ride on the rooftop of North America’s largest aerial tramway system, and climb even higher on a chairlift to the peak. But don’t stop there — reach for the sky from the only observation deck in the world that’s located at the top of a wind turbine. Top off the spectacular views with a delectable meal at a fine-dining mountaintop restaurant with jaw-dropping scenery of its own.
Overnight in Vancouver
On your last night, get a good night’s sleep in a downtown hotel in preparation for the morrow’s long journey.
Day 19:
Fly Home
Return to your point of origin with plenty of stories to tell your friends — no tall tales required! You’ll have the pictures to back up your claims of having caught the big one while leisure fishing across Alaska.