October fishing in south-central Alaska brings to mind the saying, “With great risk comes great reward,” especially if you’re ready for the best trout fishing of your life.
Don’t expect long fly-outs or major expenses. Special skills are not required, as October fish are not finicky. The problem you’ll have is keeping most of the smaller 16- to 25-inch trout off the hook, so you can catch the 29- to 30-inch slabs.
How could most anglers overlook such a fishery? Simple.
South-central Alaska offers October temperatures that average in the 20s to 40s. Most seasonal tourist destinations, lodges and camps shut down in September, and most of the locals have hung up their waders and rods for the year.
This fishery is based on a natural event: thousands of fish out-migrating from summer feeding streams to overwinter in the mainstem Talkeetna River, where they remain until spring breakup. Long-time Talkeetna River guide Rhett Nealis, owner and guide at Phantom Tri-River Salmon Charters, is one of the local guides who knows the area well.
“Weather is always a factor that affects the fishing,” he said. “We operate until mid to late October, or when the slush starts forming on the river and clogs our outboard jets. Fish are very aggressive at this time, and extremely fat from gorging on salmon eggs the past few months.”
He only guides catch-and-release anglers, and offers a drop off as a popular do-it-yourself option that also offers good fishing.
“Anglers can expect to catch rainbows to 20 inches,” he said, “with several in the 25- to 26-inch class. Char and grayling are also large and plentiful. I haven’t been able to break the 30-inch mark yet, but we’re working on it, with a few 29 inchers each year.”
I’ve hooked and released over 70 grayling, Dolly Varden char and rainbow trout a day on a fly rod in this area fishery, as well as many fish on ultralight tackle, and it’s an amazing fishery. Give this Alaska fishery a cast or two before hanging up your fishing tackle for the year. I promise you won’t be disappointed.
Chris Batin is editor of The Alaska Angler and author of numerous books and DVDs on Alaska fishing available through www.AlaskaAngler.com. Coastal Angler readers can e-mail him at ChrisBatin@AlaskaAngler.com.
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