first cast travel fly rod

Theflyfishingtech

Fly fishing tips and tricks

REYR Gear First CAST Fly Rod Review

Get ready to embark on your next fishing adventure with the REYR Gear – First CAST Fly Rod, Telescoping Travel Fly Rod and Reel Combo. This unique travel fly rod and reel combo is designed for quick and easy setup, making it perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers alike. With a pre-rigged telescoping fly rod and a no-knot setup, you can start making your first cast in no time. The internal-lined graphite fly rod combines the best features of tenkara rods and traditional fly rods, offering a fast performance with a med-fast action.

Plus, the innovative design removes eyelets that often break during travel on other telescoping rods. The rod also comes with a CNC aluminum reel and an adjustable carbon drag, ensuring smooth and efficient reeling. Weighing only 9 oz and packing down to 19 inches, this portable fly rod combo is easy to carry and fits perfectly in your backpack or under the car seat. Choose between the 4WT version for general trout fishing and smaller streams, or the 6WT version for bass, carp, or bigger fish. Don’t let anything stop you from exploring new fishing spots – the REYR Gear – First CAST Fly Rod is your ultimate travel companion for a successful angling experience.

Table of Contents

Why Consider This Product?

If you’re an avid angler or someone who’s always wanted to try fly fishing, the REYR Gear – First CAST Fly Rod, Telescoping Travel Fly Rod and Reel Combo, is a must-have for your fishing gear collection. This unique travel fly rod and reel combo offers a quick-setup feature that makes it a breeze to make your first cast, even if you’re new to fly fishing. With a pre-rigged telescoping fly rod, there’s no need to worry about complex knots or time-consuming setups.

But what sets this product apart is its fast performance. The FIRST CAST internal-lined graphite fly rod combines the best features of traditional fly rods and tenkara rods, delivering a med-fast action that ensures smooth and precise casting. We understand that when it comes to fly fishing, having the right equipment can make all the difference in your success on the water. That’s why we’ve engineered this telescopic rod to have the fly line running inside, eliminating the need for fragile eyelets that often break during travel.

Features and Benefits

Quick and easy setup.

With the REYR Gear travel fly rod and reel combo, you can say goodbye to complicated setups and knots. The pre-rigged telescoping fly rod allows for a no-knot setup, making it incredibly easy for beginners to get started. Simply extend the rod, attach the line, and you’re ready to make your first cast.

Fast and Precise Casting

The FIRST CAST internal-lined graphite fly rod combines the best features of traditional fly rods and tenkara rods. The result is a med-fast action rod that delivers exceptional performance on the water. Whether you’re casting for trout or targeting bigger fish like bass or carp, this rod will provide you with the power and control you need to make accurate and precise casts.

Innovative Design for Durability

We know how frustrating it can be to have your fishing gear break during travel. That’s why we’ve engineered this telescopic rod with the fly line running inside, eliminating the need for eyelets that are prone to breaking. This design not only enhances the durability of the rod but also ensures that you can take it with you wherever you go without worrying about damage.

Portable and Convenient

The REYR Gear travel fly rod combo is designed with portability in mind. Weighing only 9 oz and packing down to 19 inches, it’s incredibly lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry on your travels. It also comes with a 2 oz neoprene case that fits inside most backpacks and can even be stored under car seats, so you’ll never have to leave your fishing gear behind.

Product Quality

At REYR Gear, we are committed to providing our customers with the highest quality fishing gear. The FIRST CAST Fly Rod and Reel Combo is no exception. The rod is made from internal-lined graphite, which not only enhances its performance but also ensures its durability. The CNC aluminum reel is lightweight yet robust, with an adjustable carbon drag that allows you to easily control the line tension. We believe that our customers deserve the best, which is why we’ve put a great deal of thought and care into designing a product that meets their needs and exceeds their expectations.

What It’s Used For

Enjoy fly fishing anywhere.

Whether you’re planning a hiking trip, a camping adventure, or a weekend getaway, the REYR Gear travel fly rod and reel combo is the perfect companion. Its portable and lightweight design makes it easy to bring along on any outdoor adventure, allowing you to enjoy fly fishing in even the most remote locations .

Catch a Variety of Fish

The REYR Gear travel fly rod combo is available in two versions – 4WT and 6WT. The 4WT version is ideal for general trout fishing and smaller streams, while the 6WT version is perfect for targeting bass, carp, or bigger fish. With these collapsible fly rods, you can tackle a wide range of fishing scenarios and enjoy the thrill of catching different fish species.

Versatile and Easy to Use

Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, the REYR Gear travel fly rod and reel combo is designed to be user-friendly. The telescoping rod extends up to 9 ft, providing you with the reach you need for casting. The no-knot setup makes it easy for beginners to get started, while the med-fast action ensures that experienced anglers can achieve the casting precision they desire.

Perfect for Traveling and Backpacking

Gone are the days of having to leave your fishing gear behind when you travel. The compact and portable design of the REYR Gear travel fly rod combo allows you to bring it with you wherever you go. Whether you’re backpacking through the mountains or traveling to a remote fishing spot, this rod and reel combo will be your reliable companion.

Product Specifications

Who needs this.

The REYR Gear travel fly rod and reel combo is perfect for both beginners and experienced anglers. If you’re new to fly fishing, this product offers an easy and convenient way to get started. The no-knot setup and user-friendly design make it accessible to beginners, while the quality construction ensures that you won’t outgrow it too quickly. If you’re an experienced angler, you’ll appreciate the fast performance and sturdy construction of this rod and reel combo, allowing you to tackle a variety of fishing scenarios.

Pros and Cons

• Quick and easy setup with no-knot feature
• Fast and precise casting with med-fast action
• Innovative design for durability and travel convenience
• Compact and lightweight for easy portability
• Versatile for targeting different fish species
• Limited to two weight options (4WT and 6WT)

Q: Does this rod and reel combo come with the fly line? A: Yes, the REYR Gear travel fly rod and reel combo comes pre-rigged with a fly line, making it ready to use right out of the box.

Q: Can I use this rod and reel combo for saltwater fishing? A: While the REYR Gear travel fly rod and reel combo is not specifically designed for saltwater fishing, it can be used in saltwater conditions with proper care and maintenance.

Q: Is this rod suitable for beginners? A: Absolutely! The REYR Gear travel fly rod and reel combo is designed to be user-friendly and accessible for beginners. The no-knot setup and adjustable drag make it easy to get started and learn the basics of fly fishing.

What Customers Are Saying

“This travel fly rod and reel combo is a game-changer! As someone who loves to travel and explore new fishing spots, this product has made it so much easier to bring my gear with me. The no-knot setup is a dream, and the fast performance of the rod is impressive. Highly recommended!” – John D.

“I bought this rod for a backpacking trip, and it exceeded my expectations. It’s incredibly lightweight and compact, making it easy to carry in my backpack. The quality is top-notch, and I’ve had no issues with it so far. Great value for the price!” – Sarah M.

Overall Value

The REYR Gear – First CAST Fly Rod, Telescoping Travel Fly Rod and Reel Combo offers excellent value for both beginners and experienced anglers. Its quick and easy setup, fast performance, and innovative design make it a standout product in the market. With its durability, portability, and versatility, this rod and reel combo is a worthwhile investment for anyone who enjoys fly fishing or wants to give it a try.

Tips and Tricks For Best Results

• Always extend and retract the telescoping rod carefully to avoid any damage.
• Clean and dry the rod and reel thoroughly after each use, especially if you’ve been fishing in saltwater.
• Practice your casting technique to get the most out of the med-fast action of the rod.
• Experiment with different fly patterns and techniques to find what works best for the fish species you’re targeting.

Final Thoughts

Product summary.

The REYR Gear – First CAST Fly Rod, Telescoping Travel Fly Rod and Reel Combo is a must-have for any angler who loves to fish on the go. Its no-knot setup, fast performance, and innovative design make it a game-changer in the world of fly fishing. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced angler, this rod and reel combo offers the convenience, durability, and versatility you need to make the most of your fishing adventures.

Final Recommendation

If you’re looking for a high-quality, portable, and user-friendly fly rod and reel combo, look no further than the REYR Gear – First CAST Fly Rod, Telescoping Travel Fly Rod and Reel Combo. With its quick and easy setup, fast performance, and innovative design, this product will enhance your fly fishing experience and make every cast a breeze. Invest in this rod and reel combo today and get ready to take your fishing adventures to the next level.

Disclosure: As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

This $280 telescopic, lightweight fly rod is perfect for those who like to travel and fish — I take it on bikepacking trips and long hikes

• Since I'm an avid bikepacker and hiker, I like a fly rod I can sling in a backpack and unfold in a minute to access a whole range of new fishing experiences.
• With the REYR First Cast Fly Rod ($279) , I don't have to choose between portability and fishing experience. I can hike all day and disappear into the sounds and sights of the riverbank for a few hours at night.

I grew up fishing with my dad, first learning to cast on lakes and ponds before graduating to rivers and streams. For us, fishing was always as much about being outside as catching fish, so we preferred the more secluded spots that were a long hike from where we parked our car. Fly rods aren't heavy, but they can be cumbersome, and these hikes would often be made more challenging by trying to wrangle several rods through the wet mud of Northern England. 

I have tried rods from Orvis, Sage, Winston, and many other brands in many years of owning and renting rods and tackle on various trips. When I first became aware of Tenkara folding fly rods, I thought they'd be perfect for the way I like to fish. But the collapsible design had its flaws, notably the absence of a reel. I tried a few different Tenkaras, and I watched a lot of YouTube videos, but I ne ver really fell in love. I want fishing to feel effortless, like it does with a high-quality full-size rod, and I could never find that with a collapsible ro d before. 

When REYR contacted me about their telescopic First Cast Travel Fly Rrod , which uses a reel, I was skeptical about whether it would be small enough, or fish well enough, to allow me to bring it along on backpacking trips . But I was ready to be proven wrong, and I'm glad I took the bait. The REYR rod is everything I want from a rod absent anything I don't. 

With the REYR First Cast rod , I don't have to choose between portability and fishing experience. I can hike all day and disappear into the sounds and sights of the riverbank for a few hours at night. Or I can pop the rod in my bikepacking bag and ride along riverside trails until I need a break, then take a rest by letting the gentle motion of casting help me relax and enjoy the outdoors. If I get lucky, I can also avoid yet another boil-in-the-bag dehydrated meal by catching something for dinner.

The rod is sold as a combo, and REYR doesn't really intend for you to change lines and reels, which is fine because I never had any issue. I could put a sinker tip on if I needed one, and obviously I could change flies (and store a few in the included tiny fly box). The rod itself is graphite, 6wt, and runs the line internally. In practice, this means it feels a bit more like an 8w. The reel is aluminum, with smooth and dependable carbon drag and a proprietary line attached that is designed to work with the unique rod.

Related stories

When stored, the rod is just 17 inches, but it extends to 8 feet, 6 inches. At 9 ounces for the rod/reel/line and a another 2 ounces for the case, this is an incredibly light set-up. 

The fishing experience

As for the fishing experience, I expected more line drag with the REYR, but for an interlined rod that is so small, it is surprisingly easy to cast with.  The casting might not be as light or precise as a high-end graphite or glass rod, but it isn't supposed to be. The First Cast is plenty precise enough to not distract from the fishing experience, and at $279, it's not so expensive that you'll feel bad about always leaving it in your car for those days when the river is calling and rush-hour traffic is not.  

The rod comes fully rigged, and once you have your fly tied on, all you have to do is take the fly off the keeper, unravel the line, and pull out the tip of the rod, followed by pulling through a few feet of line and extending the rod. All in all, it's about 30 seconds of set-up from pulling the rod out of your pack to getting a fly out on the water.

It did take a minute to get used to setting up the rod the first time, but once I was familiar with how many sections it has, the set-up was no issue at all. This video shows the process . This quick set-up and similarly fast breakdown makes the REYR great for hopping between spots or just spur-of-the-moment fishing on a summer evening on the way home from work.

The First Cast is great for experienced fishermen, but it also makes a good choice for beginners. It cuts down considerably on the amount of knot tying, mechanical tinkering, and equipment choice required. You have a rod, a line, and a reel; all you need is to work out what you're going to use to tempt the trou, and you're ready to fish.

The length of the rod is about in the middle of fly rod standards and should be fine for almost everyone. One tester at the Aspen Daily News said, "I was able to hand it to a friend who could simply extend and start casting and even caught a fish the first day." This makes the First Cast a great rod to keep for guests and people learning to fly-cast for the first time as well as for your own travel. 

The bottom line

This might not be the rod for everyone, but if you're frustrated with the inability to fly-cast on a Tenkara rod, or the time-consuming and bothersome set-up of conventional rods, the REYR First Cast might be the rod for you. I haven't had a fly rod in my house for years, and I don't like spending a lot of time and money setting up rods and tackle that I won't use very often, but the simplicity and size of the First Cast has made it a fixture in my backpack for months. Or it was, until I decided to make the sacrifice and give my review model to my dad who shared what fishing felt like with me all those years ago. I figured that after years of untying my knots, and me hooking him as much as I hooked any fish, he deserved a few relaxing afternoons by the river.

Pros: No fuss set-up, small, light, easy to rig

Cons: Doesn't cast as far as a conventional rod

Get the REYR Gear First Cast Travel Fly Rod, $279, at Amazon

Subscribe to our newsletter. You can purchase syndication rights to this story here. Disclosure: This post is brought to you by the Insider Reviews team. We highlight products and services you might find interesting. If you buy them, we get a small share of the revenue from the sale from our commerce partners. We frequently receive products free of charge from manufacturers to test. This does not drive our decision as to whether or not a product is featured or recommended. We operate independently from our advertising sales team. We welcome your feedback. Email us at [email protected] .

• Main content

REYR Reinvents the Fly Rod

Share this:.

• Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window)
• Click to email a link to a friend (Opens in new window)

It has no eyelets and telescopes from a small handle. The REYR Gear First Cast is a western-style fly fishing rig like none we’ve seen.

When it comes to fly rods, there hasn’t been a massive change in quite a while. Sure, high-end rods trumpet new materials like space-grade graphene . Lighter weight and better casting give new models an edge.

But most fly rods are cut from a similar pattern.

That was until we laid our eyes on the REYR Gear First Cast . This fly rod is from another lineage altogether.

REYR First Cast: Telescoping, Internally-Routed Fly Rod

This REYR fly rod upends traditional design.

First, it telescopes. Outside of Tenkaras and a handful of cheap big box rods, telescoping rods are rare in the fly fishing world.

A telescoping rod could be cool because it deploys quickly. No more fiddling with multiple rod segments. No more threading eyelets. Just pull it out, telescope it, and fish. Sounds lovely. And this is all possible due to element two.

This fly rod is internally routed.  What do I mean by “internally routed?” Well, I borrowed the term from the bike world. There, it means that cables pass inside the frame, giving bikes clean, sleek exteriors. In the fly fishing world, I’ll say it means the line goes up the middle of the rod.

How does this work for fishing? I’m not sure just yet. We haven’t seen this rod in person. But shoot, this seems like an innovative idea that just might work. The brand admits that this has been done before, but it’s certainly a rarity in fly fishing. If you’ve used a quality rod with an internal line, let us know how it worked.

REYR First Cast: Launching Today

REYR founder Derek Roedel launched the brand to fill a void in fly fishing gear: a quick-to-water, travel-friendly rod-and-reel kit.

According to the brand, he launched the rod with the goal of “engineering a lightweight rod that maintains the tactile feel of a fly rod while also being travel-friendly.”

He claims the setup can go from your travel bag to the first cast in less than 30 seconds. Those who’ve set up fly rods at the side of a stream know every second can feel like an eternity when fish are hitting the surface. So speed is a trait I appreciate.

The First Cast stores down 17-inches long. Extended, it fishes at eight feet, six inches. It stashes in small packs for travel or under the seat of your car, rigged for that after work cast.

The brand admits that it won’t out-cast a traditional rod for distance.

But what it will do is put you on the water faster than your buddy. Catch a fish while they’re still lining-up on the bank.

Each rod is sold set up with a CNC’ed Aluminum reel, matched line, and storage bag. Get one for $279 , and get on the water fast.

Sean McCoy is the Editorial Director of GearJunkie, and 5+ other AllGear websites.

He has been writing about hunting, fishing, trail running, camping, skiing, and more for 15+ years.

Prior to GearJunkie, he was the chief photographer for the Virgin Islands Daily News and former editor-in-chief for GearJunkie. Based in Denver, Colo., McCoy is an avid trail runner, camper, hunter, angler, mountain biker, skier, and beer tester.

Follow Us On

Subscribe Now

Get adventure news and gear reviews in your inbox!

Join Our GearJunkie Newsletter

Gear Top Stories Deals

• SHOP ALL PRODUCTS
• SHOP BY BRAND
• SHOP BY CATEGORY

Better yet, come visit the EE Shop.

John loves interacting with customers, so feel free to visit during normal business hours.

Expedition Exchange

1508H West Artesia Square, Gardena, CA 90248

Phone (310) 817-5004

Drop us a line!

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Sign up to hear from us about specials, sales, and events.

Copyright © 2020 Expedition Exchange - All Rights Reserved.

REYR Gear - First CAST Fly Rod, Telescoping Travel Fly Rod and Reel... › Customer reviews

Customer reviews.

REYR Gear - First CAST Fly Rod, Telescoping Travel Fly Rod and Reel Combo, Portable Fly Fishing Gear for Traveling and Backpacking, 4WT Fishing Rod Black Reel Left-Hand Rod, Right-Hand Retrieve

Customer Reviews, including Product Star Ratings help customers to learn more about the product and decide whether it is the right product for them.

To calculate the overall star rating and percentage breakdown by star, we don’t use a simple average. Instead, our system considers things like how recent a review is and if the reviewer bought the item on Amazon. It also analyzed reviews to verify trustworthiness.

There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.

From the united states.

There was a problem loading comments right now. Please try again later.

Questions? Get fast answers from reviewers

• Amazon Newsletter
• About Amazon
• Accessibility
• Sustainability
• Press Center
• Investor Relations
• Amazon Devices
• Amazon Science
• Sell on Amazon
• Sell apps on Amazon
• Supply to Amazon
• Protect & Build Your Brand
• Become an Affiliate
• Become a Delivery Driver
• Start a Package Delivery Business
• Advertise Your Products
• Self-Publish with Us
• Become an Amazon Hub Partner
• › See More Ways to Make Money
• Amazon Visa
• Amazon Store Card
• Amazon Secured Card
• Amazon Business Card
• Shop with Points
• Credit Card Marketplace
• Reload Your Balance
• Amazon Currency Converter
• Your Account
• Your Orders
• Shipping Rates & Policies
• Amazon Prime
• Returns & Replacements
• Manage Your Content and Devices
• Recalls and Product Safety Alerts
• Conditions of Use
• Privacy Notice
• Consumer Health Data Privacy Disclosure
• Your Ads Privacy Choices

• Travel Fly Rods
• Wading Gear
• Tools and Accessories
• All Products
• How It Works
• Industry Reviews
• FAQ + Instructional
• About Us and This Idea
• Commitments

v2.0 Upgrade for FIRST CAST Fly Rod (Rod sections only - upgrade for current rod owners)

• Low stock - 1 item left
• Inventory on the way

Our first cast fly rods are updated as we discuss HERE this rod sections only purchase is for current customers who want to use their existing rod handle, reel, line, rod sleeve but grab the updated rod sections.   Everything is cross-compatible!  Just load in your new rod blanks and line by following this video HERE

Included:   First Cast Fly Rod v2.0 rod sections

Not Included: Rod handle, Reel, Line, Rod Sleeve 

*If you want to purchase a complete rod only, please email us, you will still need to use our line with these rods to work well with the internal design*

Rod   Graphite  ~4wt - 9'  - Medium action - internal line

Reel Aluminum CNC - Carbon drag - 75mm OD - Left/right retrieve

Line  90ft - Floating - Proprietary line made in partnership with Rio

Storage 19" collapsed  -  8oz Rod & Reel  -  2oz Case

Setup Stores with fly tied on, extend and cast in 30 seconds

What's included Rod, Reel, Line, Tapered Leader, neoprene storage bag, compact fly box

Where is it Made Finished + Assembled in USA w/Imported and USA produced components 

LIFETIME WARRANTY

How do you setup and use the rod? 

- Rod comes with line fed through it and all you need to do is open it up and take a cast, see video  HERE  

What if I pull the line out of the rod? 

- You can feed it back through by following this little method  HERE  

Can I buy the rod by itself? 

- Not right now,  We spent almost 2 years working on this combination of parts to make this rod work well as an easy to use system.  The goal is to give you a package that is ready to go and already setup when the box arrives!

Am I a LEFTY or RIGHTY for ordering?  

- A bit tricky with rods, but you should hold the rod with your dominant hand, and crank the reel with the other.  Our standard offering is for right-handers who hold the rod with their right hand,  the other is for those freakish lefties (like our founder) 

Does the reel flip from RIGHTY to LEFTY crank? 

- YEP!  flip the bearing on the reel and spool the line the other way if you have the wrong direction crank reel See video  HERE  on how to do it

Can I change the reel or line once I get it? 

- Yes these can be changed however you like, but we recommend staying with our line as we worked with engineers and industry experts to make specifically this line work well in the rod 

Can I use the rod in saltwater? 

- Yep! we would just recommend you take off the butt cap and rinse out the inside when you get home

I got my rod stuck open, what do I do? 

- You don't need much force to secure the rod open, but if it does get stuck at full length a twist of each section is usually most effective,  if not bump the bottom of the rod on a solid surface to try and coax it loose

Do you sell replacement tips and parts? 

- We cover any parts that are defective or broken in normal use free of charge, just show us a picture of what happened and we will work with you to replace what is broken.

- If your dog ate it or you slammed it in a car door though, we have a section where you can buy replacement parts  HERE  

Return Policy:

- If you are not satisfied with your purchase please email us within 30 days of your ship date to communicate why and we will accept back the complete product in good condition and refund your purchase minus the shipping cost.  

International Shipping?

We Currently ship to the USA, Canada and Japan. We hope to add more countries soon.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Collapsed at 17" it fits in small bags and can come on any adventure

The only fly rod sold that travels with your fly tied on, so you can always get to that First Cast when you see a fish

Running line on the inside of the rod lets us remove eyelets so we can tuck all the fragile sections inside the rod to protect them, and for a clean kit in travel

Testimonials

★★★★★ Not many telescoping rods out there, but this one is by far the best! I have the 5wt & 8wt in the competitor brand (k-king) and they're stiff as a board, no action. To boot they're huge! The reyr has so much more play and is tiny at 17". I recommend these over all the others I've tried, perfect bike packing rod. Steven

★★★★★ If you're like me and make as many plans as possible based on fishable water on vacations, out of town trips or, like me, I bought this rod to go in my work truck. It literally sets up with the flick of your wrist! I've broke it out and fished when I had 30 min before my next appointment and I've broke it out when I saw a fish break in a stream and I just needed to know if my one cast would get that fish! Great rod, convenient, lightweight and best of all just as sensitive as your other 4wt! Caleb Oregon

★★★★★ Just wanted to say I am a complete 100% supporter of you guys! I can't stop bragging about my 6wt rod from REYR! I am currently in Montana and have used this rod 3 days in a row so far and am blown away. I love being able to pack it down when hiking/bushwhacking/river crossing. I caught some awesome fish on this to and the rod held up perfectly fine. You guys did a great job with this product and I really can't wait to get some more gear from you! Libby Montana & Alaska

★★★★★ I bought this at the beginning of the summer, looking for something to take on backpacking trips, figuring I'd try to catch some trout I always see in the back country. Previously, I hadn't been much of a fisherman, but soon I found myself trying to get away every weekend to use this thing. Really fast to assemble, super compact, very durable--really an amazing rod. Doug Los Angeles, CA

★★★★★ Exactly As Advertised - Complete beginner to fly fishing, other than one float trip with a guide I had never used a fly rod before purchasing the 4wt first cast. First trip out was with a friend who also is new to fly fishing, but they have a traditional rod. As advertised, I had my rod ready to go within a minute of getting to our spot, and on the second or third cast caught a brook trout. My friend was still getting his traditional rod ready to go. Anyway, often times marketing sounds too good to be true, but so far with the Reyr rod it has came true. As a complete novice, on my three trips out with the First Cast, I’ve caught fish. I’m very happy with my purchase, and would recommend the First Cast to anyone Matthew Georgia

You may also like

Recently viewed

Lonely Plan-it: A fishing trip to Alaska

Apr 24, 2024 • 7 min read

Bird Creek in the shadow of the Chugach Mountains is lined with fisherman hoping to catch silver salmon © Karen Timmons / Getty Images

For many Alaska visitors, the chance to drop a line in the briny depths of the ocean, or cast a fly rod upon a rushing river, is the reason they’ve traveled north – and for good reason. There is nothing quite like fresh fish – caught amid the stunning scenery of Alaska – consumed over a dinner table filled with tales of the day itself.

Alaska’s commercial fishing industry is its second-largest economic generator, with a wide variety of species found across the state. From mid-April to August, saltwater fishing vessels of varying sizes and shapes take to the sea and net or line-catch salmon, halibut, cod and other species for markets around the world. Sport fishing is also a huge business in Alaska, including the Arctic and Northwest regions, where species like Arctic char are considered a fly-fisher’s dream for their fight on a line. 

For these reasons, you’ll need to consider the seasons, types of fishing and the most accessible locations for your fishing holiday. In a state with 3,000 rivers, three million lakes, and over 6,000 miles of coastline, the toughest part is deciding where to go. 

What are the regulations for fishing in Alaska?

The Alaska Department of Fish and Game is the state’s overseeing agency for all things sport fishing, and it tightly controls where, when, and what species you can catch. Dividing the state into three regions (Southcentral, Interior, and Southeastern) the agency provides up-to-date listings of open and closed areas, and forecasts for salmon runs each spring, when many anglers are making  plans for fishing trips. 

All nonresidents aged 16 and older must purchase and carry a current fishing license , available either online or at retail outlets in just about every city. Additionally, those wanting to fish for king salmon must secure a stamp indicating this intention, which is added to your license. It must be noted here that the ADF&G does not take fishing without a license lightly: officers are constantly patrolling shorelines and salt waterways – and fines for non-licensed fishers are hefty.

Know your halibut from chinook

It behooves the fishing visitor to have an idea of what type of fish they’d like to catch while in Alaska. Those looking for salmon have the choice to fish in either saltwater near Whittier, Seward, Valdez or Homer and nearby environs; or in the rivers and streams flowing near these communities, but also in Anchorage and along the Southwest regional areas like Dillingham and Katmai National Park. 

Know that the farther away from the road system one goes, the more expensive fishing will get, especially if you need a float plane to reach a river. Alaska's waters house five species of salmon: chum, sockeye, pink, chinook and coho. Each spawn at different times of year, beginning with chinook (also known as king salmon) in late spring.

Other freshwater fish include Arctic char, grayling and trout – the latter usually fished in September and October. 

Saltwater species are abundant and accessible in any harbor community, but halibut are predominant in the community of Homer at the tip of the Kenai Peninsula . In fact it is known as the “halibut capital of the world” with fish hauled in here reaching 200 pounds in weight. 

Best destinations for a DIY fishing trip

• Cast a line into the river for world-class salmon fishing on the Kenai River near Cooper Landing .
• Head out to deeper waters of Cook Inlet from Homer to fish for halibut. 
• Show up to Ship Creek in Anchorage and rent the entire kit to fish like a local. 
• Fly-fish the sparkling waters of the Little Tok River near the community of Tok, in the Yukon-Charley Rivers Preserve.
• Try the family-friendly Bering Sea Crab Fisherman's Tour in Ketchikan for a look at the dangerous deep-sea crab industry.  

Top tips for fishing in Juneau

Located along Alaska’s Inside Passage, Juneau is a great landing spot for Southeast fishers wanting to haul in a halibut or salmon. Charters depart from both downtown docks and Auke Bay about 15 miles from the city center. 

Where to stay: Spend the night downtown at the Silverbow Inn and take in the charm of Alaska’s capital city. 

Where to eat: For fresh seafood and local atmosphere, dine at the Hangar on the Wharf and watch floatplanes and ships come in and out. 

What to expect in Seward 

A popular destination for both cruise ship and independent travelers, Seward is also a hotspot for Anchorage residents looking for a weekend getaway. The calm waters of Resurrection Bay glean salmon, halibut, rockfish and cod and are great places for youngsters to learn the art of saltwater fishing. 

Where to stay: Harbor 360 hotel sits right at the small boat harbor and offers a complimentary breakfast and access to downtown Seward activities, including fishing charters.

Where to eat: The Cookery in downtown Seward is small but its menu of fresh seafood and produce packs a delicious punch. 

Visiting Valdez

This scenic Prince William Sound community lives hard by the sea, with daily salmon, halibut, and rockfish charters departing from its small boat harbor. Visit during the pink salmon run in early July and see the commercial purse seiners hauling up enormous nets of delicious fish.

Where to stay: Totem Hotel and Suites is a good option and a short distance from the downtown docks. 

Where to eat: Try The Fat Mermaid for locally-sourced seafood right along the main street of Valdez and within walking distance to activities.

Remote fishing experiences in Alaska

If a remote fishing experience is on your bucket list and within budget, these lodges provide a truly immersive once-in-a-lifetime Alaska fishing trip. 

Waterfall Resort

Located on scenic Prince of Wales Island in Southeast Alaska, this homey lodge is reached via a 45-minute floatplane ride from Ketchikan and offers pristine scenery while fishing for salmon in the calm waterways around the island. This former salmon cannery-turned fishing lodge is a wonderful choice for groups and families. 

Alaska Sportsman’s Lodge

A luxury resort located near one of the most productive sockeye salmon waterways in Alaska, the Kvichak River, this lodge is for serious fishers, with daily guided forays into the wilderness to cast a line. Want to fly fish for trout? This is the place for that as well, with large fish regularly caught and released. 

Tordrillo Lodge

Want to throw in some other adventures while still finding time to fish? This hidden lodge deep in the Tordrillo Mountains just an hour floatplane ride from Anchorage is pretty much perfect, with salmon and trout fishing intermingled with heli-skiing, hiking, and rafting. 

Be bear aware

Alaska’s bears frequent the same fishing rivers and streams as humans, and they always have the right of way. If you are fishing without a guide, review the Alaska Department of Fish and Game rules and guidelines for fishers , and always keep an eye out for bears, especially if fishing in the long, dusky Alaska evening hours. 

What to pack for your fishing trip to Alaska

If taking a charter vessel, dress for inclement weather and a near-constant day of wetness and fish scales. Wear rubber boots, or non-slip, close-toed shoes – and bring rain gear, a warm hat and gloves. 

For those heading out into the open waters of Prince William Sound or the Gulf of Alaska, consider pre-dosing with an anti-seasickness medication or wearing a behind-the-ear patch to prevent nausea during the trip. Even the most ardent sailors sometimes feel the rolling ocean swells to be too much to manage without medicine. 

For river fishers, waders are a must, and non-felt wading shoes. 

Don’t have gear? There’s no need to worry: most guiding outfits provide everything you need for a comfortable experience. 

Here is more expert advice to help you plan your trip to Alaska:

The best time to go to Alaska? Save this guide on when to visit .  Get around in Alaska with these  transport tips .  Be sure to add these top experiences to your Alaska itinerary. And make time for some epic road trips  to the highlights in Alaska.

Explore related stories

Jan 19, 2024 • 7 min read

From rainforests to glaciers Alaska is distinctive, and adventures here are shaped through each of its different regions

Apr 23, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 18, 2024 • 7 min read

Apr 5, 2024 • 6 min read

Mar 27, 2024 • 7 min read

Mar 25, 2024 • 8 min read

Mar 19, 2024 • 5 min read

Mar 15, 2024 • 10 min read

Dec 27, 2023 • 8 min read

Dec 13, 2023 • 12 min read