A freshly set up fly-rod rests upon the moss bed of an overhanging tree branch.Drifters Lodge has become a renowned destination for fly fishing, taking in visitors from all over the world, thanks in part to the abundance of trout and salmon and the pristine landscapes that make fly fishing in Alaska something every serious angler should experience. We want you to find out why Drifters is one of the best Alaska fishing lodges on the Kenai Peninsula, but first, we want to give you an idea of what you’ll need to get started.

If you are reading this, there is probably a good chance that you’ve gone fishing with a typical rod and reel combo. Heck, you might even consider yourself an avid angler. Think back to those care-free summers of your childhood adolescence, hanging out on the raft, tossing worms with your only real responsibility being cutting the grass and getting home in time for dinner. It’s fair to say, most of us weren’t fly fishing back then as it takes a high degree of practice and patience. On top of that, the necessities of fly fishing are a little more involved than your standard line, sinker, and hook set up. 

Essential Gear for Fly Fishing in Alaska

Proud fly fisherman hoist their most recent bounty from the shores of the Kenai River.There are a plethora of useful accessories that you’ll want as you wade through the Kenai River currents. If you’d like, Drifters Lodge will provide you with superior fly fishing gear and tackle, but there is a good chance you’ll be hooked after fly fishing in Alaska and will want to continue with it on your home waters. For now, we’ll focus on the basics:

  • A rod and reel seem like a no-brainer given the subject matter, but this comes down to finding something that works best for you. Medium action rods are a great middle-ground for novice fly fishermen and women. Medium actions tend to be easier to cast while feeling bites without the sensitive twitch of a light action rod. Reels are a little more complicated because there are so many available options. One simple rule is, bigger fish equals a bigger reel. It’s also important that your rod and reel combo work well together
  • A fishing hat and polarized sunglasses are more important for fly fishing in Alaska than one might think, especially in the summer. Polarized sunglasses keep the sun out of your eyes and allow you to view fish below the surface without interference from the sun’s reflection. Fishing hats protect you from the sun and increase the effectiveness of your sunglasses, but will also ease the annoyance of mosquitoes, gnats, and black flies.
  • Flies and waders are another fairly obvious addition, but the main point is that these don’t have to be expensive to work well. Drifters Lodge will provide top of the line waders and flies for you on your trip; however, as we said—there’s an excellent possibility that fly fishing will become your new favorite hobby. It will be more apparent what gear to use as your skill increases. For now, a decent set of chest-high waders and a small arsenal of flies will prove to be more than adequate. 

Fly Fishing in Alaska at Drifters Lodge

Hopefully, you’ve come away with a better comprehension of what you’ll need for fly fishing in Alaska. We want to extend an invitation to work with some of the best Alaska fishing guides on the Kenai Peninsula. Our cabins and lodge are sure to provide you with the relaxation to start another day of fishing, and you’ll soon learn that our staff is part of what makes Drifters Lodge so unique. Please  or call us at 907-595-5555 more information on how we can facilitate your journey to the Kenai Peninsula.