There are two good reasons for that. One, for most Alaskans it does not get dark in the summer when the Salmon runs arrive. Two, Brown Bear, Grizzly Bears and Black Bears DO fish in the dark! Well... in the dim hours anyway.
Learning to fish Alaska's waters was as different as the hunting was when I came here 30 years ago. Basic instincts for both were the same, but the COUNTRY was huge and on a scale I have never before seen. Few ponds and thousands of lakes are in Alaska, but the real fishing starts in the major streams and rivers with the arrival of the many different species of Salmon. This usually occurs between June and late August.
Add to that, the ever present BEARS and you have a whole new way to go about hunting and fishing here. It alters your senses, or at least it should! When fishing, paying attention to the signs and making it known that you are in the area is generally all that is necessary to keep you and the bears apart. WORSE thing you can do it be in stealth mode around salmon streams. This can result in surprising a sow with cubs-the resultant actions are horrible. DON'T surprise bears, they react badly.
Splashing fish are a real attractor when it comes to bears here. Whether they are schooled up and jumping or on the end of your line, you can count on bears being nearby if the fish are in.
Can you imagine bass fishing in your part of the country and having to be concerned where the bears are? In Alaska, count on all sorts of "new elements" being present. BUT, it sure does add to the excitement!
There are MANY river guide services available here. If the fish are in, most any of the guide services can put you in the middle of them without costing you an arm and a leg. Some are quite reasonable. Key is-STAY AWAY from the road system, with the few roads we have, locals generally fill up the good spots.
Fishing licenses for non-residents offer some flexibility. You can by a 3-day, week or annual license and when you purchase them you can select the dates they are validated and good for. NICE concession for our Lower 48 sportsmen!
