Fly Fishing in Juneau: Presentation Recap and Rundown!

by Angelica Boyd-Devine

Photos by Alec Boyd-Devine & Mary Glaves

On March 19th, Alaska BHA members and outdoor enthusiasts gathered at Forbidden Peak Brewery in Juneau for a special evening with Brad Elfers of Alaska Fly Fishing Goods. Brad has spent 27 years mastering the art of fly fishing in Alaska’s pristine waters, making him the perfect resource for those looking to learn more about the incredible fishing opportunities available throughout the region.

Brad highlighted the wide variety of places to fish around Juneau, from estuaries and rivers to saltwater beaches and lakes. Each offers its own unique challenges and rewards, making Southeast Alaska a true paradise for anglers. There are many seasonal fishing opportunities and
understanding the salmon cycles and the best seasons to target different species is key to successful fishing. Brad broke down the seasons as follows:

April to May: Dolly Varden and cutthroat trout are leaving the lakes they wintered in and heading out to saltwater estuaries. Popular spots include Dolly Varden at Eagle Beach and cutthroat trout leaving Auke Lake. Steelhead also begin returning from the ocean.

June: King salmon, along with some jacks, are prevalent around Sheep and Fish Creek.

July to August: Pink and chum salmon make their presence known at Echo Cove, Sheep Creek, and Cowee Creek.

Late August to September: Coho salmon season is in full swing, with Fish Creek, Montana Creek, and Cowee Creek being top destinations.

Essential Resources for Anglers
Brad pointed attendees to several valuable resources for those wanting to deepen their knowledge and preparation for fly fishing in Southeast Alaska:

• Alaska Fly Fishing Goods Website: Provides comprehensive information about various fish species, their seasonal availability, and reports on what techniques and flies are working. Archived reports from previous years are also available for reference.
• Fish Report: Released every Thursday, offering the latest tips and tricks to ensure successful outings.
• NOAA Tide Charts and River Reports: Essential tools for understanding conditions before heading out.

Gear Recommendations and Classes
For those new to the sport or looking to upgrade their setup, Brad offered advice on essential gear: rods, boots, waders, jackets, bags, and most importantly—a fishing buddy. For anyone lacking equipment, Alaska Fly Fishing Goods has loaner gear available.

BHA had a sign-up sheet available for a future fly-casting class to help attendees refine their skills and grow their passion for fly fishing. Those that signed up should expect to hear from the Fly Shop soon, so stay tuned!

Supporting Public Lands Conservation
The event wasn’t just about fishing—it was also about supporting public lands conservation. Alaska BHA held a raffle featuring a $250 Simms Gift Card, adding a layer of excitement to the evening while supporting the cause.

UAS student volunteer Forrest, drawing a raffle winner!

The event was an informative and engaging experience that brought the Juneau fly fishing community together. Alaska BHA is proud to host opportunities like this to promote ethical fishing practices and celebrate our shared commitment to preserving wild public lands and waters.