Rapids Camp prides itself in having some of the best trout guides in Bristol Bay. Our guides live, breathe and sleep Alaska trout fishing. No matter if its skating mice in tundra creeks during the early season, sight fishing to giant rainbows in tundra creeks in August or swinging for steelhead size rainbows in the Naknek River in September; our guide staff is composed of some of the best in the business.
Early Season (June – mid July)
The early season is the time of the mouse, lemmings, voles, etc. Which ever order of rodent you prefer to imitate, Alaska rainbow trout eat them. Gorge on them in fact. It’s a crushing take. One that might hurt the feelings of some trout purists. How could the gentlemanly rainbow be so voracious? Hunger. Predatory genetically driven hunger and will to survive. It’s exhilarating to watch a two foot long trout chase a skated mouse thirty feet across the creek smashing the fly time after time until the hook set comes tight. This early season typically has mild weather with sunny skies creating a congenial environment for fishing.
Mid Season (Mid July – August)
Mid season rainbow trout fishing in the Katmai region of Bristol Bay is best described as a sight fishers paradise. The tundra creeks in the region pack full of sockeye on the last leg of their spawning journey. As this happens, rainbow trout follow the trail gluttonously feasting on the eggs and flesh furnished by the weary salmon. We accurately stalk the fish by sight. Cast to the fish we want to catch and then move on. The guides selfishly love the mid season for its sight fishing applications.
Late Season (September – early October)
As fall rolls in to the Katmai region, the salmon have finished spawning and all the rainbow trout are attempting to regally stuff themselves for the long winter that lies ahead. September is the month to swing flies with Spey rods on the Naknek for steelhead sized rainbows. The fish are there, they are willing and hungry. There are a few fly out destinations still fishing well as the trout drop back out of the tundra creeks and back into the lakes. Late season can be quite the mixed bag of trout fishing technique and divertissement for the angler that doesn’t mind a little cold weather.
Recommended Gear
Rods: We recommend 6 to 7 weight high quality, fast action rods capable of casting mouse patterns and split shot, and dealing with the occasional rogue salmon that will strike your trout fly. Drift fishing can be snag intensive so be prepared to use a little heavier leader for trout than most people are accustomed to. Rainbows on the Kanektok can range from 12 to 30 plus inches!
Reels: To match rod with medium to strong drag.
Lines: Floating lines with 120 yards of backing are most common. We occasionally use very short sink-tips.
Leaders: 8 to 12 pound monofilament
