In Alaska, nearly every predator - whether they swim through the water, soar through the skies, or roam the wilderness bush - depends on one incredible event: the return of the mighty salmon. Rainbow trout are no exception. These vibrant, and truly wild fish, indulge in nature's grand buffet, kicking off in June with a feast of salmon fry. By latter July, the rivers transform into a trout paradise as salmon drop their eggs, creating an irresistible banquet for these voracious fish.

Bristol Bay and Katmai Trout

Southwestern Alaska's rainbow trout are as diverse as the landscapes they inhabit. In these untamed waters, there are basically two types of trout: lake fish and river fish. In the vast depths of Lake Iliamna and Naknek Lake, where the water is warm and teeming with life, lake-dwelling rainbow trout grow large and powerful, resembling their ocean-going cousins, the steelhead. These magnificent chrome-colored giants descend into the larger rivers, flashing silver in the cool Alaskan waters. 

Then, there are the river fish-the year-round residents of Alaska's smaller streams and tributaries. Known as leopard rainbow trout, they are a marvel of the wild, covered in striking, vivid spots that extend even into their eyes. These fish are the true embodiment of Alaska's wilderness, hardy and beautiful, thriving in these clear, pristine rivers that carve through the rugged terrain.

The epic smolt migration

For dedicated trout anglers, this time of year is undeniably one of the pinnacles of the season-some of the best and dynamic rainbow fishing that can be had. The trout have just finished spawning, likely having come down from the many lakes to spawn. This period also coincides with another key event: the smolt out-migration.

Smolt are young salmon that, after spending a few years in freshwater, begin their journey to the sea. As they migrate, these young salmon become a crucial food source for hungry trout. The trout remain in the rivers, strategically positioning themselves to ambush the smolt as they pass by, creating an ideal scenario for anglers.

During this time, the trout populations are noticeably higher than usual. Without the presence of salmon to crowd them out of prime feeding lanes, the biggest and best trout take command of the river's best lies. They await the steady pipeline of smolt, ensuring they can feast without competition. And because they will not have seen a fly since last season-nearly 8 months ago, these trout are particularly eager to take a well-placed smolt pattern just under the surface.

Why do we catch some of the largest trout right now?

It's all about timing. With fewer fish in the river, and almost no salmon vying for attention, the stage is set for an unforgettable fishing adventure. As the mountain snow begins to melt and the rivers swell, the trout emerge from their winter dormancy hungry and aggressive and willing to eat just about anything. Come late June and early July, they'll be on the move, following the sockeye upstream. This is your perfect window-place your fly just so, and you'll have a shot at landing a trophy trout parked in a prime feeding lane. With minimal competition and clear waters, your chances to have an incredible and memorable week trout fishing are pretty darn good.

The trout were biting, and they were massive!

With the average catch surpassing 20 inches, plenty of fish measured over 24" and even up to a whopping 28". Some anglers hooked into even larger monsters, though a few of those brutes managed to escape, leaving behind tales of heartbreak and the one that got away. These river giants will test both your skill and gear and any flaw in the setup will be ruthlessly exposed by the sheer strength of these fish. 

Added Bonus

• More lake trout are also caught this time of year than any other period of the season. This is also due to smolt out-migration. These lakers, follow the smolt out of the lakes and ambush them in the river at funnels and pinches. It's a feast of sorts for all fish. 
• There are also lots of big grayling that are eager to rise to "sip" a dry fly. These fish attain sizes of up to, and over, 20 inches in length. And you can catch dozens of them a day, most days... all on light tackle which makes the whole experience a lot more fun.
• Swing big flies for king salmon and early chum salmon. The pull of the mighty king salmon is shockingly powerful. Tangle with one of these brutes and you'll have an epic battle on your hands.

To find out more about some of the best early season trout options, please contact Tom Gilliland.