DIY Alaska on Tenkara: A budget friendly guide

Intro

So you are thinking about going to Alaska to fish with a Tenkara rod? The good news is we have done it about 10 times now and at this point we have a pretty good system. This guide is not going to be for everyone. It is not about lodges or first-class trips. This is just the cheapest way we have found to fish Alaska and still have an amazing time.

Planning Your Trip

Fishing season in Alaska runs roughly from May through October, with July being the peak. If you want to save some money and avoid the heavy crowds, late August through early September is our favorite time to go.

During that window you usually get:

• Cheaper RV rentals

• Fewer people on the water

• Empty campgrounds

• Discounted activities (we once rented a full halibut boat for $500 for 24 hours).  Its the end of the season for many outfitters so they tend to be pretty relaxed (we almost sunk said halibut boat)...

Who to Go With and Why an RV

The best setup is 3–4 people. That way you can split the costs and still have enough room in the RV.  You can do more (most we have done is 6) but that requires a bigger RV.  And 6 people in an RV is a lot!

Why an RV instead of car + hotels?

• Way cheaper overall

• Way more freedom

• Alaska roads are basically designed for RVs, with pullouts, campgrounds, and dirt lots everywhere.  It is not intimidating compared to driving a big rig in the lower 48.

We have used both Clippership RV and ABC. Clippership is not as nice or as professional as some other rental companies but they are cheap, flexible, and allow after-hours pick up and drop off. That is huge because a lot of flights get in late and the last thing you want is to waste a day waiting on a hotel.

Tip: Have one person fly in earlier if possible. They can grab the RV, stock up on groceries, and pick up the rest of the crew at the airport so you hit the road right away. Ordering groceries ahead for pickup at Walmart or Fred Meyer saves even more time.

Where to Go

We always fly into Anchorage and fish within about 2–3 hours of driving. That gives plenty of options.

North of Anchorage

• Willow Creek and Montana Creek are both great options. They are called creeks but are really more like rivers.

• The main thing: look for salmon. Trout and dollies sit behind them eating eggs. If there are no salmon around, you are in the wrong spot.

• Expect chum and maybe silvers this time of year.

South of Anchorage (Kenai Area)

If it is your first trip, I recommend heading south. Easier access, more scenic, and usually better fishing.

• Russian River: Incredible fishery. The hike up to the falls is beautiful and you will probably see brown bears eating salmon. The canyon stretch down toward the confluence can be lights-out fishing.

• Quartz Creek: Smaller but reliable and a great RV campground base.

• Kenai River: Big water, big fish. Some of my best dollies and rainbows ever came out of here. You can fish from the road pullouts or do a raft float on the upper Kenai if you are feeling adventurous.

Fishing for Salmon on Tenkara

Late August to early September is after the king and sockeye runs. Silvers are the main salmon you will see and they are super fun to target with Tenkara.

The setup we use:

• Rocky rod (13–14.6 ft)

• 10–13 ft line

• 0X–1X tippet

• Dali Lama streamer

Silvers usually do not smash the fly to eat it. Most of the time it is a quick chomp to move it out of their way. Watch closely because the takes can be subtle. Pro tip: have a buddy with a long handled net nearby!

Trout and Dolly Setups

If you only take one rod, bring a big rod like the Rocky. It can handle both salmon and trout. If you want a dedicated trout rod, the Sawtooth at 12 ft is a solid choice.

For trout and dollies:

• Use 2X or 3X tippet (the fish here fight hard)

• Flies: egg patterns. Locals use beads. Slide the bead onto your tippet, then tie a hook on.  Next slide a peg through the bead hole to keep the bead from moving all over your tippet.  Clip the ends of the peg with nippers, and position the bead about 1-2 inches above your hook.

These wild Alaska rainbows are nothing like stocked rainbows. They are stronger, wilder, and just a totally different experience.

Sample Itinerary

Here is a simple six-day plan:

Day 1: Land in Anchorage, grab the RV, stock food, and start driving if you can. Some RV places will let you sleep in the lot.  If you do start driving, Quartz creek is about a 2 hour drive.  

Day 2: Fish Quartz Creek. Stay at Quartz Creek Campground. This spot is a fun intro to Alaskan fishing.  Just look for the salmon and fish behind them.  You can start at the campground and work your way up.

Day 3: Hike up to the Russian River Falls and fish down. Stay at Russian River Campground.

Day 4: Fish the Russian in the morning, the Kenai in the afternoon.

Day 5: Pick your favorite spot from earlier in the trip and fish it again.  Or look for something else (there are other spots in this zone!).

Day 6: Drive back and fly out.

If you have more time, explore north toward Willow and Montana, or take a side trip to Seward or Homer.  There are many other creeks and rivers in the Kenai zone, as well as lakes if you want to go that route.  

Costs

Flights from the lower 48 are usually $350–$600 round trip if you book smart. RV rentals average around $200 a day. Add in food, gas, and licenses, and you are looking at $1000–$1500 total per person if you split costs with your crew.

Extra Notes and Tips

• Three to four people is the sweet spot. Six is cheaper but too crowded.

• Drive the Turnagain Arm in daylight if you can. We have seen porpoises more than once on that stretch.  Super cool.

• One thing we started doing is packing a soft cooler full of precooked meals.  That way at the end of a long day of fishing we have brisket, pulled pork, etc.  And then with the soft coolers, we just try to catch enough salmon to bring them home full.
  

• Floating the Kenai is incredible but be prepared: you need to row, tow a raft with your RV, and maybe hitchhike back from the takeout.  But there are rafts you can rent around the area.  This makes the Kenai so fun to fish and the fish on that river and scenery alone is worth it.  

• Bears are common in the Kenai zone. Keep your distance.  In the northern area, bears can be hunted so you won't see them as often.

• Don't poop in the RV.  If you have 4 people then that thing will stink up by mid trip!

Wrap Up

Alaska does not have to cost a fortune. With a few friends, an RV, and a Tenkara rod, you can have the trip of a lifetime for way less than a lodge package.  We have learned all this through years of trial and error, and this system has worked best for us.

If you have questions or want more detailed guides, drop a comment below!