Swinging for Trophy Rainbows or Steelhead? Why September and October are Prime months in Alaska

If you’re anything like me, there’s just something about swinging flies.

The anticipation. The grab. That split second when everything comes tight, and you have no idea what’s on the other end.

September is one of my favorite months to be on the water because it offers two completely different (but equally unforgettable) experiences. One is chasing giant lake-run rainbow trout. The other is swinging for fresh chrome steelhead.

So which one is better?

Honestly…I don’t think there is a wrong answer!

The Trophy Rainbow Experience

These aren’t your average rainbow trout.

For much of the year, these fish retreat to the deep lakes where they will winter, and have access to a food supply…But every summer, something special happens.

Starting in June, as the salmon begin returning to the rivers to spawn, the rainbows come out of the lakes and enter into the rivers to take advantage of one of nature’s greatest buffets…millions of salmon eggs drifting downstream. They spend the entire summer feeding on eggs, flesh, and anything else the salmon leave behind, packing on weight before winter arrives.

By the time September rolls around, these fish are thick, healthy, incredibly aggressive, and not uncommon to exceed 30 inches in length.

When one of these giant rainbows swings over and crushes your fly, you’ll understand why so many anglers return year after year. The fishing can be very productive this time of year as a lot of the salmon are gone or dying off, and the lodges have fewer anglers beating up the water. 

The Steelhead Experience

Steelhead have a completely different story.

Unlike lake-run rainbows, steelhead begin life in freshwater before migrating to the ocean, where they spend a couple years feeding and growing. The saltwater transforms them into an incredibly powerful, and athletic fish! As the saying goes “No Salt – No Steel” and the salt does make a difference! 

They’re also a little more selective. Although there are mixed opinions on whether steelhead actually eat when they enter the freshwater, what is known is that they are here to spawn, and get to their destination to make that happen. Whereas the rainbows are there to eat! 

You may not get as many opportunities as you would with trophy lake-run rainbows, but when a bright chrome steelhead finally commits to your swung fly, and your reel begins to sizzle, the reward feels that much greater. It’s that combination of beauty, power, and earned success that makes steelhead one of the most sought-after fish in the fly-fishing world. 

Either species is special and you cannot miss going for either one, or maybe both if you know where to go! We love talking fishing and steelhead specifically so if you have any interest in learning more about steelhead trips from Alaska to Idaho give us a call at (208) 271-9653 –  or email us at info@gotfishing.com.