Alaska in early June

[Ralph]

I am heading to Alaska in early June. Will be working from out around Anchorage. I was wondering about carrying fly rods on commercial flights. Can you still carry them aboard & stow in the the coat closet? Also I'm interested in any information on fishing in the area or Anchorage on the Kenai peninsula. Thanks.

[PowerBaitHeppy]

June is the peak time for the King run in the area. The Kenai offers lots of excellent rivers for the King run if you can handle the crowds.

Silvers will begin stacking up in July.

How much time will you have to fish? Is this a couple day thing, or an all summer deal?

[Sumner Newman]

As far as carrying on rods and placing them in the coat closet up front, it's all up to the airline personnel, so it's always a bit of a crap shoot. You may be able to carry them on, and you may be required to check them. I've seen/heard it go both ways. That said, what airline are you flying? If you're flying Delta, I think your chances of being able to carry on the rods are quite good. Delta flights from SLC to ANC in the summer have good numbers of sportfishermen on them and the airline personnel and flight attendants are used to them and seem to like to try to accomodate them. That was my experience, anyway. Furthermore, other airlines may be just as or more accomodating than Delta - my experience is with Delta. They seemed happy to accomodate me. Good luck and have fun!

[doug draper]

I have been to Alaska 10 times and have had to gate check flyrods, as well as stowed them,while sometimes placing them in the overhead. I have now resorted to travel rods which I tape to my carry-on. It counts as one carry-on that way. Remember if your bag goes more than 50 pounds they will charge you extra. When fishing down the Kenai way try the anchor river as it is a bit more manageable with a flyrod. It is only open on the weekends to protect the king run. It also is not a glacial river so there will be a bit more visibility. The Russian opens around the middle of June for the reds. It is crowded but you can adapt and still have fun. Email flyfishingjunkee@hotmail.com if you have more questions. I have several fishing videos that I have made. I can email you lots of salmon pics also.