What Exactly Is a Polar Vortex?
If you’ve been paying much attention to the weather during the winter over the last couple years, you’ve probably heard the term “polar vortex” on more than one occasion, typically during periods of particularly cold temperatures. While the term has become more commonly used in mainstream meteorology over the last several years, this isn’t exactly a new phenomenon—it’s something that’s been talked about for decades. The general idea behind a polar vortex is that it’s a large pocket of air that is very cold—often the coldest air you’ll find anywhere in the Northern Hemisphere. This air hovers over the polar region during the winter season. However, this cold air can start pushing its way south into the United States if the polar vortex is pushed farther south. When this happens, the northern Plains region, the Midwest and parts of the…
When Is Prime Fishing Season in Alaska?
Alaska is a beautiful place to visit during most times of the year. There is always something to do, but the state has something else aside from being a prime vacation destination: as far as seafood goes, Alaska is one of the biggest producing regions in the world. Nearly 80 percent of the highest-value sockeye, king, Coho and other wild salmon species are caught in Alaska’s waters. Want to try your hand at catching salmon? Come to Alaska and fish for a variety of salmon, including sockeye, king, pink, chum and silver. If you are planning to book a fishing trip in Alaska for your next vacation, make sure you know when and where is best for fishing. Luckily, most of Alaska’s waters are teeming with a variety of fish, including different types of salmon. Here’s what you need to…
Fun Fact: Towns in Alaska That See the Least Sun in Winter
You’ve never seen anything like winter in Alaska. Winter conditions begin to creep in during the first weeks of September and lingers through April, but the frigid temperatures are also accompanied by the darkness. The days grow shorter and shorter until the sun disappears entirely for weeks in some parts of the state. As the Earth rotates away from the sun, areas below the Arctic Circle never find themselves in the daylight. Many Alaskan cities see only a few hours of sunlight each day before the blanket of night returns. Other communities on the northern tip of the state see nothing but darkness for months. The extended night hours make Alaska the perfect place for viewing the unmatched Northern Lights. The patterns and colors of light dance throughout the black sky to create an unforgettable, bucket list sight. At the…
10 Must-Pack Items for Your Alaskan Fishing Trip
Are you planning for your first big Alaskan fishing trip? If so, congratulations—this is an experience you will never forget! But in the midst of all this excitement, it is important that you make sure you pack everything you need for this excursion. If you are going through a fishing charter, then you will not need to worry about fishing equipment for your trip. However, you will need to pack the right clothing and personal items to ensure a comfortable and safe trip. Here are 10 items you won’t want to travel to Alaska without: Rain gear: You cannot bring just any old raincoat you bought at the department store with you to Alaska. You will need a two-piece rain suit with a hood with coated nylon and sealed seams. Hip waders: Some fishing charters provide their own waders, so…
Planning for Your First Alaskan Fishing Trip
If you are about to embark on your very first Alaskan fishing trip, then chances are you are feeling a mixture of excitement and anxiety. The anxiety is understandable—after all, Alaska is seen as an exotic, faraway place for many folks in the “lower 48,” and for good reason! But here’s the good news: as long as you put a little time and effort into preparing for your Alaskan fishing expedition, then you shouldn’t have anything to worry about. Here is a simple overview of what you need to do when planning for your first Alaskan fishing trip. Be prepared When it comes to preparing for your fishing trip, two things are key: permits and equipment. As soon as you know you’ll be taking a trip to Alaska, you ought to apply for a permit online. It is supposed to…
Six Tips for Fly Fishing for Silver Salmon in September
Whether you have enjoyed many Alaskan fishing trips or you are planning your very first fishing trip in Alaska, learning or refreshing your mind about a few fishing tips can never hurt. September is a great time for fly fishing for silver salmon in Alaska, and of course you will want to get the most out of your fishing trip. With that in mind, here are six tips to help you catch plenty of silver salmon during your next fishing trip in Alaska: Point your rod toward the fly: When fly fishing for other fish, you may be in the habit of keeping your rod tip pointed or raised to one side, to make for a smoother retrieve. But silver salmon actually like when the retrieve is a bit jerky, and you can achieve this by pointing your rod directly…
Fall Fishing Excursions in Alaska: What You Should Know
What’s on your calendar this fall? If you’re planning any fishing excursions in Alaska, there are a few things you should know to prepare for your trip. Each fishing tour in Alaska is unique, but a few tips can help you make the most of your tour. From salmon fishing trips in Alaska to general fishing excursions, the following top tips will enhance your journey and provide memories to last a lifetime. For even more information, contact your local fishing tours in Alaska. What Fish You’ll Find in Alaska Of course, salmon fishing trips in Alaska are world-renowned. However, these aren’t the only fish you’ll find swimming in the autumn streams of Alaska. Here’s what to expect. Trout: If you’ll be fishing in the southern Kenai Peninsula streams, you can expect to find steelhead trout in the fall. These fish…
Fishing Lures: Which Ones Are the Best for Salmon Fishing Trips in Alaska?
Some fishermen use live bait, while others prefer to use or have more success fishing with lures. If fishing for salmon using lures is what you fancy, then your success depends on a few things: the time of year, your fishing destination/location and using the right type of lure for salmon fishing. A fishing lure…
With Winter Getting Longer, What to Do in Alaska?
Alaska winters can sometimes leave us cooped up indoors, looking for something to do. Whether you’re a resident or just visiting, cold weather doesn’t have to prevent you from exploring all of the area’s natural beauty. If you’re looking for something to do in Alaska, check out some of these ideas that will hopefully offer you some inspiration. Go Fishing Just because the weather might not be ideal, that doesn’t mean you can’t take a few hours or an entire day to go fishing. In fact, many Alaskan fishing expeditions are on heated boats with covered or indoor areas, ensuring that’ll you’ll stay relatively warm and comfortable. Winter fishing trips allow you to take in nature’s finest features while you work to catch yourself some dinner, all from the comfort of a heated boat deck. If the weather allows, you…
What Are Winters Like in Alaska?
Lots of people think of snowy and icy conditions when they think of Alaska. Though there are certainly lots of places in Alaska that remain pretty snowy throughout the year, there are other regions with distinct seasonal changes in the weather. These areas have warm summer, rainy fall and spring seasons and cold winters. Alaska is such a large state that there is a considerable amount of variance in the climate and weather depending on where you travel. Find out more about what you can expect during the winter in different parts of the state so that you can prepare yourself for your Alaskan fishing expedition: West: The western region of Alaska borders the Bering Sea and the Gulf of Alaska. The temperature of these subarctic bodies of water contributes to a pretty chilly climate in western Alaska throughout the…