Trout, Grayling, Northern Pike Fishing near Anchorage, Wasilla, Alaska
The past couple season I’ve guided some Deshka River trips for rainbow trout, Arctic grayling, and Northern Pike during May and the first week of June. In the past I’ve also guided a few charters for rainbow trout to Little Susitna River. Additionally for the 2026 season I may guide some charters on a few Mat-Su Valley Lakes. These early season charters, in particular, provide anglers a better opportunity to hook and land fish, compared to most king salmon fishing trips during May and the first week of June. Of course if king salmon are the goal putting forth the effort on a king salmon tip is the best way to get one. Since we usually navigate several more miles of river on a early season resident species fishing trips to Deshka River or Little Susitna River there are often better opportunities to spot, watch, and photograph birds and wildlife compared to shorter king salmon trips at Knik River side-channel. While we can adjust start times, I usually like to start trout, grayling, pike fishing trip at about 7 a.m at the earliest. The river fishing is mostly catch and release fishing, while much better harvest opportunity (bigger limits) is available on stocked lakes. Guided charter cost is $640 per group of 4 guest for a 5 -hour riverboat trip, which includes all fishing and boat gear. Cost per individual angler is $160 / with single guests added to a larger group. Anglers need an Alaska fishing license and appropriate warm clothing as it can be cool on the rivers in May / early June. Note: The reservation system we use also adds a per charter or per person fee that can be seen when an online trip booking is considered or made.