Fishing

Although a few fish can be caught right in town from the Chena River, the best thing for an avid fishermen to do is hop on a plane or riverboat to get to the best areas for angling. Fishing trips include air charters to Lake Minchumina (an hour's flight from Fairbanks), known for good pike fishing and a rare view of the north sides of Denali and Mt. Foraker. Another charter trip by riverboat or floatplane will take you pike fishing in the Minto Flats, west of Fairbanks off the Tanana River, where the mouth of the Chatanika River spreads through miles of marsh and sloughs.

Salmon run up the Tanana River most of the summer, but they're not usually caught on hook-and-line gear. Residents take them from the river with gill nets and fish wheels, using special commercial and subsistence permits. Check the "Outdoors" section in the Friday Fairbanks Daily News–Miner (or online) for weekly updates on fishing in the Interior. You can purchase fishing licenses ($15 and up for nonresidents) good for one day or longer at many sporting-goods stores and online at www.admin.adfg.state.ak.us/license.

Arctic Grayling Guide Service. From June to October, Arctic Grayling conducts guided and unguided fishing trips via jet boat to fishing spots around the Fairbanks area for grayling and salmon. The company, a good bet for the serious angler, has been around for more than 30 years. Fairbanks, Alaska. 907/479–0479; 907/322–8004; www.wildernessfishing.com. From $365.