How to dress for your affordable Alaska fishing trip

A big question that is always asked is about how one should dress in Alaska while fishing. It is very important to protect yourself from the Alaska elements so let's take a quick look into proper Alaska fishing attire.

If I had to sum up what kind of clothing to take to Alaska in a word, I’d say “old”. Really the two most important things that anyone will tell you about dressing for your fishing trip are to wear old clothes and to dress in layers.

You’re going to be fishing. You’re going to be catching and handling fish. In time, you’re clothes will be smelling like fish. It’s inevitable. Be prepared for this.

As I’ve mentioned before, the weather in Alaska is unpredictable. It could be 70° and sunny at 2:00 pm and by 3:30 it could be overcast and in the low 50’s. On the flip side, evenings can get chilly. As you head out in the morning it could be in the mid 40’s and by mid-afternoon it could be a balmy 75°. To prepare for anything that this ever-changing environment throws at you, dress in layers. Start with lightweight, cotton clothing against your skin. Then layer additional clothing depending on what the forecast calls for that day. Your backpack will accompany you on your excursions. In it you will include an extra change of clothes. If you need to shed layers, fold them up and put them in your backpack. If you get cold, pull another layer from your backpack. You’re going to be ready for just about anything.

Clothing is largely a personal preference (as many of your choices are). As for me, I go for comfort. For pants, I like to wear either cotton sweat pants or comfortable cotton pants under my waders. I take one pair of tennis shoes (or sneakers in some parts of the world) and one pair of water resistant hiking boots. I take multiple “hiking” type socks to wear under my waders as well and on occasion I choose to double up on my socks. For shirts, again go for comfort. On most days I start with a cotton t-shirt, a long-sleeved t-shirt and a sweat shirt. If I need more than that, I always have my insulated rain jacket along which provides plenty of extra warmth and rain protection if necessary. You will see many people in flannel shirts as well which is also fine. Do you notice how I dress in layers?

To sum up quickly how to dress…

1. Wear old clothes
2. Dress in layers
3. Go for comfort
4. Take extra clothes in your backpack
5. Don’t forget your rain gear.