Tell-All Guide (Part 3)

Your Tell-All Guide to Fly Fishing near Denali

(Part 3)

I’ve talked a lot about why I think hiring a guide is a great deal for most people.  I’ve talked a lot about access.  Now let’s get to the good stuff:  where to fly fish!

The best fly fishing in the Denali area--and it’s the area where I guide--is found south of the Denali Park entrance, an area centered around the town of Cantwell.  This is an area that stretches south of Cantwell along the Parks Highway for about 15 miles through a stunning area known as Broad Pass, and then East along the remarkably scenic Denali Highway for 30 miles to Bruskana Creek Campground.  It’s a big area with LOTS of water:  spring creeks, clearwater streams, rivers, ponds, and lakes--and except for a couple of glacial rivers, every bit of this water holds grayling.  

Where to Fish

As I mentioned, almost every bit of water in this area South of Denali Park holds grayling, except the glacial rivers.  The main glacial river that drains the area is the Nenana and all of its clearwater tributaries hold grayling in good numbers.  Brushkana Creek is one of these and the campground makes an excellent place to start your fishing.  It’s about 30 miles East of Cantwell on the Denali Highway.  Try working downstream from the campground.   

Heading back toward Cantwell on the Denali Highway, you’ll find Canyon Creek and then Seattle Creek. Both hold grayling, with Seattle also holding some small Dolly Varden.  There’s a rough trail west of the creek that leads upstream on Seattle.  

Continuing back toward Cantwell along the Denali Highway you’ll find more water, all of it draining into the Nenana, and most of it holding grayling.  Two easy spots to access are where Fish Creek crosses the Denali Highway at 5.5 miles and 1 mile east of Cantwell.  Remember, much of the land around here is owned by the native corporation, AHTNA, which requires a permit to cross, but if you stay along the river--below the high watermark--you are perfectly legal.  Be sure to check out my previous blog post on access tips for DIY anglers:

https://www.denaliangler.com/denali-angler-blog/your-tell-all-guide-to-denali-fly-fishing-part-two  

Also, take advantage of the excellent map that BLM has of this area:   https://www.blm.gov/sites/blm.gov/files/documents/files/Maps_GeoPDF_Alaska_Denali_Highway.pdf  Studying this map over will help you see where to best access some of these clearwater creeks along this section of the Denali Highway between Cantwell and Brushkana Creek.

South of Cantwell

Driving south of Cantwell, you’ll find lots of water as you head into gorgeous Broad Pass.  Pass Creek is 2 miles out of town.  Work upstream, or head downstream until you hit the glacial Cantwell Creek.  Further south of town you’ll find Edes Lake and Summit Lake, as well as a number of other unnamed ponds.  Concentrate on the outlets.  If you have a canoe, paddleboard, or inflatable try cruising the shorelines in the morning or evening.  You’ll see rising fish.  This is another beautiful area to fly fish with very easy access off the paved Parks Highway.  This area is all Ahtna land so a day permit is required.  As a result, a lot of people simply do not fish some of this easy to access water.  I rarely see folks fishing in this area.

The Perfect Fly Rod Fish?

I spend a lot of time talking about fly fishing because that’s what I do, but if you don’t fly fish, you can certainly still catch Grayling--try small spinners with a single barb-free hook--but these fish are made for fly fishing.  They feed on top and it’s a rare day when grayling aren’t willing to take a dry fly.  If you’ve never fly fished, they really are a perfect fish to learn from because they’re eager to strike and they are forgiving of less than perfect presentations.  For this reason, I especially love guiding families--because, after a little coaching, even kids who’ve never picked up a fly rod will have success.  

DIY Packing List

Thinking of a do-it-yourself trip?  Some suggestions:  you’ll want to bring bear spray.  I don’t see a lot of bears in the area when I’m guiding, but I do run into bears every summer, mostly grizzlies.  So be bear-aware.  Also, make sure to bring insect repellant and a bug net.  In a bad bug year, you’ll go mad without them.  As far as fly fishing gear goes, bring a 3-5 weight rod with a floating line.  Fly floatant is essential.  Don’t forget it because you’ll have a tough time finding any in Cantwell, or any other gear you might need.  As far as flies go, be sure to check out my blog post on must-bring dry flies for Grayling:  Top 5 Flies for Denali Grayling! — Denali Angler, "Guided Fly Fishing Denali Park Alaska.".  In addition to dry flies, it’s also smart to pack a selection of bead head nymphs:  the usual suspects--prince nymphs, pheasant tails, hare’s ears--work great.  That way you won’t be caught short if the fish refuse your dries.  It does happen.

Guided Trips

If you don’t want to go the DIY route, I’d be happy to talk to you about guided options.  We offer half-day and full-day trips, as well as a specific learn-to-fly-fish trip.  We like to try and customize every trip.  If you tell us what you’re looking for, we can usually make it happen.  We have access to miles of beautiful water, with options for every skill level.  We can provide any gear that you might need:  rods, reels, flies, and hip boots, and pick you up at your lodge.  

So reach out to us.  I’d be happy to help you plan a fantastic day of grayling fishing in one of the most beautiful areas you’ll ever visit.  I’ve been spending my summers here for over 25 years, and I’m still not tired of the scenery or the fly fishing.  Some of my fondest memories are of showing visitors this very special place.  

Take care,

George Rogers

Denali Angler 

Owner and Guide