Fly Rods
Echo Spey Rod
A two-handed rod for swinging flies across big steelhead and salmon runs.
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Rivers & Streams
Fly Fishing
Spin, Cast & Bait
Buskin River Fishing Guide
Alaska
A Kodiak road-system river about 2 miles from town with a coho salmon run and a small steelhead run that is catch-and-release only.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Buskin River for steelhead and coho salmon. In October, steelhead and coho salmon are in season, and Pat's Rubber Legs, Egg Pattern and Clouser Minnow are a good place to start. We don't list a shop nearby yet, so stock up before you go. Chiniak Bay is also nearby if you want to make a trip of it.
Season at a Glance
Steelhead
Coho Salmon
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What You'll Catch
Buskin River Species
Images: USFWS; Timothy Knepp, USFWS. Public domain.
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
8 picks for October. marks species in season in October.
Egg-Sucking Leech #2-6
FlyStreamer · Coho Salmon, Steelhead
Shop This FlyPat's Rubber Legs #4-10
FlyNymph · Steelhead
Shop This FlyEgg Pattern #8-16
FlyNymph · Steelhead · Indicator rig.
Shop This FlyClouser Minnow #1/0-8
FlyStreamer · Coho Salmon
Shop This FlyIntruder 2 to 4 in
FlyStreamer · Steelhead · Swung on a spey rod.
Shop This FlyInline Spinner 1/16 to 1/4 oz
LureSpinner · Coho Salmon, Steelhead
Shop This LureCasting Spoon 1/4 to 1 oz
LureSpoon · Coho Salmon
Shop This LureCured Salmon Eggs Single or cluster
BaitNatural Bait · Steelhead · Where bait is legal.
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Steelhead
Fly 11 to 13 ft 7 or 8 wt spey or switch rod with a Skagit head and sink tips, or a 10 ft 8 wt single hand rod with an indicator rig.
Spin / Cast 8.5 to 10.5 ft medium-light rod, 3000 spinning reel, 8 to 12 lb line. Float and jig or drift rigs.
Coho Salmon
Fly 9 to 10 ft 8 wt rod, sink-tip line, 12 lb leader.
Spin / Cast 8.5 to 9 ft medium rod, 3000 spinning reel, 10 to 15 lb line.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Buskin River
Flies
Steelhead Fly Assortment
Egg patterns, leeches, and swing flies for winter runs.
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Scientific Anglers Sink-Tip Fly Line
Gets streamers down to fish holding deep in current.
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Orvis Clearwater 9 ft 8 wt Fly Rod
An 8 weight handles bass bugs, redfish flats, and wind. The most versatile warmwater and inshore size.
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Redington Behemoth Fly Reel
A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.
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RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet
Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.
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Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.
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Simms Freestone Wading Boots
Supportive boots with good grip on slick rock.
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Nearby
Shops Near Buskin River
No shops listed nearby yet. Suggest one.
Nearby
Guides and Charters Near Buskin River
Charter
Kodiak Marine Charters
Kodiak, Alaska
St. Paul Harbor 907-313-6989
Per their website: Full-Day Trips
Charter
Kodiak Island Adventures
Kodiak, Alaska
10739 Chiniak Dr 907-539-6474
Per their website: Full-Day Trips
Guide
Kodiak Survival School - Fishing- Gear Rental - Adventures
Kodiak, Alaska
11175 Lake Orbin Dr 907-942-5326
Make It a Trip