Looking for any input or direction to start in here. I've never been to Alaska and have no idea where to go. Always wanted to to go and need to get the ball rolling. Bucket list deal and lost my Dad last year at an earlier age than I expect to go so kind of freaked me out a bit. Wife and I have a few things on the list we would like to do and pretty sure we've figured out they are not going to happen on the same trip which is just fine. Don't mind taking as many trips as it takes over the years to do stuff we want to do.
Things we want to do:
Fish streams or remote lakes (fly fish or spinning gear type of fishing). Driftboat, jet sled or walking the bank is all good - salmon, trout, grayling really whatever. Catch and release is fine. I don't mind not bringing back coolers full of fish. Would prefer doing this guided or semi-guided because we will be flying up there don't want to pack a bunch of stuff.
Hiking and seeing some sites is also on the list. I love fishing but after two days of nothing but fishing I'm ready to change it up.
I came across Alaska Troutfitters that seems up the right alley. Also came across a few "Orvis" certified lodges with a price tag around $1k per day per person. That's not in my league. I have money to spend to make it a nice trip but I don't have more money than brains!
Other things we want to experience is the Northern lights and trying dog sledding but I'm thinking that is a different time of year or maybe even a different area. Any input on trips like that would be appreciated as well.
Any input on locations, lodges, time of year you have experienced would be greatly appreciated.
