Traveling the road system to places a lot less crowded

Many Alaskans’ vacation plans have been dramatically altered this summer season because of the Covid-19 pandemic. Trips to destinations Outside have been cancelled or, at least, significantly delayed. Visits from friends and relatives to see Alaska this summer have also been cancelled because of travel restrictions and other pandemic related situations.

There is an upside to these travel plan alterations unless your income is based on the tourism industry. That upside is that Alaska is a lot less crowded than it otherwise would be. This would be a good year to get out and see Alaska and not have to worry so much about crowds.

If you have an RV or travel trailer, you’re at an advantage in travelling the road system to reach a fishing destination or just go on a sightseeing trip. Concerns about staying in a motel or eating at a restaurant and being potentially exposed to the virus are eliminated by travelling in your “mobile home.” If you don’t own an RV or trailer, there are several businesses which will gladly rent one to you for your “staycation” in Alaska. Renting such a vehicle will also help a business impacted by the significantly reduced tourist population Alaska is currently seeing.

We recently had a quick visit from some longtime friends living in Homer. They drove up to take advantage of the schedule changes at Denali National Park and stopped in on their way north. They had reservations to drive out the park road in their own vehicle and see Wonder Lake rather than having to ride the park bus. My understanding is that the bus system is not running this year because of travel restrictions and the downturn in numbers of tourists.

I just saw a notice where the Alaska State Parks South Rolly Lake Campground facility is now open for camping. This campground is in the Nancy Lake Recreational Area. The facility was closed last year because of concerns over the large number of beetle-killed trees in the campground area.

I have some friends who have gone to the Russian River fishing for salmon and they have said the riverbanks seemed almost deserted. Reports from Fish and Game talk about the uncrowded conditions for anglers on the Deshka River. However, they do mention that Alaskans are getting outside and utilizing the more easily accessible locations in good numbers.

If your instate travel plans will take you to the Kenai Peninsula, consider a charter halibut fishing trip. The International Pacific Halibut Commission approved changes in Area 3A which went into effect this past June 15. These changes eliminated the annual limit of charter caught halibut and the charter fishing closed days previously in effect. The daily bag limit remains at two fish with one being any size and the other shorter than 32 inches, but the four fish total annual limit is gone.

If your July 4th weekend plans involve a trip to the Copper River, the dip net fishery is open through July 5th for now. There is no retention of king salmon in this fishery. If you take advantage of some sport fishing in the Upper Copper/Upper Susitna area, the lakes are open, and the water is cool. If you’re fishing in the Copper River upstream of the north bank of the Klutina River, you can keep one king salmon for the season.

Fish and Game says with the cooler waters in the UC/US, fishing for lake trout and grayling should be good, especially in the larger area lakes from either shore or boat. All stocked lakes have received their quota of fish, namely: rainbow trout, grayling, and Coho salmon. The department says, if waters remain cool, the Gulkana should have some nice sized grayling available.

If your holiday plans will keep you closer to home, see Andy Couch’s fishing article about what’s hot and what’s not. Also pay heed to his comment about probably needing a camping reservation if you’re looking to stay at one of the more popular sites around the Valley. A combination camping/fishing weekend might be just what the doctor ordered, especially considering the nice weather forecast.

If you’re like us and don’t like to fight the crowds or travel over holiday weekends, all is not lost. We just park our RV in the yard and “campout” at home. I have a portable fire pit which we can fire up and roast hotdogs or marshmallows or, using a grate, steaks, or burgers. We have all the joys of camping without the crowds!