As winter really starts to get a grip on Alaska, it’s easy to be depressed by the lack of fishing opportunities. For the truly afflicted, the cold weather signifies ice fishing, and there are many, as almost every day I notice spirited anglers drilling holes on the lake that I live on in Anchorage. Still others will make their annual pilgrimage to tropical locales to fight the bluewater species that plague my dreams. For me, since the summer is spent fishing, the winter needs to be spent working, and my only solace from the winter doldrums is to plan next year’s trips. Here are some of the trip concepts I am considering for 2006. They are not in order of interest or importance. Next month, we’ll segue into the gear we’ll need for these adventures.

1. Float a river in the western portion of the state

We are looking for a weeklong float on a river that provides varied species, some challenging rafting, and hopefully some interesting scenery. Prime possibilities include the Kanektok, Arolik, Stuyahok, Chilikadrotna, Goodnews, Koktuli, and Nuyakuk.

2. A salmon sampler in Yakutat

Typically a steelhead destination for Fish Alaska magazine, this time we will tackle the river when the widest range of fish are present. Perhaps a late June foray.

3. A saltwater bonanza in Southeast

Starting in Haines and ending in Ketchikan, we hope to sample some of Southeast’s fine saltwater salmon fishing. Undoubtedly, we’ll land a few bottomfish including lingcod, halibut, and yelloweye rockfish.

4. Interior lake trout

It is yet to be decided where to focus our search, but Interior lake trout are definitely on the menu for this year. A variety of lakes provide good options for large trout.

5. Halibut in Dutch Harbor

Dutch Harbor is surely the place to go when looking for a triple-digit halibut. Fish Alaska is considering a trip to this remote location on the Aleutians to target lunker flatfish.

6. Cold Bay Coho

I’d like to go to a destination that offers supremely good coho fishing. Options include Cold Bay, Cordova, and Kodiak. At this point, a late September run to Cold Bay is the leading candidate.

7. Kings on the Karluk

This should be part of any serious fly-fishers lifetime list. The river is among the best to wade and cast to migrating Chinook. Having only fished the river for steelhead, there is a good possibility that king fishing on the Karluk will make the 2006 itinerary.

8. Trophy trout on the Kvichak

When the really big trout move from Lake Iliamna and enter the river, it’s the time to migrate to the region and drift beads to massive rainbows. Bring plenty of tippet and maybe an extra rod as these big trout are as strong as they come.

9. Smolting on the Naknek

When the salmon smolt begin to leave Naknek Lake and migrate down the river to the ocean, the rainbow trout are seen in good numbers following the schools of smolt. The feeding frenzy is incredible to behold and it’s a super time to be on the river casting smolt patterns to slashing trout.

10. Exploring Prince William Sound

I’ve long thought of spending a week exploring the many coves that lie within Prince William Sound. Perhaps this will be the year that we range from Whittier to Cordova, stopping whenever the mood strikes to catch fish.

It is obvious from just this list that the options can be almost overwhelming in Alaska, where the phrase “so little time, so many fish” certainly rings true. In trying to plan your ideal trip to Alaska for 2006, first take the time to decide what trips are on your wish list. Next, confer with the rest of your party and determine the type of fishing, the budget and the dates that you can travel. Finally, talk with service providers advertising in Fish Alaska, use our travel planner service at www.fishalaskamagazine.com, make a decision and best of all, have a blast on your vacation in Alaska in 2006.

—Marcus Weiner, Publisher