Dolly Varden
Dolly Varden (Salvelinus malma Walbaum) are locally abundant in all coastal waters of Alaska. Both anadromous and freshwater resident varieties exist with lake, river, and dwarf populations being found among the freshwater residents.
Dolly Varden are one of Alaska’s most important and sought-after sport fish. The fish is unique, as it is the only member of the family Salmonidae, excluding salmon, that has readily adapted to the numerous small- to medium-size nonlake streams that enter our saltwater areas. As the mature fish return to their home stream to spawn and feed in August and September, most coastal streams in Alaska provide good fishing for Dolly Varden. Lake fishing for sea-run Dolly Varden can be good from late August through November. The fish begin entering lakes in late August and are in prime condition after their spring and summer growing season. Dolly Varden will usually strike readily at almost anything the angler offers. Flies, both wet and dry, can be successfully used in both streams and lakes. A sea-run Dolly Varden caught on a fly rod will produce a fight not easily forgotten. Both freshwater and sea run Dolly Varden are abundant in many of the lakes and rivers we fish.
