Alaska: King salmon in June/July

I wish to fly fish here...
King salmon is probably the most exciting large freshwater species that can be taken on the fly. We are usually fishing from shore or wading from gravel bars to pursue these giant fish. Casting a fly to kings requires proper gear and technique. Kings run early in the season when river flows are high and the water somewhat turbid. These conditions require heavy shooting heads and large weighted flies for proper presentation. Eleven to twelve-weight rods are generally necessary to cast these lines and large flies. Later in the season when river flows are down, or when fishing from a boat, 10-weight rods usually will suffice.

Two-handed spey fly rods, first used in our area by European anglers, can be very effective in fishing for king salmon, particularly in larger, faster areas of the river. The ability to roll cast heavy sink-tip fly lines effortlessly can be fully appreciated by those of us who have fished for years with conventional rods. We now find that many more of our clients, both American and international, are using 9 and 10-weight spey rods of 12 to 15 foot length. Additionally the longer rods have increased fish fighting power as well as the ability to easily cast a wide variety of sinking fly lines.

Fly reels for king salmon should be large (3.5-4” spools) and preferably should have a sturdy mechanical drag system. Popular saltwater models such as the Fin-Nor #2, Sage 5500 or Billy Pate Bonefish are ideal. Many others, such as the System 2-1011 or Lamson 5 work well as long as the drag system is operating properly. Backing capacity is not as important as the necessity for a strong drag and an exposed spool rim for palm control. One hundred fifty yards is usually plenty of line capacity for kings. Leaders for kings are usually short, consisting of a single section of 15-25# mono of only 3-5 feet in length. We often fish from shore and are not able to chase king salmon with a boat so a large fish should be turned upstream as early as possible… Easier said than done.
Source: Wilderness Place Lodge