Alaska first timer-river fishing tackle and technique

Depending upon which area you are fishing, stop in a local store and buy it there. I would not try to fly with my equipment. Some of the RV rental agencies also rent equipment. If you are using a guide, they supply the equipment. My first trip up was also a fly/rent and I bought the least expensive combo at Fred Meyers and did just fine. Just ask the folks where you get your license and you'll be fine.

spinning reel and pole and pixies red and/or green. I like a smaller pixie and change the hook with a larger hook.

Take your own medium to light-heavy tackle (rods, reels, and line) and check the bait/sports shop for terminal tackle.

Medium spinning rods, 20 lb test line. I used a fairly long leader, "egg sucking leach" with a split shot to get it down. That was on the Mat-su in some creek mouths. Terminal tackle varies with echo region and each river. Just make sure you get a current copy of the fishing regs.

I used 10 lg test Spider Wire(casts like 4 lb test) on a 5 ft 6 in spinning rod. Caught cutthroat trout in Montana a 7 lb lake trout in Kulane NP in the Yukon. Had a lot of fun with Rainbows up to 22 in in Talkeetna lakes and the Russian river. Caught 2 15 lb Kings while fishing for Dolly Vardens. Grayling were also aggressive on spinners. Caught these fish along with 2 dozen or so salmon on the same rod and reel.

Can't go wrong with Pixies. If the area allows bait, put the bait on a long enough leader to allow it to be in the water column and put some weight on to bump the bottom.

Silvers are aggressive fish and a lot of fun to chase. As suggested by some of the others, I'd look into a half-day trip with a guide .....not unduly expensive and the guide will know the water and where the fish are for the week you're up here.