A week of fishing with conventional tackle anglers taught me some things that led to more success with a fly rod.

The colors you find in the trees you also find in char. / photo by Ken Baldwin If you are planning a trip to Alaska to fish for Arctic char, a 6 or 7-weight rod would be your best choice.

Always properly dispose of fishing line, hooks and tackle, and, as long as it’s safe for you to do so, pick up improperly disposed-of line and throw it away safely in a chute or bin.