Alaska Fishing - Fishing in Bear Country
You are responsible for your own safety in bear country. In any outdoor activity — fishing, wildlife viewing, hiking, hunting, picnicking, berry picking, even going to work — you may encounter bears. Be aware of your surroundings and conditions, especially in times of low light and areas of low visibility. Look up and around every few minutes. Check the immediate area for fresh bear signs. Consider moving to a different spot if such signs are encountered. Make plenty of noise. Go out with a friend or a group of friends. Let someone know your trip plans.
Don't make it easy for bears to find food — garbage, birdseed, picnics, fish, or game, for example. When you catch a fish you intend to harvest, immediately kill your fish, then bleed it into the water. Bleeding into the water quickly clears the blood from the fish, thus improving quality. It also reduces the chance that blood, which may attract the attention of bears, will get onto clothing or the stream bank.
If You See A Bear
When you are fishing and you see a bear, and if the bear approaches you, give the bear plenty of room to move on. If the bear continues to approach, stop fishing and move away. Give a splashing fish slack, or cut the line. Take your equipment and fish so bear does not associate angling activity with food.