The new "Salmon-Thirty-Salmon II" design is derived from an earlier version of the paint scheme Alaska Airlines unveiled on a 737-400 in 2005, which was re-painted with the carrier's traditional Eskimo livery last year.

The new design is about nine feet longer than the original 'salmon plane' and also features fish scales on the winglets and a salmon-pink colored "Alaska" script across the fuselage.

"This airplane celebrates Alaska Airlines' unique relationship with the people and communities of Alaska and underscores our air transport commitment to the state's seafood industry," said Marilyn Romano, Alaska Airlines' regional vice president of the state of Alaska.

Last year, Alaska Airlines flew nearly 25 million pounds of seafood from Alaska to markets in the United States, Mexico and Canada.

And it flew a lot of fishermen back and forth, too.

One of the unique elements of adventuring in Alaska is the flying. Without the luxury of road systems, Alaska has developed into an epicenter for bush planes and bush pilots. Air travel is essential to the 49th state, and it is a key componenet to the operations of many of our recommended lodges and adventures. These aircraft allow us access to some of the most remote and beautiful places on planet Earth. The bird's eye view that one gets over the vast tundra, glaciers, lake systems, and jagged peaks can be jaw dropping. See our gallery of featured aircraft that include De Havilland Beavers & Otters, Cessnas, Helios Couriers, AStar 350 Helicopter, and a Goose! Also, check out the POV videos of bush flights by Crystal Creek Lodge (Valley of 10,000 Smokes) and Tikchik Narrows Lodge (Wood-Tikchik State Park).

Last chance to enter Trout Unlimited's photo contest. Submit a best fish, scenic, or angler photo and win some great prizes below. 

Grand Prize

Next week, April 16 – 18, 40 sportsmen representing 17 states are traveling to the nation’s capital to let their elected officials and the President know that protecting Bristol Bay, Alaska is a top priority for sportsmen. Learn more about next week’s Sportsmen Summit here from Scott Hed, the director of the Sportsman’s Alliance for Alaska.