Ketchikan is famous for its abundant salmon runs. From late spring through fall, different species of salmon return to spawn in the rivers and streams surrounding Ketchikan. Locals and tourists alike flock to the area to try their hand at catching these massive fish But when exactly do the various types of salmon run in Ketchikan?
In this complete guide, we’ll break down the run timing for all five Pacific salmon species – Chinook, sockeye, coho, pink, and chum. We’ll look at when each fish enters the local rivers and when they peak in numbers. We’ll also overview the best places to fish for each species during their run.
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon runs happen in the Ketchikan area from May to July. These salmon are also called king salmon.
The first king salmon start trickling into the rivers in mid-May. The run builds gradually through late May and early June. Numbers of Chinook peak in late June and early July as the main run pushes into the rivers. By mid-July, the run begins to wane as the remaining stragglers enter the rivers.
Some of the best places to target Chinook salmon in Ketchikan include the Ketchikan Creek Mahoney Creek Reflection Lake, Heckman Lake, and Whitman Lake. Nearby saltwater areas like Caamano Point, Vallenar Bay, and Dall Head are also prime spots to intercept king salmon heading to local spawning grounds.
From mid-May through July, kings average 15-30 pounds with some massive fish over 50 pounds caught each year.
Sockeye Salmon
From late June to late August, the sockeye or red salmon run in Ketchikan lasts.
By late June, the first pods of sockeye will start showing up in Ketchikan’s rivers. Numbers build slowly through July, with the peak of the sockeye run occurring in late July and early August. By late August, the run starts to taper off as the last of the fish enter the spawning streams.
Excellent sockeye fishing can be found on the Mahoney River, Reflection Lake, Heckman Lake, Naha River, Blankenship Lake, and Manzanita Lake. Popular saltwater areas include Mountain Point, Caamano Point, Guard Island, and Vallenar Bay.
Ketchikan sockeye average 5-10 pounds, with some monsters over 15.
Coho Salmon
Also called silver salmon, coho enter Ketchikan waters from August through October.
A small run of coho will start to trickle in by early August. Numbers build through the month and peak in late August into September. As temperatures cool in October, the run winds down as the last silvers fight their way upstream.
Prime spots to hook coho include Whitman Lake, Connell Lake, Ward Lake, Reflection Lake, Heckman Creek, and Mahoney Creek. For saltwater fishing, try Point Higgins, Mountain Point, Caamano Point, Blank Inlet, and Naha Bay.
Most Ketchikan coho weigh 8-12 pounds, with trophy fish over 20 pounds landed each fall.
Pink Salmon
Abundant pink salmon runs occur in Ketchikan on odd-numbered years. The run lasts from late June through August.
Pinks start showing up by late June and numbers increase steadily through July. The run peaks by late July and the first half of August, when thousands of fish pour into local streams. By late August, the run is all but over for another two years.
Great spots to catch pinks include Caamano Point, Mountain Point, Reflection Lake, Mahoney River, Ward Creek, and Heckman Creek.
Pinks average 3-5 pounds, with 7-8 pound fish not uncommon.
Chum Salmon
Also known as dog salmon, chum salmon runs take place from July through September in the Ketchikan area.
A small early run of chums will enter streams starting in early July. The bulk of the run occurs later, building through August and peaking by mid-September. Numbers drop off sharply by late September.
Top spots to hook chum salmon include Caamano Point, Mountain Point, Mahoney River, Ward Creek, Connell Lake, Reflection Lake, and Whitman Creek.
Ketchikan chum average 8-15 pounds, with 20+ pounders landed each season.
Best Time to Fish for Salmon in Ketchikan
Now that you know when each species runs, here is an overview of the peak salmon fishing months:
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May – King salmon fishing starts to pick up mid-May as the early run builds. Wrap up the month targeting kings before numbers start to decline.
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June – Peak king salmon fishing throughout the month. Sockeye runs start to build in late June.
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July – King salmon fishing wanes early in the month then ends mid-month when the run finishes. Sockeye fishing is excellent all month as runs build. Pinks start entering rivers in late July.
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August – Tail end of the sockeye run in early August. Pink salmon peak in late July/early August then fade out. Coho enter rivers by mid-August, great fishing lasts through the month.
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September – Peak silver salmon fishing all month as coho flood local rivers.
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October – Coho runs wind down by mid-October. Time to catch the last bright silvers of the year.
So there you have it! A complete guide detailing exactly when each species of salmon runs in the Ketchikan area and how to target them. With so many rivers, streams, and beaches to access, you’re almost guaranteed to catch bright, feisty salmon from May through October. Grab your tackle and get out on the water during the peak of the run for your favorite species. The fight of a lifetime awaits!
Salmon Fishing In Ketchikan
You may be thinking that salmon is salmon. As a first-time visitor to the Alaskan paradise, you probably have only seen salmon in a fish market or in a can at your local supermarket. However, once you arrive in Alaska, you will soon learn there are in fact five different varieties of salmon you can fish for.
Yes, you can catch a King salmon while salmon fishing in Ketchikan in February. However, the best time for all the different types of salmon that live in Alaska is from May to October, when it is warmer. These are the only times that most charter services are open because, well, the weather isn’t great for salmon fishing the rest of the year. Also, Alaska is so far north that it stays dark for so long during the winter solstice that it’s hard to fish for salmon.
Those of you who want to go salmon fishing in Ketchikan, Alaska, should keep reading this short guide to the different kinds of salmon you might see there.
5 Types of salmon you may encounter on a Ketchikan, Alaska salmon fishing trip
1. King Salmon: This species, which natives call “Chinook” salmon, is the biggest and rarest salmon in the Pacific. Most King salmon are between 30 and 40 pounds, but some fishermen have caught ones that were over 100 pounds. In 1949, a trap caught the state record, which was 126 pounds. Some King salmon have white bodies, but most are red. They’re known for the black spots that run down their back and tail.
The King salmon is also Alaska’s official fish. It’s highly desirable for its oil content that gives it such a buttery, delectable flavor.
Even though you can fish for Chinook all year, the best time to do so in Alaska is during its spawning run, which happens every year from May to June.
2. Chum Salmon: Chum salmon are greenish-blue with black spots on their backs and silver across their bodies when they start their long journey to spawn in the ocean. As they move into freshwater to spawn though, the green becomes more pronounced. They also develop vertical stripes that become quite obvious. Chums are also.
known as “Dog” salmon because they were important to the dogs of native people in the 200 rural villages in the middle of the state.
Many people dry and smoke chum salmon or use it in chowders and soups because it doesn’t have much oil and the meat is firmer than other types of salmon.
Chums can weigh up to 30 pounds, but the average catch ranges between 7 and 18 pounds. The best time for fishing Chum salmon in Alaska is during the peak of the summer (July/August).
3. Coho Salmon: The Coho is often called the “Silver salmon” because of the bright silvery color on its sides. Its orange-red flesh is also what makes it a favorite among chefs around the world. The Coho is also the second largest salmon just behind the King. And during spawning, male Cohos change from a silvery color to a brighter red, though not as much as Chum males do.
Coho salmon are one of the most sought-after fish for sport fishermen because they are known to fight hard. The Coho averages between 8 and 12 pounds and between 24 and 30 inches in length.
Coho salmon fishing in Ketchikan, Alaska is best between July and November.
4. Sockeye Salmon: This type of salmon is also called the “Red” salmon, and most fish experts agree that it tastes the best of all the Alaskan salmon. Its flesh maintains the signature bright red color, even when it’s fully cooked. Besides the meat, Sockeye eggs are a delicacy in Japan. In terms of economic significance to Alaska, the Sockeye takes the prize as #1. It gets the “red” moniker because of its brilliant scarlet color during spawning.
Sockeye Salmon Fishing is a Popular Up River Attraction for Fly Anglers
Sockeyes generally weigh about 6 pounds and average around 20 to 24 inches in length. Their spawning season, and therefore the best fishing, occurs between July and October.
5. Pink Salmon: The last type of salmon on our list is the Pink. It is the smallest salmon species in Alaska, but it is also the most common—140 million of them are caught every year! Don’t be fooled by its small size, though—Pinks are known to be fierce fighters. They typically average around 3-5 pounds but can grow to as large as 14 pounds. When males are ready to spawn, the Pink is known as a “Humpy” because of its hooked nose and hump. Pinks are also known for large spots along their back, fins and tail.
The spawning season for the Pink salmon in Ketchikan occurs between late June and mid-October. Nearly all of the Pinks harvested commercially are canned.
As you can see, the different kinds of salmon that live in Alaska’s water are different sizes. Also, some types are more abundant in certain areas than others. For example, Pink salmon are well known in the Ketchikan area. Sockeye salmon fishing is best in Bristol Bay.
Which salmon species you wind up targeting will boil down to when you plan on visiting. You’re more likely to catch a Chum around July 4th, while you’re more likely to catch a Coho or Pink later in September. In particular, Sockeye Salmon is generally not targeted on rod and reel due to their feeding habits. Other methods are generally utilized(including netting), but we can sometimes get into some.
The Aftermath Of The SALMON RUN In KETCHIKAN ALASKA!
FAQ
What month do salmon run in Ketchikan, Alaska?
Where can I see salmon Ketchikan?
What month is best for salmon fishing in Alaska?
When to see salmon run in Alaska?
When do Alaska salmon runs start?
Alaska salmon runs extend from May through October. Fresh water runs typcially begin in mid-May with the arrival of King (Chinook) Salmon, followed by Sockeye runs from June through August. As the season heats up, Pink and Chum salmon runs get into full swing in July and fishing remains strong through late August.
When is the best time to fish Ketchikan Creek?
Peak fishing availability is between May and August. Salmon runs in fresh water fisheries such as Ketchikan Creek are at their peak during the month of July. Salt water availability is best from mid-May through July. Many anglers will fish the shorelines near Ketchikan from mid-June through July.
When is the best time to fish for chum salmon in Ketchikan?
The best time to fish for Chum salmon in Ketchikan salt water fisheries is during the month of August and for fresh water fisheries late August through early September. Some of the more popular salt water fisheries in Ketchikan for targeting Chum include the Ship Island Area, Anchor Pass, Yes Bay and Caamano Point.
How often do salmon fight at Ketchikan Creek Falls?
The salmon themselves have an internal clock that brings them in droves to Ketchikan every single year at the same time, giving an incredible show to onlookers. From mid-July to mid-September, five different types of salmon work themselves to near exhaustion trying to fight their way up stream at Ketchikan Creek Falls.
When is king salmon available in Alaska?
June 1 through August 10 is the fishing season for King salmon on Copper River. Peak availability for King salmon is from late May through early July. Saltwater fishing availability is mid-June through the end of July. Peak availability is mid-June running through early July. Largest King salmon run in Alaska. Bait and single hook lures allowed.
When do chum salmon run?
Chum salmon make two runs every year, one in the summer and one in the fall. The second run is typically the larger. And since most salmon species run during the summer, the fall is a great time to target Chum salmon. Chum salmon are found in the fresh water rivers throughout Alaska’s northwest and Yukon drainage.