It’s no exaggeration when we say that Salmon fishing in Alaska is unparalleled. Even though it’s called the Last Frontier, for passionate anglers, this is the land of infinite opportunities. Alyeska, also known as “The Great Land,” has more coastline than the whole of the US and millions of lakes. It is a beautiful place to fish for the biggest fish of your life.
What more could a traveling angler want than a place with five species of Pacific Salmon and a lot of good fishing?
Alaska’s waters are not only clean, they’re also gin-clear, aqua-blue, and so full of life it’s hard to imagine. You have to test them out yourself to fully understand just how addictive the fishing action here is. And Salmon fishing is the most exciting adventure of them all.
Some of the best fishing spots are in the wilderness, so hiring an experienced guide is essential. If you want to catch a certain kind of salmon, you can get help from a professional to find the best spot.
Now, a few words about your prey, your nemesis, your prize – the Pacific Salmon. Chinook, Coho, Pink, Sockeye, and Chum Salmon are all regular visitors of Alaska’s waters. Hunting each of them comes with its own set of advantages.
Chinook (aka King) Salmon is the ultimate catch in Alaska – the bigger, the better. Kings are so popular that there’s a place named after them on the west side of Naknek Lake.
Most of these fish weigh between 20 and 30 pounds, but you can easily find lunkers that weigh 50 pounds or more. You can go after Chinook at any time between June and late July, but keep in mind that when to go will depend on where you are.
Chum Salmon are seriously underestimated, but they’ll wow you when you get them on the line. On average, the fish you hook will weigh 10 pounds, but you can also find fish that are over 15 pounds. Coastal fishing for Chum in Alaska is superb, especially from late June to the end of August.
To experience some fast and furious action, Silver Salmon fishing is the name of your game. These wild guys are relentless and have the rep of the best fighters of the Salmon Five. They are the best acrobats among the Salmon, so you’ll get a great fight and a show at the same time. The best time of the year to go after Coho is from July all through September.
Alaska is renowned worldwide for its abundant salmon fishing With pristine rivers and coastal waters teeming with all 5 Pacific salmon species – Chinook (king), sockeye, coho (silver), chum and pink – it’s every angler’s dream destination. But with thousands of miles of shoreline and countless rivers across the vast state, it can be overwhelming to decide where to go Based on expert opinions and angler experiences, here is a guide to the best salmon fishing locations in Alaska
Kenai River
Without a doubt the Kenai River is the premier salmon fishing destination in Alaska if not the entire world. Located on the Kenai Peninsula near the towns of Cooper Landing, Kenai and Soldotna, it supports sustainable populations of all 5 Pacific salmon species.
The Kenai is best known for its legendary king salmon fishing. The world record for the largest king salmon caught on rod and reel – a staggering 97 pounds 4 ounces – was set here in 1985. Kings averaging 20 to 50 pounds are caught annually, earning the river nicknames like “King Salmon Capital of the World”. The best king salmon fishing is from May through July.
From mid-July through August, the Kenai River sees an incredible run of millions of sockeye salmon. Anglers flock to the banks where limits of bright red sockeye can be caught daily.
Later in the season, large numbers of coho salmon arrive, providing great silver salmon fishing from August through October.
It’s easy to see why the Kenai River is Alaska’s most popular salmon fishing spot: it has beautiful scenery, is easy to get to, and always has big salmon runs.
Kvichak River
The largest sockeye salmon runs on Earth happen in Bristol Bay, which is where the Kvichak River flows into from SW Alaska. During the summer, at least 40 million sockeye salmon come back to the rivers in Bristol Bay to spawn.
The Kvichak River accounts for about a third of this abundance, with annual runs averaging over 10 million fish. The sheer numbers make catching limits of sockeye here consistent and at times almost effortless. From mid-June through July, anglers flock here to fill their freezers with these flavorful, bright orange salmon.
In addition to mind-boggling numbers of sockeye, the Kvichak also sees runs of king, coho and chum salmon. For diversity of salmon species and an Alaskan spectacle of spawning salmon, the Kvichak is a top choice. Access to the river is via the town of Iliamna.
Situk River
The Situk River originates from glaciers high in the Alaska Range, flowing into the Gulf of Alaska near the town of Yakutat. While all 5 Pacific salmon run up the Situk, it is best known for trophy-sized king salmon.
Every year, between May and June, king salmon over 40 pounds are caught. The record-setting largest was over 90 pounds. The river also sees runs of large coho salmon from August to September.
The Situk is a beautiful coastal river, surrounded by snow-capped peaks and abundant wildlife. The challenge of chasing monster king salmon in stunning scenery makes this a special salmon fishing experience. Access is via the small town of Yakutat.
Copper River
The famed Copper River in southern Alaska is synonymous with king salmon. From mid-May into July, kings return to spawn in the glacier-fed, turquoise waters of the Copper River. This prized salmon is renowned for its rich flavor and fatty texture.
Anglers flock to catch Copper River kings near the town of Cordova, home of the Copper River Nouveau Festival celebrating the first spring king salmon harvests. The average Copper River king weighs 15 to 30 pounds, with fish over 50 pounds caught each season. Due to high demand and short supply, fresh Copper River king salmon can fetch up to $50-$100 per pound!
In addition to incredible king salmon fishing, the Copper River also produces all 5 Pacific salmon species in its clear waters. Limited guiding and remote location add to the adventure of fishing here.
Kasilof River
Near the famous Kenai River, the Kasilof River is an excellent option for salmon fishing on the Kenai Peninsula. All 5 Pacific salmon species swim its waters, which are less crowded than the Kenai yet still very productive.
From mid-May to July, nice-sized king salmon can be caught, with fish over 50 pounds landed annually. It’s also a great option for sockeye salmon, with huge runs peaking in late June and early July.
Later in the summer, big silver salmon move in, providing great coho fishing through September. With easy road access and great fishing for multiple salmon species, the Kasilof is a top spot for do-it-yourself anglers.
Ship Creek
Right in downtown Anchorage flows Ship Creek, an unlikely salmon fishing hotspot. From late May through September, all 5 species of Pacific salmon can be caught right in the heart of Alaska’s largest city. It’s one of the few places on earth where you can sight-cast to salmon within view of skyscrapers!
King salmon kick off the action here in May and June. Later in the summer, huge numbers of sockeye salmon attract anglers hoping to fill their freezers. For an urban fishing experience, Ship Creek is unparalleled.
In Conclusion
The best places for salmon fishing in Alaska span from urban Ship Creek to remote waters like the Situk River. But a few locations like the Kenai River and Bristol Bay consistently rise to the top. If you’re looking to catch trophy salmon in stunning scenery with convenient access, you can’t go wrong fishing in Alaska. Just be prepared for the trip of a lifetime!
Alaska Salmon Fishing Spots
Now, this is a topic that deserves an entire book in itself. Alaska has millions of watersheds, so your main job will be to find the best place to fish. Your choice will heavily depend on how much time you have and how far you’re willing to go.
Let’s take a look at some of the premier honey holes you can explore in gorgeous Alaska.
If we’re talking about Salmon fishing, we must begin with the Kenai River. The Kenai is one of the most beautiful, productive, and fun places to fish. When you cast your line in this river, the clear blue water and beautiful snow-capped mountains will make you feel like you’re in a fairy tale. And when you hook that first big Salmon, you’ll find that fairytales can come true.
People know the Kenai River for its great Chinook and Sockeye runs, but you can find all five species of Salmon here. From May to October, thousands of Coho, Chinook, and Pink Salmon can be seen in the river. For Sockeye, the number of fish reaches millions.
This is, hands down, one of the best places to catch a monster King Salmon. The fact that the most IGFA world records in freshwater Salmon fishing were caught here speaks for itself. There are different times for each species, so you can plan your trip to the Kenai just right.
Brooks River is one of the harder places to get to because it is in the middle of Katmai National Park and Preserve, but the reward is well worth it. If you want to get to the best spots, chances are you’ll need a floatplane. There are charters who can take you there, but it will take longer, usually a couple of hours.
A huge number of salmon live in the Brooks River’s clear water, and Coho and Sockeye are the most common types. The best time to see the Sockeye summer run is at the beginning of July. Depending on the time of the year, you can enjoy strong action for your favorite Salmon fighter. This is also a prime spot for fly fishermen looking for a new adventure.
Like a lot of Alaska Salmon fishing, you have to release the fish you catch, but there are some spots in the river where you can keep them. One great thing about the Brooks River is that there are a lot of fishing lodges in easy-to-reach places. Pair all that with awe-inspiring nature and it’s a picture-perfect area for getting your fill of Alaska’s beauty.
Fishing on Kodiak Island can quickly turn into a treasure hunt. This is one of the favorite Alaskan fisheries, and for all the right reasons. Kodiak Island is known for both its great fishing and its brown bears, which will be your main opponents in the salmon hunt.
Even though it’s remote, there are frequent commercial flights that connect the island with Anchorage. Also, the island has very good roads that make it easy for anglers to get to different bodies of water. During the summer, many rivers and streams are the center of attention. The reason for this is, of course, the runs of four species of salmon.
You can catch 20-pound fish every day until the middle of July on the King, which starts at the beginning of June. After that, Sockeye take the lead and stay until the beginning of August. Pink Salmon come in close behind. Silver Salmon are on the menu from mid-August all the way through the end of September.
There are some great places to catch honey on Kodiak Island. They are Ayakkulik (Red) River, Sargent Creek, Buskin River, and Frazer Lake (also called the Dog Salmon Creek).
The Kasilof River starts at Tustamena Lake and is very close to the Kenai River. It is a unique place for salmon fishermen to fish. Because the Kasilof has strong currents, this is a drift-only river, which means you can’t use motor boats. But you don’t need to.
Depending on the month you’re here, you can catch Chinook, Sockeye, Coho, and Pink Salmon. King Salmon have early runs in late spring, which start the fishing season. They also have summer runs in July and August. During the late run, massive Kings that average 20–40 pounds are the norm.
Sockeye join the party in late June and stay until mid-July. Coho, who come in late but are well worth the wait, in mid-August. Kasilof Salmon are fun to catch, even though they are smaller than Kenai Salmon. This is because you can use live bait, which you can’t do in the Kenai. The Kasilof is the place to go if you want to relax on the water, take in the beautiful scenery, and catch big fish.
Chinook Salmon can be caught almost anywhere in Alaska, but the Nushagak River is where you should go to catch the biggest ones. Many people say that this river has the best King Salmon run in the world, with over tens of thousands of fish often being caught. On the Nushagak River, fishermen have caught some of the biggest salmon ever. You can tell when they come here to catch the biggest fish of their lives.
How to Go Fishing for Salmon in Alaska
In the summer, a lot of anglers come to Alaska, and each of them has their own idea of how to catch a big salmon. Still, there are surefire ways to catch big fish, and local guides know how to make it happen. Both traditional fishing with conventional tackle and fly fishing are equally represented, it all depends on your preferences.
If the Chinook is your main target, as it is for many people in Alaska, then you want to get serious and face a challenge. Many people enjoy catching these fish, but the best places to do so are in the deepest parts of the rivers. If you’re using live bait, salmon roe and herring are your best options. For fly fishermen, bright flies are the safest bet – the bigger, the better. The best time to go after Kings is usually within two hours of a tidal change.
Because sockeye runs are so popular in Alaska, people who live there and fish there often use “flossing” as their main method. The method is simple but very effective. Drop your line close to the bottom of the river and let it float with the flow. It’s important to pick the right weight for this. Sockeye don’t bite hard. When you “floss,” they will get the line in their mouths first, but it’s your job to feel it and put the hook in the corner of the mouth.
Whenever you fish, look for Pink, Chum, and Coho Salmon in the water that is the clearest. Because of this, they can see what’s going on around them better and can get away before you even see them. You can also try putting your line around trees and rocks, especially if you use big, bright lures. After that, it’s only a matter of time before you hear the reel screaming.
Where is the best King Salmon fishing in Alaska?
FAQ
Where is the best place to catch salmon in Alaska?
What month is best for salmon fishing in Alaska?
What is the best port for salmon fishing in Alaska?
How much does it cost to go salmon fishing in Alaska?
Which river in Alaska is best for salmon fishing?
The Kenai River is known for the best fishing in Alaska once the salmon season starts. Starting with the Lower Kenai that still holds the world record for King Salmon at 97 lbs 4 oz. The lower river is big and wide. It is very popular for back trolling for Kings in the early seasons of May, June and July.
Where can I fish for salmon in Alaska?
There are several options here including Kenai. Personally, Alaska fishing guides are the best option for fishing Alaskan salmon. The expert guides understand the rivers and the fish and where the fish are in the rivers. Most offer professional guide service and high-quality fishing gear, plus the knowledge to back it up while keeping you safe.
Where is the best king salmon fishing in Alaska?
Whittier has some of the best king salmon fishing in Southcentral, Alaska. Lots of bait fish in these deep waters offer excellent feeding spots for them to put on weight before migrating up rivers to spawn. Whittier along with other destinations on this list is conveniently located within driving distance to Anchorage.
When is the best time to fish in Alaska?
Winter King Salmon Fishing in Homer, Alaska is probably some of the best fishing in Alaska from mid-October through April. Definitely some of the best Salmon Fishing in US. SALMON SEASON ALASKA IN HOMER: mid-October through end of April Seward is known for its Silver Salmon Fishing in July and August.