Alaska is famous for its rugged wilderness, majestic mountains, and abundant wildlife. The sight of huge brown bears catching jumping salmon on their annual spawning run is one of the most impressive sights. One of the most iconic things to do in Alaska is to watch bears fish in the state’s clean rivers and streams.
As a wildlife lover and adventure seeker, I’ve always dreamed of observing bears honing their fishing skills during salmon runs After extensive research, I’ve discovered the prime spots to see this captivating wildlife spectacle in Alaska. Here are the best places to see bears catching salmon in Alaska for an unforgettable experience.
Katmai National Park and Preserve
The top location to observe bears fishing is Katmai National Park and Preserve on the Alaska Peninsula This protected area is world renowned for its high density of coastal brown bears feasting on salmon
Brooks Falls
Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park is the most popular and accessible place to watch bears catch salmon. From July to September, dozens of bears congregate at this site to prey on sockeye salmon migrating upstream to spawn.
From platforms above the falls, you can safely watch bears perched on the edge of the churning water, ready to swipe their claws and grab leaping salmon. Watching these huge predators move with lightning speed and dexterity is an exciting sight.
During the busy season, you can see up to 50 bears at once around Brooks Falls. They fish in a variety of ways, from cubs playing to big, dominant males. Bears are most likely to be seen in the early morning and late afternoon.
Geographic Harbor
Another prime salmon fishing area within Katmai National Park is Geographic Harbor, comprising two sheltered bays extending from Amalik Bay. During August, numerous bears converge along the tidal flats and river mouths of the harbor to prey on pulses of pink salmon heading upstream to spawn.
The shallow, calm waters allow for close-up views of solitary bears and sows with cubs splashing after salmon. Geographic Harbor provides a more intimate, quieter bear viewing experience compared to the popular Brooks Falls.
McNeil River State Game Sanctuary
The McNeil River State Game Sanctuary, on the northern outskirts of Katmai National Park, protects one of the planet’s greatest bear congregations. From June to August, dozens of Alaskan brown bears gather to feast on abundant salmon runs, particularly at McNeil Falls and Mikfik Creek.
A limited permit system controls visitation, providing low-impact access to this sensitive sanctuary. Those fortunate to win permits can observe bears’ natural fishing behaviors in pristine surroundings with minimal human disturbances. It’s the best chance to see bears catching salmon undisturbed in their natural habitat.
Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge
The Kodiak Archipelago is another prime bear habitat, home to the second densest brown bear population in Alaska after Katmai. Situated off the Gulf of Alaska’s coast, the Kodiak National Wildlife Refuge spans several mountainous forested islands offering numerous bear viewing sites.
Olga Bay
Olga Bay at the northern end of Kodiak Island contains excellent bear fishing spots, especially around Olga River and Dog Salmon River where up to 30 bears have been spotted at one time. Bears patrol the shallow stream beds intercepting passing salmon from June to October.
Remote viewing platforms in Olga Bay provide immersive views of bears exhibiting their strength and agility to grab leaping and flopping salmon. It’s especially exciting when dominant bears spar over prime fishing access while trying to catch their next meal.
O’Malley River
Another top bear viewing locale is O’Malley River in southwestern Kodiak Island. Bears mass along the riverbank from July to September to grab sockeye salmon migrating from the ocean. Early mornings are the ideal time to see bears scooping salmon from the shallow rocky riverbed.
A raised viewing deck enables safe observation of bears during peak feeding. O’Malley River offers a more accessible option compared to the roadless Olga Bay region. Seeing bears fish for salmon with the breathtaking Chugach Mountains as a backdrop is an unforgettable Alaskan experience.
Lake Clark National Park and Preserve
Stretching across the spectacular Alaska Range, Lake Clark National Park provides ample bear viewing away from the most heavily visited sites. The park’s vast wilderness includes rugged mountains, glaciers, turquoise lakes, and an abundance of fish-rich streams and rivers.
Chinitna Bay
Along the park’s western boundary, Chinitna Bay on Cook Inlet delivers prime brown bear viewing from mid-June through mid-August. Rather than catching salmon, bears at Chinitna Bay scour the beach at low tide for bivalves, clams, and sedge grass shoots.
The wide-open tidal flats allow for exceptional viewing and photography opportunities as bears meander and dig through the mudflats. Seeing bears foraging along the shores with the majestic Chigmit Mountains as a backdrop makes for an unforgettable Alaska bear adventure.
Crescent Lake
Crescent Lake within the interior of Lake Clark National Park also attracts fishing bears from July to September. Salmon spawn in the outlet creek connecting Crescent Lake to Lake Clark, drawing hungry bears to the stream.
A public use cabin features an ideal vantage point to photograph bears scooping salmon from the cascading waters of the creek. Since Crescent Lake lacks major public facilities, a few permits are available for overnight stays to fully immerse yourself in this wild bear habitat.
Anan Wildlife Observatory
One of Alaska’s most accessible bear viewing areas is Anan Wildlife Observatory near Wrangell-St. Elias National Park. Managed by the U.S. Forest Service, Anan Observatory provides boardwalks and observation platforms for safe viewing of coastal brown bears catching salmon along Anan Creek.
From July to August, dozens of bears fish along the creek and under waterfalls as thousands of pink and chum salmon migrate upstream from the ocean to spawn. Interpretive guides offer insight into bear behaviors like hunting strategies, social dominance, and raising cubs. Reservations are required to control visitor numbers at Anan Observatory, ensuring minimal disturbances to wildlife.
Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area
On the outer coast of Southeast Alaska, Pack Creek Bear Viewing Area on Admiralty Island provides extraordinary up-close access to the archipelago’s dense population of brown bears. From June to August, bears drawn by spawning salmon congregate along Pack Creek to fish and forage for berries.
A viewing tower at the mouth of Pack Creek allows visitors to safely watch bears catch salmon just a few yards away as the fish concentrate before heading upstream. Limited daily permits at Pack Creek make for an exclusive bear viewing experience to observe bears in pristine old growth forest. Seeing bears fish and interact in this natural setting lets you appreciate Alaska’s wild beauty.
Tips for an Enjoyable Bear Viewing Trip
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Visit during July and August when salmon runs are peaking, bringing hungry bears to feast. However, some bears disperse earlier at places like Katmai so schedule accordingly.
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Pack rain gear, hiking boots, binoculars, camera gear, and mosquito repellent. Early mornings and evenings tend to have peak bear activity.
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Follow all safety guidelines from rangers, including storing food properly and maintaining distance from bears. Never approach bears or block their access to fishing spots.
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Book guided tours or required permits well in advance as demand is high during peak season. Tours provide expert insights into bear behaviors.
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Be quiet when watching bears and avoid making sudden movements. Let bears focus on fishing instead of feeling disturbed by visitors.
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Have realistic expectations. Bear activity varies daily based on salmon abundance and other food sources. You may not see bears at all if none happen to be present.
Observing brown bears effortlessly catching salmon along Alaska’s pristine rivers and coasts is a remarkable privilege. As a wildlife enthusiast, it’s been my dream to see this iconic spectacle first-hand by visiting Alaska’s premier bear viewing destinations. With careful trip planning to choose locations matching your interests, you’re sure to have an un
The Best National Parks in Alaska to see Grizzly Bears Feed on Salmon
Would you consider watching bears catch and eat salmon your dream vacation? If so, then you may want to come to Alaska to see bears eating salmon — and more!
Wildlife in Alaska is very big and beautiful. Some of the most famous sights are whales breaching the surface of the oceans, eagles flying over mountains, and grizzly bears eating salmon. It may seem impossible that all of these places are in the same state, but Alaska is home to all of them (and more!)
Why do grizzly bears feed on salmon?
Grizzly bears are a subspecies of North American Brown bears. They are omnivores; they’ll eat anything from berries to birds, and yes, salmon. ¹ From June – September each year, the salmon swim upriver to get to their spawning sites. This is when grizzly bears gather to feed on them. This occurs during the salmon run, and it gives you amazing chances to see this show for yourself, up close. At the start of the season, you might even see mom bears with their cubs. But grizzlies start getting ready for winter, so you might miss them if you travel near the end of the season. But you might catch beautiful Fall Colors and less crowds. Bear season and the salmon run in Alaska lines up with the.
Grizzly Bears Catching Salmon | Nature’s Great Events | BBC Earth
FAQ
What time of year do bears catch salmon in Alaska?
Where do the Alaskan brown bears wait for salmon?
What month are bears most active in Alaska?
Where can you see Bears in Alaska?
The place that tops the list is Katmai National Park and Preserve! Brooks Falls – Bears can be seen fishing at Brooks Falls and in the lower Brooks River throughout the month of July! Brooks Falls is the most popular destination to view Alaskan brown bears in their natural habitat.
Where can I see bears SWAT salmon in Alaska?
Hop aboard one of Regal Air’s planes departing from Anchorage and after a short, scenic flight you can be watching enormous brown bears swat salmon from Alaska’s rushing waters. Tours visit one of two destinations: Lake Clark National Park or Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park.
What kind of salmon do bears eat in Alaska?
According to the Alaska Department of Fish & Game, there are 5 species of Salmon in Alaska – CoHo, Sockeye, Pink, Chinook, and Chum. Most of what the Bears eat are either CoHo or Sockeye Salmon. Alaska’s Katmai National Park is the best place in the world to watch Brown Bears fishing for Salmon.
Where do salmon run in Alaska?
This makes Geographic Harbor one of the best places to see where salmon run in Alaska. McNeil River Falls – located north of Katmai National Park and Preserve on the Alaska Peninsula, the McNeil River State Game Sanctuary protects the world’s largest concentration of brown bears.
Where is the best place to see a bear?
Iconic spots like Brooks Falls in Katmai National Park , Lake Clark National Park, Redoubt Bay, and McNeil River are all a short float plane flight from the city, and many air services can get you there for a day of unrivaled access. The key consideration in picking a spot is timing. The best bear viewing really depends on your dates.
Where to see salmon in Alaska?
But if you are not comfortable venturing outside of Anchorage to follow the fish, don’t despair! One of the best places to see salmon in Alaska is the William Jack Hernandez Fish Hatchery, just 10 minutes from downtown Anchorage. Visitors can take a self-guided tour inside the state fish hatchery on the banks of Ship Creek.