SALMON FISHING IN ALASKA
seven (7) OF THE TOP salmon FISHING spots TO FISH IN THE 49TH STATE (2024 UPDATE)
Alaska is known as the salmon fishing mecca of the world. Some of the best salmon fishing in the US can be found in Alaska. It is the top destination for anglers for all five types of pacific Salmon. King, Sockeye, Silver, Chum and Pink Salmon all make their annual runs here as part of the Alaska Salmon Fishery.
Salmon rule the rivers, streams and oceans of the 49th state. Alaska is known for its world-class fishing trips and we’ve highlighted the best seven salmon spots that should be at the top of your list. All of these destinations are easy to access on the road system. They are within a day’s drive from Anchorage as well.
Salmon runs occur each year between May and October. There’s a good chance of catching salmon in Alaska for a good part of the year. We’ll help you figure out when the to salmon fish in Alaska.
There are limits on the types of fish you can keep and when you can keep them. King Salmon especially have strict regulations that can change at a moment’s notice.
When is SALMON SEASON ALASKA?
Salmon run from mid-May through the end of October on most alaskan streams and rivers. The can be targeted in the ocean as well throughout some of the winter months, but mostly from the months of May - September.
LOWER KENAI RIVER
The Kenai River has such prolific runs of salmon that it deserves to be talked about in its three distinct sections. This is Alaska’s #1 Sport Fishing Destination - for good reason. 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. When folks think about King Salmon fishing Alaska, the Kenai River King Salmon have to be atop their list!
Once July hits, the Lower Kenai River offers lots of access for Sockeye Salmon anglers fishing from the shore.
Despite the commercial fishing pressure of Cook Inlet, the Lower Kenai still gets great runs of fish.
Late season silver fishing in August and September round out the offerings of this section. The annual Kenai River Classic draws a crowd of eager anglers to the lower for some serious salmon fishing.
SALMON SEASON ALASKA ON THE LOWER KENAI RIVER: May/June (early Kings) July (Late Kings) mid-July Late Run Sockeye Salmon August/September/October Silver Salmon
MIDDLE KENAI RIVER
In its own right, the Middle Kenai River really shines through the July run of Sockeye Salmon and the late season run of Silvers in August, September and October. This prolific section rivals other top salmon fisheries in Alaska.
The popularity of this section grows each year as consistent limits of Sockeye are taken daily along the shoreline (not to mention tremendous fishing for trophy rainbow trout). Some of the best fishing in Alaska can be found on the Middle Kenai River.
Easily accessed from Sterling, AK and a few hours from Anchorage, the Middle gives visitors a true shot at trophy fish with limited effort.
The Middle Kenai River features tremendous spawning grounds for Alaska’s Pacific Salmon. Sockeye Salmon, Pink Salmon, King Salmon and Silver Salmon spawn in the millions on this section of the Kenai. Looking for the best salmon fishing in the US? It might be here on the Middle Kenai River!
SALMON SEASON ALASKA ON THE MIDDLE KENAI RIVER: mid-July Late Run Sockeye Salmon August/September/October Silver Salmon
UPPER KENAI RIVER
The mountain town of Cooper Landing is home to the Upper Kenai River. The confluence of the Kenai and the Russian River on the upper river at Sportsman’s Landing was once home to a gathering of the Kenaitze tribe for ritual salmon fishing. Early salmon fishing here at the confluence is usually the best fishing in Alaska at that time.
Salmon make their way up to this section during early June when “combat fishing” at the confluence draws anglers in large numbers. The Sockeye stack up near the Russian River and so do the anglers!
There is lots of easy access with ample parking, camping and river access to salmon fish on the Russian River.
Later in the summer, King Salmon, some Pink Salmon, the second run of Sockeye Salmon and eventually Silver Salmon make their way up the Russian and Upper Kenai River in Cooper Landing.
SALMON SEASON ALASKA ON THE UPPER KENAI RIVER: Early Run Sockeye Salmon Mid-June to end of June Late Run Sockeye Salmon August/September/October Silver Salmon
KASILOF RIVER
The Kasilof River or “Little Brother of the Kenai,” hosts runs of Kings, Sockeye and Silver Salmon. Though not as easy to access as the Kenai River, the remote waters and scenic drifts make this place special. The Kasilof River is a short drive from the Kenai River and about three and a half hours from Anchorage. It is also one of our favorite rivers for our Alaska fishing trip packages for our guests.
Drift boat fishing is the norm here and anglers revel in the opportunity to float this productive river. The lower end of the river is most popular for salmon fishing. The upper stretches are good for Silvers and flow through part of the Kenai National Wildlife Refuge.
Anglers on the Kasilof River know that it can be excellent for salmon fishing from mid-May through the mid-September when salmon fishing regulations change.
Hailed as the “halibut capital of the world,” Homer really shines as a salmon fishing destination as well. Most notably, Homer hosts winter king fishing at its annual winter king tournament. This coming 2024 will be the 30th annual tournament.
Anglers really enjoy all that Kachemak Bay has to offer. Homer is an easy drive from most locations on the Kenai Peninsula and is a reasonable drive from Anchorage.
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. The annual Silver Salmon Derby in August draws thousands of anglers vying for the trophy. Kings can also be caught here in March, May and June when they are at their peaks.
Shore fishing for Salmon in Seward is also popular among locals and eager visitors to the area.
SALMON SEASON ALASKA IN SEWARD July/August Silver Salmon
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. Most visitors to Alaska will fish on the road system. This gives anglers the best chance at catching salmon without having to spend thousands to fly to the Alaska Peninsula.
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