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Alaska Fishing Charters Alaska Fishing Guide Alaska Halibut Fishing Alaska Salmon Fishing Deep Creek AK Fishing Seward Alaska Fishing Homer Alaska Fishing Kenai River Fishing Alaska Fishing Charter Alaska Fishing Trip Alaska Fishing Guides Alaska Fishing Trips
"ALASKA SALMON FISHING AT IT'S BEST"
Alaska Salmon Fishing Seward, Deep Creek, Ninilchik, Kenai River, & Homer, AK
Alaska salmon belong to the genus Oncorhynchus (from Greek, meaning “hooked snout”). While the five species of Pacific salmon all share a general outward resemblance, they vary in size, flesh color, and flavor.
Chinook ( King Salmon ) Alaska’s State Fish
Chinook (Oncorhynchus tshawytscha)
Lightly spotted on their blue-green back, chinook salmon live from five to seven years, and weigh up to 120 lb. (55 kg). Also known as springs, quinnat, tyee, tule, black mouth or kings, they are the most prized game salmon for sport fishers. Chinook is the largest species, with richly flavored, firm flesh ranging from ivory white to deep red in color.
The Life Of A Chinook Salmon ( King Salmon )
Alaska streams normally receive a single run of Chinook salmon between May and July. Chinook salmon mature in 2 to 7 years; and, therefore, spawning fish may vary greatly in size. Small Chinook that mature after spending only one winter in the ocean are commonly referred to as "jacks" and are usually males. Chinook salmon often make extensive freshwater spawning migrations to reach their home streams on some of the larger river systems. Yukon River spawners bound for the extreme headwaters in Yukon Territory, Canada, will travel more than 2,000 river miles during a 60 day period. Chinooksalmon, like other salmon, do not feedduringthe freshwater spawning migration, so their condition deteriorates gradually during the spawning run. The newly laid eggs hatch in late winter or early spring. Most young Chinooks remain in fresh water for a year until the next spring when they migrate to the ocean. Juvenile Chinooks in fresh water first feed on plankton, then later eat insects. In the ocean, they eat a variety or organisms including herring, pilchard, sandlance, squid and crustaceans. Salmon grow rapidly in the ocean and often double their weight during a single summer season.
Alaska Salmon Fishing ( Chinook Salmon )
There is an excellent commercial market for Chinook salmon because of their larger size and their excellent flavor and texture. Fish taken commercially average about 18 pounds. Also, Chinook salmon are perhaps the most highly prized sport fish in Alaska, with over reported 76,000 taken annually (1988). The Southeastern and Cook Inlet areas are fished extensively for Chinook salmon. Chinook salmon also contribute substantially to subsistence users
Coho ( Silver Salmon )
Coho (Oncorhynchus kisutch)
Bright silver in color, coho salmon live three years, weigh up to 15 lb. (6.8 kg), and are a popular game fish for sport fishers. Coho’s versatile full flavor is coupled with fine-textured, consistently red flesh.
The Life Of A Coho Salmon ( Silver Salmon )
Coho salmon prefer small streams and shallows in which to spawn, and in large rivers adults may need several weeks or months to reach their headwater spawning grounds. They usually enter spawning streams from July to November. After the eggs have hatched the following spring, the young Coho spend one to 2 years growing in freshwater. These fry live in ponds, lakes and pools in streams and rivers, feeding on insects. Some males mature early (called "jacks") and return after only 6 months at sea, while most fish stay 18 months before returning as adults.
Alaska Salmon Fishing ( Coho Salmon )
The commercial catch of Coho salmon reached 6.25 million fish in 1986, increasing significantly from low catches in the 1960s. About half of this catch was taken in southeast Alaska. The Coho salmon is a premier sport fish and is taken in fresh and salt water from July to September. In 1986 anglers throughout Alaska took 201,000 Coho Salmon.
Sockeye ( Red Salmon )
Sockeye (Oncorhynchus nerka)
A blue-tinged silver in color, sockeye salmon live four to five years, weigh up to 7 lb. (3.2 kg), and are the slimmest and most streamlined of the five species of Pacific salmon. It is the most sought-after salmon species due to its rich flavor and firm, deep red flesh.
The Life Of A Sockeye Salmon ( Red Salmon )
Sockeye salmon travel thousands of miles from ocean feeding areas to spawn in the same freshwater system where they were born. They return from the ocean during the summer months after spending one to 4 years in the ocean. Spawning occurs in rivers, streams and upwelling areas along lake beaches. Freshwater systems with lakes produce the greatest numbers of sockeye salmon. In the spring, the fry move to rearing areas. In systems with lakes, juveniles usually spend one to 3 years in freshwater before migrating to the ocean in the spring as smolts weighing only a few ounces. However, in systems without lakes, many juveniles migrate to the ocean zoom after emerging as fry. Sockeye salmon return to their "home stream" to spawn after spending one to 4 years in the ocean. Mature salmon that have spent only one year in the ocean are called "jacks" and are almost without exception, males. Once in the ocean, sockeye salmon grow quickly. while in freshwater, juvenile sockeye salmon feed mainly upon zoo-plankton and insects. In the ocean, sockeye salmon feed on zoo-plankton, larva fish, small adult fish and, occasionally, squid in some areas, populations of sockeye salmon have developed which remain in freshwater all their lives. This form of sockeye salmon, called "kokanee," is much smaller than the ocean-reared salmon and rarely grows over 14 inches long. Populations of kokanee are common in Alaska.
Alaska Salmon Fishing ( Sockeye Salmon )
The largest commercial harvest of sockeye salmon in world occurs in the Bristol Bay area of southwest Alaska where 10 to 20 million sockeye salmon are caught each year. Relatively large harvests, one to 6 million sockeye salmon, are also taken to Cook Inlet, Prince William Sound and Chinook Lagoon. There is a growing Alaska sport fishery for sockeye salmon throughout the state, most notably in the Russian and Kasilof rivers on the Kenai Peninsula and various river systems within Bristol Bay. Subsistence users harvest sockeye salmon in many areas of the state, principally in the Bristol Bay area.
Pink ( Humpy Salmon )
Pink (Oncorhynchus gorbuscha)
Living only two years, pinks are the smallest of the Pacific salmon, weighing up to 5 lb. (2.3 kg). They have heavily spotted backs over silver bodies. Pink salmon are the most plentiful of the five species. They have a delicate flavor and light flesh color.
The Life Of A Pink Salmon ( Humpy Salmon )
Pink salmon have the shortest life cycle of all the Pacific salmon, only 2 years. Adult pink salmon enter Alaska spawning streams between late June and mid October, and most spawn within a few miles of the coast, commonly within the inter-tidal zone at the mouths of streams. After the eggs hatch in early to mid winter, the smelts migrate to the ocean in late winter or spring. Once in the ocean, the juvenile pink salmon move along the beaches in dense schools near the surface, feeding on plankton, larval fishes and insects. Predation is heavy, but growth is rapid. By fall, the juvenile salmon are 4 to 6 inches long and are moving into their feeding grounds in the Gulf of Alaska and Aleutian Islands areas. When they're 2 years old, they return to spawn.
Alaska Salmon Fishing ( Pink Salmon )
The largest commercial harvest of sockeye salmon in world occurs in the Bristol Bay area of southwest Alaska where 10 to 20 million sockeye salmon are caught each year. Relatively large harvests, one to 6 million sockeye salmon, are also taken to Cook Inlet, Prince William Sound and Chinook Lagoon. There is a growing sport fishery for sockeye salmon throughout the state, most notably in the Russian and Kasilof rivers on the Kenai Peninsula and various river systems within Bristol Bay. Subsistence users harvest sockeye salmon in many areas of the state, principally in the Bristol Bay area.
Chum ( Dog Salmon )
Chum (Oncorhynchus keta)
Resembling sockeye, chum (or keta) salmon have black specks over their silvery sides and faint grid-like bars. They live three to five years, and weigh up to 10 lb. (4.5 kg). Chum salmon offers a milder, more delicate flavor with a creamy pink to medium red flesh color.
Alaska Salmon Fishing Trip + Fishing Seward Alaska Salmon + Alaska King Salmon Fishing Seward
Alaska King Salmon Fishing Seward
King salmon headed for Seward are the result of hatchery stoking at Lowell Creek and Seward Lagoon. Every year 200000 300000 king salmon smolt are released into Resurrection Bay at two sites to begin the saltwater phase of their life cycle. Anglers harvest about 2500 4200 king salmon annually.
Adult hatchery king salmon return from mid-May through June, with the peck around June 15. Sport fishing occurs at all tide levels, but anglers have success about 1 hour before high tide. King salmon return at different ages. Some, which are called "jacks," return after only one year in salt waters. These fish weigh only 1-2 pounds and are almost always males. Others return after two years at about 5-15 pounds. Most of these are also males. The majority of Seward king salmon, however, return after three and four years at sea at a weight of 25-45 pounds.
Feeder kings
Resurrection Bay boat anglers also catch immature "feeder" king salmon year-around. These "youngsters" come from both hatchery fish stocked into Resurrection Bay and parent streams outside the bay.
Feeder king salmon are usually caught while trolling for silver salmon from early July through August at Eldorado Narrows, Aialik Cape, and Rugged Island area.
Some anglers have difficulties telling king salmon from silver salmon, especially when caught in salt water. King salmon have a black mouth and gum line, while silver salmon have a light gray or white gum line. In order to target or keep a king salmon, most anglers will need a king salmon stamp in addition to their sport fishing license.
Alaska Salmon Fishing + Seward Alaska Silver Salmon Fishing + Alaska Salmon Fishing Seward
Alaska Silver Salmon Fishing Seward
Wild silver salmon spawn in the Bays tributary streams in October. After spawning, the adult fish die, leaving their eggs to hatch the following spring. The newly hatched silver salmon fry remain in fresh waters that summer and following winter. In the spring of their second or third years, the young fish, now called smolt, migrate to salt water. They remain in marine waters about 14 months before returning to fresh water as adults to spawn. Because Resurrection Bay stream experience severe flooding from time to time, wild stocks have been and will continue to be extremely variable. Wild silver salmon return earlier than their hatchery cousins, typically in early to mid-July through mid-August.
The Russian River
The clear water of Russian River is one of the most popular red salmon fisheries in the state of Alaska, and one of the few streams in all of North America where red (sockeye) salmon are easily caught with artificial flies. At times more than 1,000 anglers simultaneously fish the Russian River confluence area.
Alaska Salmon Guides + Alaska King Salmon Fishing Trip + King Salmon Fishing the Kenai River
Kenai River King Salmon
The Kenai River hosts the largest freshwater king salmon fishery in Alaska. In the 1990s, 50,000 to 115,000 angler-days per year were recorded. Between 7,000 and 30,000 king salmon are harvested. The average is about 17,500 kings. The first king salmon are caught in mid-May.
The world record rod and reel king salmon was taken in 1985 from the Kenai River, weighing in at 97 lb.-4 oz. However, not all the Kenai River king salmon are that large. Most Kenai Peninsula king salmon spend one year in fresh water, then migrate to sea when they are about 4" long. The length of time in salt water, how much food they find, and the genetic composition of the fish all help to determine their final size.
Kenai River Red Salmon
Although there are two runs of red (sockeye) salmon to the Kenai River, early run reds do not present much fishing opportunity for the Kenai River sport fishing angler. It’s a small run, and it’s headed straight for the Russian River drainage. Be sure to check your regulation book closely before fishing this run.
The late sockeye run enters the lower Kenai River in early July, peaks in late July, and is generally done by early August. Most fish come through during the last two weeks of July. The peak of the run generally lasts 7-10 days, and at the peak of a good run, it is not uncommon to have 20,000 red salmon enter the river a day. Average total return is about 1 million sockeye.
The late run hits the upper Kenai/Russian River confluence area from about July 20 through the close of the Russian River sockeye salmon season.
Alaska Silver Salmon Fishing + Silver Salmon Fishing on The Kenai River + Alaska Silver Salmon Guide
Kenai River Silver Salmon
Tradition holds that there are two runs of silver (coho) salmon to the Kenai River. The early run arrives in late July, although most anglers seem to forget about silvers until the king salmon fishery closes. This run is said to peak in early to mid-August and ended by early September. The late run is said to enter the river in early September and be present through the silver salmon fishing season closure. Sport fishing anglers harvest about 41,000 silver salmon every year.
Lower Kenai Peninsula marine fisheries
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Alaska Salmon Fishing Deep Creek + Alaska King Salmon Fishing Cook Inlet + Alaska Salmon Fishing Guides
King Salmon
Early run king salmon are available in the saltwater areas of Anchor Point, Whiskey Gulch, and Deep Creek by late April. Anglers and charter boat begin targeting early run king salmon in mid-April, and concentrate their fishing efforts in a corridor 1 mile from shore, from Anchor Point, to Deep Creek.
The best fishing occurs during the later part of May, and success declines by mid-June. The feeder kings disperse, and the mature king salmon move on toward their spawning streams.
The late run of king salmon arrive in late June, and peak by mid-July, and are no longer available after early August. Trolling is the best method to use while fishing for saltwater king salmon in this area. Lures alone, or herring rigs alone or some combo of the two.
Anglers and charter boats have great success fishing the high tide, when the kings come close to shore. In fact, most of the king salmon are caught within 1/4-mile of shore.
Silver Salmon
Silver salmon are also taken by trolling off the beaches of Deep Creek and Whiskey Gulch/Anchor Point. The technique is similar to that used when trolling king salmon.
Fish are taken in these areas during the early run (mid-July through August) are bound for local streams in Northern Cook Inlet area, as well as the Kenai and Kasilof rivers.
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THE ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
TROPHY FISH PROGRAM
Trophy fish certificates are issued by the department to give special recognition to anglers taking fish that meet minimum weight qualifications for each species.
Honorary trophy fish certificates and a patch will be issued to entrants who catch and release trophy qualifying fish of specific species.
1. ENTRIES MUST MEET MINIMUM WEIGHT QUALIFICATIONS AND MUST BE WEIGHED ON A CURRENTLY CERTIFIED SCALE.
The scale must be certified annually by the Division of Weights and Measures. Weighing must occur in the presence of witnesses and a Trophy Fish Official who sign the affidavit. Division of Sport Fish biologists may also serve as Trophy Officials. At least one witness is mandatory.
2. The entrant must sign the affidavit in the presence of a Trophy Fish Official. Trophy Fish Officials have been designated at numerous locations throughout Alaska: for a list of the Trophy Fish Officials in your area, contact your local ADF&G office. An updated list of officials will be posted and linked to this page for 1997.
3. Length measurements must be straight line measurements from the tip of the snout to the tip of the tail.
4. Halibut entries may also qualify by meeting a minimum length requirement of 84 inches. The fish must be measured in the presence of a Trophy Fish Official. Halibut not weighed on a certified scale will not be considered for state or annual records.
5. The entrant must submit an original affidavit no later than January 31 of the year following the catch to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, Division of Sport Fish, PO Box 25526, Juneau, AK 99802-5526. Trophy Certificate forms are available from Fish and Game offices and are printed on the back of all Alaska Sport Fishing Regulation Summaries. Correspondence concerning your entry should be directed to the above address. Please notify ADF&G of any change of address to ensure delivery of your certificate.
6. ADF&G reserves the right to check fish identification or to refuse any questionable affidavits. Decisions of the department are final.
7. Fish must be hooked and played by only one angler. Assistance is permissible in landing or boating the fish.
8. Fish must be legally caught in compliance with current ADF&G sport fishing regulations. A current sport fishing license and any applicable tags or harvest record requirements must be met. Fish caught from waters not open to the public are not eligible.
9. A separate affidavit form must be completed in full and submitted for each entry. Incomplete forms may disqualify entrants.
10. A clear photograph, showing a close-up side view of the fish must accompany each entry form. A size-reference object must be included in the picture. The photograph will not be returned: it becomes the property of the department and may be used in information releases or posted on the Trophy Fish Gallery | 
