Alaska—the last frontier of the United States. A wildlife refuge for many different animals and fish across the species spectrum, you will have no problem coming to this beautiful state and catching a big one on your next fishing trip. Home to the salmon capital of the world, the best time of year to go salmon fishing is in the summer months, from May until the end of September depending on what part of the coast you are heading to. You will need a fishing license no matter what fish you are going for, and there are regulations surrounding catch limit and minimum size for most of the fish you’ll be wanting to take home. 

Salmon fishing in Alaska is one of those once-in-a-lifetime opportunities that you won’t regret taking part in. From beautiful scenery and great wildlife sights as you fish, you won’t want to leave this part of the world, even once you’ve had your fill of salmon. Can’t decide where in Alaska you should make your home base for this epic journey? Keep reading to decide! 

Best Time of Year for Salmon Fishing 

You can go fishing year round in Alaska, but the best time to go to the salmon runs is from May to September. There are five major salmon species with their seasons overlapping across the summer, with king salmon starting in May and silver salmon ending in November. You are also able to go fishing for red, pink, and chum salmon in the summer months. And if the salmon aren’t biting, change course and try going for a large halibut instead.  

Top Places to Go Fish

Alaska does require a fishing license for all fishing and a “king salmon” stamp if going for that species. The state also has size and catch limits that range from one king salmon a day that is a minimum of 28 inches to pink, silver, and chum salmon that can be and size but you can only take home six of each, each day. 

• Ketchikan

Ketchikan is one of the best places you can go fishing in Alaska, and its known as one of the salmon capitals of the world, so this is an obvious place to come to for an epic salmon fishing vacation! There are tons of fishing opportunities in this town, including secluded locations only accessible by a boat or a small plane. You can go fishing for salmon from mid-May to mid-August. You will be able to fish for three salmon species that have seasons that cross over each other throughout the summer—king salmon from May to July, silver from July to September, and pink from July to August. You will have your best luck for salmon going early in the morning and in the evening when salmon is at their most active. There are catch and size limits that you need to be aware of, and like the rest of Alaska, you will need a fishing license. 

The weather in the summer is typically mild, with the cooler temperatures only being in the 50s but the average being in the 60s. This is one of the rainiest spots in the United States, so you will certainly want to wear layers and bring rain gear when you go. And be on the lookout for some of the wildlife Ketchikan is known for—black bears, bald eagles, humpback and killer whales, harbor seals, and so much more! 

• Port Protection 

During the summer months in Port Protection, you can find all five of the salmon species in these Pacific Ocean waters. You can hire guides that will take you trolling for large king salmon in the waters offshore from a boat, or they can take you flyfishing for salmon and trout in the clear streams inland. With access to great freshwater and ocean water, you will be able to fish for salmon in many different environments. You can fish for king salmon in these waters year round. But for the other species, you will have the easiest way to reel them in from June to September. 

• Seward 

Located in the Gulf of Alaska along the Kenai Peninsula, Seward is a great spot for sportfishing among Alaska’s wildlife and incredible scenery. Sitting at the head of Resurrection Bay, you are able to fish for silver, king, and pink salmons in these waters. There can also be some sockeye and chum salmon mixed in too. The red and king salmons come mostly from hatcheries in Resurrection Bay, and silver salmon is sourced from both hatcheries and natural population growth. You will need to get a fishing license for most of the salmon that you will want to fish for in this part of Alaska. If you are going fishing for king salmon, you will also need a “king salmon” stamp. The best time to go for this species of salmon is in June, when they return to these waters for mating. And when they do, they will be about 25-to-45 pounds!

Resurrection Bay is also home to one of the largest silver salmon fisheries in the Pacific Northwest. These fish will weigh about 6-to-20 pounds when they come into the waters from the end of June to mid-September. You can also find silver salmon in the bay’s tributaries starting in October as they swim inland. And the third most popular species is pink salmon, which spawn in the tributaries and then head into the bay, from early July to September, weighing 3-to-12 pounds. 

• Anchorage 

Anchorage is one of the top places to catch a 20-to-30-pound king salmon and an 8-to-10-pound silver salmon. You will be able to fish in the nearly 30 lakes and streams that have been filled by hatcheries. The three most popular lakes to go salmon fishing are Campbell Point Lake, Jewel Lake, and Sand Lake. Anchorage also has natural runs of all of the five most popular salmon species in Alaska, although they are not big enough to not need hatchery support. Anchorage hosts a Slam’n Salm’n Derby in June where people from all over come and fish for king and silver salmon. Whether you are in Anchorage for business or purely for pleasure, you will love being able to quickly get a fishing pole in your hands and get out near the water and getting salmon on your line. 

What Gear Do You Need to Bring 

This probably doesn’t need to be said, but Alaska is cold. It can be very cold. So, you will want to dress accordingly so you are able to stay out as long as you want. This means a couple of pairs of pants, with the warmest ones closest to you and the waterproof ones on top. Same with your shirts and sweatshirts. Remember you can always take layers off as long as they are with you. But if you don’t bring rain gear and it starts to rain well, your day may be over quickly. You will definitely want to bring a change of socks, a warm hat, and gloves. And even though its cold, you will want to bring sunglasses so you can clearly see what’s about to bite in the waters. 

If you are going on a fishing trip in Alaska, chances are you are going to be joining a party or charter boat. The advantage of this option is having all of your gear and bait ready for you. A disadvantage is there may be many other people and families onboard all casting hooks below. If you want a more personalized fishing experience, consider hiring a private boat. This typically means it would only be you and your party plus the boat’s captain. You will still be able to get access to gear and bait, and you won’t have to worry about crossing lines with other people on a party boat. 

Salmon fishing in Alaska is best geared at those with some experience catching this mighty fish. Although they can range on the smaller size, don’t be fooled—they will pull on your line and put up a fight like anything else! Going to Alaska in the summer months is a great way to get outside and breath in some fresh air, and then catch yourself your dinner and bring home some memories of a great weekend away.