When Should You Go Fishing in Alaska for the Best Experience?

Alaska is a world-renowned fishing destination, home to incredible runs of salmon, monstrous halibut, feisty trout, and more. With so many fish species and vast areas of coastline and rivers to explore, deciding when to visit Alaska for epic fishing can be overwhelming. Here’s a guide to the prime times and locations for different types of fishing across the state.

Where is the Best Salmon Fishing in Alaska?

Salmon fishing in Alaska runs occur throughout the summer in Alaska, but the peak months are June and July. The best salmon fishing can be found on the Kenai and Copper Rivers, where all five Pacific salmon species – Chinook, sockeye, coho, chum and pink – make spawning migrations. Anglers flock to the Kenai River in June and July for trophy Chinook salmon exceeding 50 pounds. The Copper River Delta also sees incredible sockeye action in early summer.

The best time to go fishing in Alaska is during the summer months, especially in June and July, at locations like the Kenai River.

In Southeast Alaska, runs of coho, pink and chum salmon peak in August and September. Popular fishing spots include the Sitka area as well as rivers near Juneau and Ketchikan. No matter where you go, nothing beats the sight of leaping, chrome-bright salmon.

When is the Best Time to Catch Monster Halibut?

Halibut grow massive in the cold, deep waters of Alaska. While they can be caught May through September, peak halibut fishing in Alaska is typically May, June and September when the flatfish congregate in shallower feeding areas. Homer and Seward offer charter boat access to prolific halibut grounds in the Gulf of Alaska. Many anglers catch 300+ pound halibut out of these ports!

When Should You Target Silver Salmon and Rainbow Trout?

Fly fishing for sea-run rainbow trout and silvers peaks as the salmon return to spawn from June to mid-September. The Kenai River and Bristol Bay regions offer world-class trout and silver salmon fishing during these months, with exceptional dry fly opportunities when the salmonflies are hatching. The wilderness rainbow trout fishing for leviathans in Alaska’s interior is also at its best in the summer.

No matter what type of fishing you’re seeking, summer is prime time in Alaska. With nearly 24 hours of daylight, you’ll have all the time you need to land trophy salmon, halibut, trout and more. Contact Alaskan Gamefisher at (800) 320-2980 or gamefish@alaska.net to book a guided Alaskan fishing adventure. With over 30 years of experience, captain Mel Erickson can put you on the fish of a lifetime.