When Do the Salmon Run in Ketchikan Alaska? A Complete Guide
Ketchikan is famous for its incredible salmon runs. From late spring through fall, different salmon species return to the rivers and streams around Ketchikan to spawn. Locals and tourists flock to the area to try catching these huge fish. But exactly when do the various salmon species run in Ketchikan?
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down the run timing for all five Pacific salmon species – Chinook, sockeye, coho, pink, and chum. We’ll look at when each fish enters the local rivers and when they peak in numbers. We’ll also overview the best places to fish for each species during their run.
Chinook Salmon
Chinook salmon runs occur in the Ketchikan area from May to July Chinook are also called king salmon
The first kings start entering the rivers in mid-May. The run gradually builds through late May and early June Numbers of Chinook peak in late June and early July as the main run pushes into the rivers. By mid-July, the run starts to decline as the remaining stragglers enter the rivers
Prime spots to target Chinook include Ketchikan Creek, Mahoney Creek, Reflection Lake, Heckman Lake, and Whitman Lake. Nearby saltwater areas like Caamano Point, Vallenar Bay, and Dall Head are also excellent places to intercept kings headed to local spawning grounds.
From mid-May through July, Ketchikan kings average 15-30 pounds with some massive 50+ pound fish caught annually.
Sockeye Salmon
The sockeye or red salmon run in Ketchikan lasts from late June to late August.
By late June, the first schools of sockeye will arrive in Ketchikan’s rivers. Numbers increase through July, peaking in late July and early August. By late August, the run tapers off as the last fish enter the spawning streams.
Top sockeye fishing locations include the Mahoney River, Reflection Lake, Heckman Lake, Naha River, Blankenship Lake, and Manzanita Lake. Popular saltwater hotspots are Mountain Point, Caamano Point, Guard Island, and Vallenar Bay.
Ketchikan sockeye weigh 5-10 pounds on average, with some 15+ pound monsters occasionally caught.
Coho Salmon
Also called silver salmon, coho enter Ketchikan waters from August through October.
A small run of coho starts trickling in by early August. Numbers increase through the month and peak in late August/September. As temperatures cool in October, the run winds down as the last silvers fight upstream.
Excellent places to hook coho include Whitman Lake, Connell Lake, Ward Lake, Reflection Lake, Heckman Creek, and Mahoney Creek. Prime saltwater areas are Point Higgins, Mountain Point, Caamano Point, Blank Inlet, and Naha Bay.
Most Ketchikan coho average 8-12 pounds, with 20+ pound trophies landed each fall.
Pink Salmon
Abundant pink salmon runs happen in Ketchikan during odd-numbered years, lasting from late June through August.
Pinks begin appearing in late June, with numbers rising steadily through July. The run peaks in late July/early August when thousands pour into local streams. By late August, the run is over for another two years.
Prime pink fishing spots include Caamano Point, Mountain Point, Reflection Lake, Mahoney River, Ward Creek, and Heckman Creek.
Ketchikan pinks weigh 3-5 pounds on average, with 7-8 pounders frequently caught.
Chum Salmon
Also called dog salmon, Ketchikan’s chum runs occur from July through September.
A small early run enters streams in early July. Most chums run later, increasing through August and peaking in mid-September. Numbers decline sharply in late September.
Top chum fishing locales are Caamano Point, Mountain Point, Mahoney River, Ward Creek, Connell Lake, Reflection Lake, and Whitman Creek.
Ketchikan chum weigh 8-15 pounds normally, with 20+ pounders landed annually.
Best Time to Catch Salmon in Ketchikan
Here’s an overview of Ketchikan’s peak salmon fishing months:
May – King salmon fishing picks up in mid-May with the early run’s arrival. Target kings before numbers decline.
June – Peak king salmon fishing all month. Sockeye runs start building in late June.
July – King fishing slows in early July and ends mid-month. Sockeye fishing is excellent as runs increase. Pinks enter rivers in late July.
August – Last of the sockeye run in early August. Pinks peak in late July/early August before fading out. Coho enter rivers by mid-August, with great fishing through the month.
September – Peak silver salmon fishing as coho flood local rivers.
October – Coho runs wind down by mid-October. Time to catch the season’s last bright silvers.
5 Types of salmon you may encounter on a Ketchikan, Alaska salmon fishing trip
1. King Salmon – Known by natives as the “Chinook” salmon, this particular species is the largest one out of all of the salmon in the Pacific basin, but also the rarest. While most King salmon range between 30 and 40 pounds, some anglers have reportedly snagged ones over 100 pounds – the state record of 126 pounds was caught by a trap in 1949. Most King salmon are red, but a few have a white body, and they’re known for the black spots that run all along their back and tail.
The King salmon is also Alaska’s official fish. It’s highly desirable for its oil content that gives it such a buttery, delectable flavor.
Although available year-round, the Chinook’s annual spawning run, and consequently its best fishing in Alaska, typically starts in May and runs through June.
2. Chum Salmon – When the Chum embark on the long spawning journey out in the ocean, they have a greenish-blue color with black speks on their back and a silver color for the rest of their body. As they move into freshwater to spawn though, the green becomes more pronounced. They also develop vertical stripes that become quite obvious. Chums are also
known as “Dog” salmon because of their importance for native peoples’ dogs in the 200+ rural villages in the interior part of the state.
Since they have a low oil content and their meat is firmer over other types of salmon, chums are generally dried and smoked or used in chowders and soups.
Chums can weigh up to 30 pounds, but the average catch ranges between 7 and 18 pounds. The best time for fishing Chum salmon in Alaska is during the peak of the summer (July/August).
3. Coho Salmon – Also known as the Silver salmon because of its pronounced silvery color along its sides, the Coho also has the signature orange-red flesh, which is why it’s a preferred type of salmon for chefs across the world. The Coho is also the second largest salmon just behind the King. And like the Chum, male Cohos change from a silvery color to a brighter red during spawning, albeit not as significantly.
Coho salmon are known for putting up a good fight, which is why they are one of the most desirable for sport fishermen. The Coho averages between 8 and 12 pounds and between 24 and 30 inches in length.
Coho salmon fishing in Ketchikan, Alaska is best between July and November.
4. Sockeye Salmon – Also known simply as the “Red” salmon, fish connoisseurs generally agree that the Sockeye is the best tasting of all the Alaskan salmon. Its flesh maintains the signature bright red color, even when it’s fully cooked. Besides the meat, Sockeye eggs are a delicacy in Japan. In terms of economic significance to Alaska, the Sockeye takes the prize as #1. It gets the “red” moniker because of its brilliant scarlet color during spawning.
Sockeye Salmon Fishing is a Popular Up River Attraction for Fly Anglers
Sockeyes generally weigh about 6 pounds and average around 20 to 24 inches in length. Their spawning season, and therefore the best fishing, occurs between July and October.
5. Pink Salmon – The final type of salmon on our list is the Pink, which is both the smallest yet most abundant of all the salmon species found in Alaska – an eye-popping 140 million of them are caught each year! However, don’t be deceived by its size because the Pinks are known to be vigorous fighters. They typically average around 3-5 pounds but can grow to as large as 14 pounds. The Pink is also known as a “Humpy” because of the noticeable hooked snout and hump on spawning males. Pinks are also known for large spots along their back, fins and tail.
The spawning season for the Pink salmon in Ketchikan occurs between late June and mid-October. Nearly all of the Pinks harvested commercially are canned.
As you can tell, the different types of salmon that roam the waters of Alaska come in various sizes. Also, some types are more abundant in certain areas than others. Pinks for example are well known in the Ketchikan area whereas fishing for Sockeye salmon is best around Bristol Bay.
Which salmon species you wind up targeting will boil down to when you plan on visiting. If it’s the middle of the summer around July 4th, you’re more likely to snag a Chum while a Coho or Pink is more likely the farther you get into September. In particular, Sockeye Salmon is generally not targeted on rod and reel due to their feeding habits. Other methods are generally utilized(including netting), but we can sometimes get into some.
Salmon Fishing In Ketchikan
You may be thinking that salmon is salmon. As a first-time visitor to the Alaskan paradise, you probably have only seen salmon in a fish market or in a can at your local supermarket. However, once you arrive in Alaska, you will soon learn there are in fact five different varieties of salmon you can fish for.
While salmon fishing in Ketchikan, it is technically possible to catch a King salmon in February, the warmer season between May and October is the best time for all of the different salmon species that call Alaska home. Most charter operations only run during these times since the climate during the rest of the year is, to put it plainly, not too hospitable for salmon fishing. Also, since Alaska is so far north, it’s hard to salmon fish around the winter solstice since it stays dark almost all the time.
If you’re planning a salmon fishing expedition to Ketchikan, Alaska, we invite you to continue reading our little primer on the various salmon species you may encounter on your trip.
Ketchikan,Alaska salmon run ,crazy stuff . NCL Bliss
FAQ
FAQ
When to see salmon in Ketchikan, Alaska?
Downtown Ketchikan. Ketchikan Creek flows through Downtown Ketchikan and fills with spawning salmon each July and August.
What months do salmon run in Alaska?
Salmon in Alaska typically run from May through October, with peak seasons varying by species and location. King (Chinook) salmon runs begin in May, while Sockeye (Red) salmon runs typically occur from June through August.
Where is the best place to see the salmon run in Alaska?
- Anchorage Coastal Wildlife Refuge – Potter Marsh. …
- Indian Creek along Turnagain Arm. …
- Williwaw Fish Viewing Platform in Portage Valley. …
- Tern Lake. …
- Quartz Creek. …
- Russian River. …
- Offbeat idea -Kenai River mouth dipnetting harvest. …
- William Jack Hernandez Fish Hatchery.
How long is the salmon walk in Ketchikan?
The Ketchikan Salmon Walk is a 1.5-mile loop downtown around Ketchikan Creek. Passing through the Totem Heritage Museum Park, this interpretive route educates about the history of the salmon that return here every year and celebrates the Taant’a Kwáan Tlingit, the land’s first inhabitants and current stewards.
When is the best time to fish in Ketchikan?
The King salmon run is normally the thickest during the last half of June and the first week of July. The tail end of the spawn also makes for great open water fishing. Kings headed to other spawning grounds run right through Ketchikan. If you’re after Coho salmon, the time to fish is at the end of August clear through October.
When is the best time to go salmon fishing in Alaska?
Ketchikan’s Pink and Sockeye salmon runs happen during the month of August, and can really get going during a good year. The Pink Salmon also bite in open water. Picking the best time to go salmon fishing in Alaska boils down to knowing your area, weather, and understanding historical fish patterns.
When is the best time to fish for chum salmon in Ketchikan?
The best time to fish for Chum salmon in Ketchikan salt water fisheries is during the month of August and for fresh water fisheries late August through early September. Some of the more popular salt water fisheries in Ketchikan for targeting Chum include the Ship Island Area, Anchor Pass, Yes Bay and Caamano Point.
When do pink salmon run in Ketchikan?
Abundant pink salmon runs occur in Ketchikan on odd-numbered years. The run lasts from late June through August. Pinks start showing up by late June and numbers increase steadily through July. The run peaks by late July and the first half of August, when thousands of fish pour into local streams.
Can you catch a king salmon in Ketchikan in February?
Yes, you can catch a King salmon while salmon fishing in Ketchikan in February. However, the best time for all the different types of salmon that live in Alaska is from May to October, when it is warmer. These are the only times that most charter services are open because, well, the weather isn’t great for salmon fishing the rest of the year.
When do the different types of salmon run in Ketchikan?
Ketchikan is famous for its abundant salmon runs. From late spring through fall, different species of salmon return to spawn in the rivers and streams surrounding Ketchikan. Locals and tourists alike flock to the area to try their hand at catching these massive fish But when exactly do the various types of salmon run in Ketchikan?