Alaska is famous for its abundant salmon runs that attract anglers from all over the world. Salmon season in Alaska extends from late May through September, with different species arriving at various times. Knowing when each type of salmon starts running helps visiting anglers plan their trips accordingly.
There are five species of Pacific salmon that run in Alaska – Chinook (king), sockeye (red), coho (silver), pink, and chum Here is an overview of when each salmon season typically begins in Alaska
King Salmon
- Runs: Mid May – July
- Peak Season: May – June
- Popular Rivers: Kenai, Russian, Deshka, Talkeetna
The king salmon season kicks off the summer salmon fishing in Alaska, starting in mid May and continuing through July. The peak time to catch kings is May through June when the early runs start moving into rivers like the storied Kenai and Russian Rivers. These trophy-sized fish can reach up to 50 pounds.
Sockeye Salmon
- Runs: June – August
- Peak Season: June – July
- Popular Rivers: Kenai, Russian, Kasilof, Copper
Following shortly after kings, sockeye salmon start running in early June and peak through July. The middle of summer sees millions of red salmon flooding rivers like the Kenai and Russian, providing excellent action for anglers. Sockeye average 6-10 pounds but can reach up to 15.
Pink Salmon
- Runs: July – August
- Peak Season: July
- Popular Places: Southeast Alaska, Prince William Sound
Abundant pink salmon run from July into August, peaking in July. While not the best eating salmon, pinks provide fast and fun fishing opportunities in Southeast Alaska and other regions. These feisty 2-5 pound fish aggressively hit lures and fill freezers.
Chum Salmon
- Runs: June – August
- Peak Season: July
- Popular Rivers: Yukon, Kuskokwim, Nushagak
Chum salmon runs start as early as June and last through August, with the peak in July. Also known as dog salmon, chums provide a staple for subsistence fishing in Western Alaska rivers like the Yukon and Kuskokwim. They average 8-15 pounds.
Coho Salmon
- Runs: July – November
- Peak Season: August – September
- Popular Rivers: Kenai, Russian, Situk
Last to run are coho salmon starting in July and continuing into November. Fishing picks up in August and lasts through September for these acrobatic fish, also called silver salmon. Key rivers include the Kenai and Situk, with cohos ranging from 8-12 pounds.
- King Salmon – Mid May
- Sockeye Salmon – Early June
- Pink Salmon – July
- Chum Salmon – June
- Coho Salmon – July
Of course, run timing varies annually due to environmental factors. Checking with local guides and bait shops is the best way to get current information on when salmon season starts in a particular river or region of Alaska. With five species spread across the summer, anglers can enjoy months of spectacular salmon fishing in the Last Frontier.
.jpg)
BEST FISHING SEASONS IN ALASKA BY MONTH
May can be one of the best months to take a fishing trip in Alaska as it usually marks the start of the run of King Salmon into the Kenai River and Kasilof River. The weather in May is also starting to improve and eager fishing guides are hitting the river to break off some of that winter rust.
Though this is considered “early season,” mid-to-late May can start to produce some good numbers of King Salmon, especially in the Kasilof River.
Arguably the second or third best time of year to go fishing in Alaska is the month of June if you’re looking to catch salmon. More and more King Salmon are making their way up the rivers and the first run of Sockeye Salmon will be available on the Kenai River on June 11th.
Rainbow Trout and Dolly Varden fishing also opens on June 11th on the Kenai River. Though these species are catch and release by local custom and law, the chance of catching the trout of a lifetime draws anglers from all across the globe to the Kenai River.
The weather in June is also improving dramatically as summer is in full swing. The sun is also up for most of the day and night in June. This is the time of year for long days on the water doing some fly fishing for trout.
July is probably THE best overall month to go fishing in Alaska if you’re looking for sheer numbers of salmon to take home. This is the time of year when families, avid anglers, and first time anglers flock to the Kenai Peninsula for some of the best salmon fishing all year.
Sockeye Salmon fishing usually hits its peak in late-July and the action can be incredible. Many anglers have a great shot at a limit of Sockeye or Red Salmon this time of year on both the Kenai River and Kasilof River.
Early August is a great time to still have a shot at some good Sockeye Salmon fishing. The trout fishing will only get better into mid to late August. Silver Salmon fishing can also pick up during this time as well.
This can be a great time for “combo” fishing packages where anglers can target both salmon and trout in the same day. If you’ve ever wanted to learn how to fly fish, the “bead bite” that happens once some of the Sockeye Salmon begin to spawn is a great time to learn the technique.
September is our “best” time of the year to go fishing in Alaska as guides and avid anglers. July is great for peak Sockeye Salmon, but September is the absolute peak of the trout fishing as well as Silver or Coho Salmon fishing. The action in September is unmatched. If you can get here during this hot month, you won’t be disappointed!
This is the time of year where you can have a legitimate shot at a 30” rainbow trout and perhaps a limit of silver salmon, all in the same day! This is when the fish make us look good as fishing guides!
Even though the weather is starting to turn, October offers some outstanding trout fishing as well as some unbelievable Silver Salmon fishing.
Less and less people will be fishing on the river, so often you feel like you have the entire place to yourself. Fly fishing still dominates this season, but it is a great time for some spin fishing/conventional fishing as well.
PEAK FISHING SEASONS IN ALASKA: THE BEST TIME TO GO FISHING
Peak fishing season in Alaska is May – September most years. The weather in Alaska is usually the best during these months making the fishing conditions more predictable. This is also the time of year when salmon are running the strongest and rainbow trout/Dolly Varden fishing can be the most productive it will be all year.
During the fringe parts of the season in the early spring and late fall, the fishing can still be very good, but the weather does not tend to cooperate like the summer months. We still fish in April, October and many of the winter months, but it takes thick skin and some hefty layers to brave these fishing conditions.
Let us customize the perfect Alaska fishing package for you!
WATCH FOR THE BEST TIMES TO GO FISHING IN ALASKA!
Fishing for King Salmon in Alaska… Then This Happened!
FAQ
What month do the salmon run in Alaska?
Peak Salmon Runs are May to September
If you’re visiting Alaska, you’ll mostly likely to arrive in summer. Peak season for salmon fishing occurs from May through September, with the five major species spread across the season.
What is the best month to go fishing in Alaska?
September is our “best” time of the year to go fishing in Alaska as guides and avid anglers. July is great for peak Sockeye Salmon, but September is the absolute peak of the trout fishing as well as Silver or Coho Salmon fishing. The action in September is unmatched.
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.
What salmon is in season right now in Alaska?
Alaska salmon runs extend from May through October. Fresh water runs typcially begin in mid-May with the arrival of King (Chinook) Salmon, followed by Sockeye runs from June through August. As the season heats up, Pink and Chum salmon runs get into full swing in July and fishing remains strong through late August.