When Does the Salmon Run Start in Alaska? A Guide to the Peak Fishing Season

Alaska is world-renowned for its incredible salmon fishing Each summer, all five species of Pacific salmon make the long journey back to Alaska’s rivers, lakes and streams to spawn For anglers, knowing when these salmon runs occur is the key to planning a successful fishing trip during peak season. In this complete guide, we will cover everything you need to know about when the salmon run starts in Alaska and the best months to catch these prized fish.

Overview of the 5 Species of Salmon in Alaska

There are five types of salmon that can be caught in Alaska:

• King salmon, also called Chinook, are the largest salmon species, with some monster kings weighing over 40 pounds as adults.

• Sockeye salmon, known for their bright red spawning coloration, average 4-8 pounds

• Silver salmon, called coho, are acrobatic fighters when hooked on light tackle. They average 6-12 pounds.

• Pink salmon, nicknamed humpies due to the large hump that develops on spawning males, average 2-5 pounds.

• Chum salmon are primarily used for food, oil and pet food, averaging 4-8 pounds.

When Do Salmon Runs Occur in Alaska?

The exact timing of salmon runs varies across Alaska’s massive geography, but the general framework is:

• May – Early king salmon begin entering rivers. Sockeye and pink salmon runs commence.

• June – The peak of the king salmon run. Sockeye runs build throughout the month.

• July – The height of the sockeye run. Pink salmon are abundant.

• August – King salmon winding down but silver salmon rapidly increase in numbers.

• September – Peak of the coho (silver) salmon run. Pink salmon runs continue.

• October – Later part of the silver salmon run. Chum salmon also begin spawning runs.

So the core Alaska salmon fishing season when most runs occur is from May through September. However, good fishing can happen earlier and later depending on the region and targeted species.

Salmon Run Start Dates by Major Region

The exact timing of salmon returns varies across different regions of Alaska:

Southeast Alaska

• May/June – Peak of king salmon run. Early sockeye runs begin.

• July – Massive sockeye salmon runs occur. Pink salmon are abundant.

• August/September – Peak of silver and pink salmon runs. Chum salmon begin appearing.

Southcentral Alaska (Kenai Peninsula, Anchorage)

• Late May – Early king salmon enter rivers.

• June/July – Peak of king salmon run. Sockeye run builds up.

• July – Height of sockeye run. Pink salmon widespread.

• August/September – Silver and pink salmon peak spawning activity.

Bristol Bay (Nushagak River, Kvichak River)

• June – First king salmon enter Bristol Bay’s rivers.

• July – Peak of the huge sockeye run Bristol Bay is famous for.

• August – Silver salmon begin their spawning run.

Kodiak

• June – King salmon run begins in earnest.

• July – Peak of the king salmon run. Pink salmon abundant.

• August/September – Silver salmon start their spawning run.

Cook Inlet (Kenai River, Susitna River)

• Mid May – Early king salmon run begins.

• June – Peak king salmon activity. Sockeye run builds.

• July – Height of sockeye run. Pink salmon widespread.

• August/September – Silver and pink salmon runs occur.

When Do Specific Salmon Species Run in Alaska?

Here is more detail on when each species of salmon runs in Alaska:

King (Chinook) Salmon

• Run timing: Late May until late July

• Peak activity: June and July

King salmon runs start in late May with the early run timing. The peak of king salmon activity occurs in June and July before tapering off in late July.

Sockeye Salmon

• Run timing: Mid-June through late August

• Peak activity: July

After king salmon, sockeye salmon runs really ramp up in June and hit their peak during July. Good sockeye fishing can continue through late August.

Silver (Coho) Salmon

• Run timing: July through October

• Peak activity: September

As other salmon runs wind down, silver salmon really get going in August and peak in September. Late run silvers can be caught into October.

Pink Salmon

• Run timing: July and August

• Peak activity: July and August

Most pink salmon runs occur during the core months of July and August. Their abundance makes them a popular summer target.

Chum Salmon

• Run timing: June through November

• Peak activity: October

Chum salmon runs have a wide range, with a minor run in summer and bigger runs in the fall. Late October sees peak numbers of chum salmon.

Tips for Salmon Fishing Success

To maximize your chances during the salmon run:

• Time your trip for peak run months of your target species.

• Be flexible and try different techniques if one isn’t producing.

• Use heavier line/leaders for the big salmon.

• Consider hiring a fishing charter guide for expert advice.

• Obtain proper licenses and know the regulations.

• Don’t give up – some days the fish are just less active!

Plan an Epic Alaska Salmon Fishing Adventure

As you can see, salmon runs occur across a wide range of months in Alaska. With a little planning around peak times, plus flexibility with locations and methods, you can experience incredible salmon fishing on your Alaska trip. Hitting the salmon run at the right time is the key to a catching trophy fish. Use this guide to help plan your adventure during Alaska’s peak salmon fishing season!