Alaska is world-renowned for its abundant salmon runs. Every year, millions of salmon return from the ocean to spawn in Alaskan rivers and streams. For anglers, this annual migration offers incredible fishing opportunities to catch trophy-sized king, sockeye, coho, chum and pink salmon.
But when exactly is the best time go salmon fishing in Alaska? That depends on which salmon species you want to target, Here is a complete guide to Alaska salmon run timing by species
King Salmon
- Run timing: May – July, peaking in June
- Popular rivers: Kenai, Nushagak, Yukon
- Average weight: 15-30 lbs
- Notes: Kings (also called chinook) are the largest salmon species and a highly prized catch. They enter rivers first in May and June. The world record for a king salmon (97 lbs) was caught in Alaska.
Sockeye Salmon
- Run timing: June – August, peaking in July
- Popular rivers: Copper, Kenai, Kasilof
- Average weight: 4-8 lbs
- Notes: Sockeye (or reds) make long migrations and are valued for their rich red meat. Their numbers peak in July during the height of summer.
Coho Salmon
- Run timing: July – October, peaking in August/September
- Popular rivers: Situk, Taku, Unuk
- Average weight: 8-12 lbs
- Notes: Silvers fight hard and are a favorite light tackle and fly fishing quarry. They run a bit later than kings and sockeye.
Chum Salmon
- Run timing: June – October, peaking in August
- Popular rivers: Yukon, Kuskokwim, Unuk
- Average weight: 8-15 lbs
- Notes: Chums are the latest salmon to spawn, with runs building through the summer and peaking in August. They are known for their extensive runs.
Pink Salmon
- Run timing: July – September, peaking in August
- Popular rivers: Situk, Copper, Kenai
- Average weight: 3-5 lbs
- Notes: Pinks are the smallest and most abundant salmon. Their huge numbers turn streams red in July and August.
- King Salmon: June
- Sockeye Salmon: July
- Coho Salmon: August/September
- Chum Salmon: August
- Pink Salmon: August
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Kenai Salmon Fishing in July
Among locals, July is notorious for the fill the freezer fishing frenzy that accompanies the return of the Kenai River wild and crazy sockeye salmon fishery. Just imaging, last summer on July 17th, 230,643 sockeye, that’s nearly a quarter of a million fish, entered the river on that one day alone. How many rivers can make that claim? What makes it really spectacular is the size of the river, this is no Columbia or Yukon size river by any means. If you need a Kenai River sockeye fishing guide give us a call.
Kenai Salmon and Trout Fishing in September
Rainbow, Dolley Varden, Silver salmon and a combo of all three. September continues with plenty of action from wave after wave of Silver Salmon making their way to the spawning beds in the upper reaches of the Kenai. September is also the time to really hammer in on the trophy rainbow trout of the Kenai River Special Management Area. We are one of the lucky few that have the permits necessary to legally fish in theis special management area of the Kenai watershed.
Grizzly Bears: The Drama of the Alaskan Salmon Run | Alaska | Wild Travel | Robert E Fuller
FAQ
When can I see 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 month is best for salmon fishing in Alaska?
Are the salmon running in Alaska right now?
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.
What is the salmon run in Alaska 2025?
The 2025 Alaska salmon season is projected to be strong, with record-breaking sockeye forecasts for some areas and a total commercial harvest potentially exceeding 200 million fish.
When do salmon run in Alaska?
We also recommend revieing the Alaska Fishing Seasons guide for general salmon run timing charts by region. King Salmon, commonly referred to as Chinook, run from mid-May through the end of July. Run dates and duration vary slightly from region to region.
When is salmon fishing season in Alaska?
October – Later part of silver salmon run. Chum salmon runs occur. So the core Alaska salmon fishing season is from May through September when most of the runs occur. But good fishing can happen earlier and later depending on location. The precise timing of salmon returns varies across Alaska based on differences between the major regions:
How is Alaska salmon run timing determined?
These factors are all dependent upon when you’re coming to Alaska and what your goals are. Determining the Alaska salmon run timing is actually pretty straight forward. Data is gathered every year down to the single fish. Furthermore, this is done for more than 100 rivers and species of salmon throughout the state.
What is Alaska salmon fishing?
Alaska Salmon fishing is all about understanding the Alaska salmon run timing. It’s important to understand your goals and to understand the timing of each of these runs and there are trade-offs. Are you interested in a quick easy halibut trip to catch 40-50 lb fish?
When do Alaskan sockeye salmon run?
The tables below list the historic run dates and peak activity for Alaskan Sockeye salmon. The first sockey run is from late-May through early July. The second run is from mid-July to mid-August. The first run peaks from mid-June through mid-July. The late run begins mid-July and extends through August.
When does a salmon run start?
The salmon run typically starts in the springtime, around April or May, and runs into the autumn depending on the geographic area and species. The run isn’t consistent from year to year both in terms of numbers of fish and timing, and the main runs take place in July and August. “King salmon are usually the first to return.