With a full day, you will have plenty of time to get to a few different spots and catch tons of fish. Homer is home to some of the best salmon and halibut fishing in the world. MAY thru SEPTEMBER Fishery The Best Place to Catch Salmon in Alaska - Salmon Facts I grew up fishing for anything that swims but really loved fishing for trout, chain pickerel, bass, and bullheads in my teenage years. Kenai River Fishing Seasons | Best Months to Fish Salmon in Alaska If you are going to fish the Kenai stay at Jimmie Jacks Lodge. Its an all-day adventure with plenty of rod-bending action and plenty of delicious halibut fillets to take back home at the end of the trip. Here in Homer, Alaska we catch king salmon year round! Multi-day trips can include fly-in trips or just going out with the same charter multiple days in a row. The river is full of coho salmon, chum salmon, pink salmon, and sockeye salmon. Youll find the most diverse selection of species here, too, which means there will be something for everyone. Knowing the best time of year to fish these rich waters can make a huge difference. In early June, the Kenai River's salmon run begins with silvers and cohos, followed by kings in late August. From their signature dish of sockeye salmon to the boats that navigate these waters and even down to what they wearKetchikans are proud people who like showing off their love for this land-based delicacy called salmon.. The most commonly targeted fish at night is the lingcod. Traditionally, fishing is very productive during the rising tides. Its the time of the year when the vast majority of fish species are active. They give a preference to the Kenai River due to excellent salmon fishing. If nothing else, you can fish Halibut all summer in Alaska. Sockeye Salmon - Upper and Middle Kenai River Halibut, Ling Cod, Yellow Eye, and Sea Bass - Homer, Seward or Cook Inlet Ocean Fishing SEPTEMBER Rainbow Trout/ Dolly Varden - Upper and Middle Kenai River at its best Silver Salmon - Kenai River or Kasilof River Justice Samuel Alito took luxury fishing vacation with GOP billionaire When Is the Best Time to Fish For Salmon in Alaska? Full-day fishing trips. The peak season for rockfish is in the summer when more of them start to migrate north and into nearshore waters. I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. Some popular spots for steelhead include the Stariski Creek, Kasilof River, and Anchor River. Hi, Jimmie Jack here! Located west of Homer, up the highway, this short drive can have big payoffs. Go fishing when your target species are the most active. Generally, the average weight of the chum salmon is about 10 pounds but, you can also catch some weighing 15 pounds. This is the most popular option among anglers booking trips. Sign up below! The Lingcod season runs July through the end of August. King Salmon fishing begins in May, and you can continue fishing for Silver Salmon all the way through November. Both have plenty of other species, but the rainbow trout fishing there is great. Halibut season runs from March through November. Clean lodge and boats. Check out this guide for a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Alaska. Youll still need a boat to target them, but they will be in easier-to-reach spots. The most enjoyable and most productive halibut fishing is during the two weeks each month when the tides are the smallest. Full days are more for hardcore anglers who wont have an issue spending a full day out in a boat, so if you are looking to book a family trip, a half-day might be a better option for you. The Kenai River has gained huge popularity among avid fishermen. The size of this run is smaller than the second run but with fewer anglers & boats participating in this fishery the experience can be much more pleasant with less competition on the water. Halibut season in Homer is from May to mid-September and the limit is 2 halibut per day and an annual charter limit of 4 halibut. Seward Fishing Charters | The Best Salmon and Halibut | ALASKA.ORG If you want to learn more about the best time to fish for salmon in Alaska or want to book Action Alaska Sportfishing for the best salmon fishing experience in Sitka, Alaska, visit our website today. Night fishing for lingcod can produce a lot of fish, they like the low light conditions and start to be more active. If you're after Coho salmon, the time to fish is at the end of August clear through October. Where to Go Salmon Fishing in Alaska - Sunset Magazine For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Anchorage, please check out this helpful article I wrote. Some popular areas to fish for sockeyes are the Kasilof River and fishing out of Homer. Haines, Alaska is home to five types of salmon. When is the best time to fish at Alaska fishing lodges? Boy, was I wrong! The best times to book charters are during halibut and lingcod season, which is usually the best during mid-summer. An inline spinner is a good way to cover plenty of water if youre targeting salmon, if youre looking for a mixed bag, cut or live bait is the way to go. Despite only weighing around 10-15 pounds, Chum Salmon has a lot of fight in them, which is possibly why they are known as Dirty Dogs in many places. Best Time To Fish Alaska - Talaheim Fishing Lodge Its necessary to take into account the fish species that you target and the fishing techniques that you are going to use. You can find shore access here on Crossman Ridge Road. They are almost always caught at offshore reefs, so a charter will be necessary to get them. Our freshwater guides and saltwater skippers choose from over a dozen different salmon runs and fisheries during the season. Fishing near Homer is the most productive between May and September. You should try to book as early as possible if you are looking to fish during those species peak season. So, anglers can fish during the morning, afternoon, or evening hours. The best times to book a charter for salmon would be when the salmon are running into the rivers, you can get a lot of salmon from shore during these times but having a charter can make it so you dont need to worry about overfished spots from shore. The upper Kenai opens June 11 above Skilak Lake and has a remarkable catch and release trout fishery where in-river numbers have been estimated by the US Fish & Wildlife Service to reach as many as 2000 rainbows per mile; some exceeding 20 pounds. They still wont be very close to shore, making them hard to target without a boat. The best time to fish is two hours before and after a tidal change. Fishing Seasons in Alaska: The Complete Guide - FishingBooker For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish in Kenai, please check out this helpful article I wrote. The lodge is situated on a gravel bar in the river, making it easy for you to spend a day or more trying to catch these beauties. One other option would be to visit one of the larger fishing hubs such as Homer or Ketchikan and try your luck there. A fishing season that is great but isnt all that busy would be in the spring. Drifting or trolling over deep holes is a productive method to catch any kind of salmon, mainly using inline spinners or a crankbait with a flasher. Professional, friendly and successful captains!, Im glad we chose Jimmie Jack Fishing. Flashy jigs that imitate baitfish are very effective for catching lingcod, the main presentation is drifting. What this means for you is an opportunity to fish for salmon, halibut and trout from late May through September. There are a lot of fish in these areas, but if youre looking to do a lingcod and halibut trip, they may take you out to extremely deep water. Their arrival and presence in the river throughout the months of August and September make them the perfect fish to complement late season rainbow trout and dolly varden. The world-famous Kenai Peninsula is home to some of the best salmon, trout, and halibut fishing in Alaska. The best time to travel to Alaska for fishing tends to be in the summer months of June, July, and August for peak season. The Best Time To Travel To Alaska | Entre Destinations The best times to fish all of the spots on the spit would be morning and evening when the fish will be swimming closer to the spit compared to deeper water. This confluence is one of the most popular fisheries in South Central Alaska. But the best location for sure is Kenai River, which is probably the richest river in all of the Americahere you can catch all five species of salmon. Rockfish are the most active in the early morning. England offers some of the best fishing in Europe. Mid-June through Mid-August is the best season with salmon runs throughout. Ship Creek 4 4. Chum salmon can be found in the same rivers as every other species of salmon, but some of the most popular spots in the state are the Nushagak River and Kenai River. For a complete breakdown of the best times to fish Sitka, please check out this helpful article I wrote. Call nowLearn More These fish become much more active at night and will move a little shallower. Fishing in the morning. Youll also find pink salmon in the same spots as silvers, pinks will put up a great fight and are generally the smallest out of the dominant salmon species in the area. Year-round availability; ice fishing is especially popular. Its a large basin that is full of fish. The rich waters around Toronto offers some of the best fishing in Canada. A great many of our clients enjoy fly fishing for rainbows and dollies but for those who prefer spin gear, that method can be just as effective and rewarding. Ship Creek (Lower) | ALASKA.ORG Its a good place to visit if you are a trout fisherman. Pike are technically an invasive species, but anglers dont mind them being in Alaskan waters. Anglers can book a half-day or full-day charter to enjoy fishing in the Ninilchik River. Tides can have a big impact on your fishing day, so its important to pay attention to them. Grayling are commonly found in small streams but can be found in larger rivers as well. Cody Loomis, and his wife, Marlie, have lived in Sitka since 2006. Whether its fishing, hunting, or camping with friends you can find me out there every chance that arises . These are the best times for both charter and shore fishing. Alaskas Premier Fishing Experience When they run, they run in groups of millions of fish, so during the even years, you can expect a ton of pink salmon. Fishing is also good during the times leading up to high tide for the same reasons. The king salmon arrives in June and is in the fishing season until September. FreshwaterFishingAdvice is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. A fishing season in Kenai Peninsula starts in the late spring and ends in the early fall. Types of Salmon Expect to catch salmon when coming to Alaska from May through October. The coho salmon is the first to enter fresh water in early June, with the sockeye salmon following close behind. By Cody McLaughlin. The Silver Salmon or Cohos begin returning to the Kenai and Kasilof Rivers in late July or early August. There are other great spots all over Alaska to catch salmon, so its important to do your research before you go. A great DIY option is to travel and camp the Denali Highway, which runs across the south edge of the Alaska . The trip usually concludes between 5 - 6:00 p.m. Jimmie Jacks Captain will put you on halibut and rockfish in June, and silver salmon, lingcod and rockfish in July and August. The fishing season in Nikiski starts in the late spring and finishes in the late summer. Fishing for lingcod in Kenai Peninsula is best between July and August. If you make a purchase after clicking on a link we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. FreshwaterFishingAdvice is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Salmon Fishing In Alaska Guide and Tips - Fishbasics 1 Alaska Salmon Species 2 Coho Salmon Fishing In Alaska 3 King Salmon Fishing In Alaska 4 Alaska Fishing For Pink Salmon 5 Sockeye Salmon Fishing 6 Steelhead Fishing In Alaska 7 Incidental Trout Fishing In Alaska 8 Best Time For Alaska Salmon Fishing 8.1 Alaska Salmon Fishing Seasons 9 Fishing Licence and Regulations For Fishing For Alaska Salmon Chum salmon run twice a year, making them one of the most accessible species of salmon in the state. The best time of the year to fish in the Kenai Peninsula is from May through September offering the big salmon runs, great trout angling, and saltwater fishing opportunities. Jigging swimbaits or spoons are also effective for lingcod. It is the official state fish of Alaska. However, you will be amazed once you have a catch of this salmon species. The closest rivers to Homer are the Fox River and an unnamed river at the north side of the Kachemak Bay. Its possible to fish for dolly varden in Kenai Peninsula all year round. This king salmon run begins at the same time as the early king run on the Kenai River. The Kenai River is the right place to visit if you would like to catch king salmon during a Kenai Peninsula fishing trip. An 8 wt rod is the minimum for most Salmon species, while Chinook warrant a 10 wt rod. Its crucial for anglers to go fishing at the right time. All Rights Reserved. The bay is also a good fishing destination for those anglers, who are interested in targeting king salmon as well as silver salmon. May through November is the best season with salmon runs throughout. Russian River Fishing and Ferry and Salmon Fish Guide - Alaska Most species of fish will be more active in the morning before the sun hits its peak. So what are the best times and seasons to fish in Alaska for both saltwater and freshwater? Although the Kenai River is world-famous for its king salmon fishing, there are a great many anglers throughout the world who are also aware of the trophy class rainbow trout and Dolly Varden (char) fisheries it supports. Whitefish are small, silver fish found in freshwater and are the most common fish in Alaska. The species of salmon you want to fish for can determine the time you want to visit. May through mid-September is the best fishing time for Homer halibut. Experienced. On the other hand, full-day trips are more expensive than half-day ones. King salmon enter the river in August. Fly anglers can cast with a single-hand or spey rod to catch Salmon. Since then, I've lived across the country and have really taken that passion for fishing to a new level. Last year was great. Understanding the best seasons and times to fish near Toronto can greatly impact your success. Best Time to Fish in Alaska [9 Species] - Any Travel Tips For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish in Homer, please check out this helpful guide. The best times to fish for them are from May to September. A peak season to fish for Alaskan flounder is between May and September. Ill send you more information about the charters available in June, with videos, guide commentary and special offers. The first run of king salmon appear in catchable numbers in early May when the river is low and very clear. The skippers you fish with operate from the beaches along Deep Creek near the community of Ninilchik or out of the Homer area further south. However, you may even find ones that weigh upwards of 50 pounds. This is the best time to be a bank angler fishing the Kenai River . The bigger your catch, the better, and you can find some big ones during peak times from mid-May till the end of July. You can jig plastics as well, but fresh bait is the better option. at the beginning of summer to get it soon without a long waiting period and enjoy fishing for Salmon in Alaskan waters. If you cant spend a full day on fishing in Kenai Peninsula, then 1/2 day fishing trips are worth considering. With the lakes and most of the rivers being frozen over, ice fishing is very popular in the winter. England offers some of the best fishing in Europe. Salmon Fishing in Alaska | Best 7 Spots to Fish Copyright 2023 Action Alaska Sportfishing LLC. Youll generally want to get out on the water in the early morning to target kings, but they can be caught all day. Kenai Riverside Fishing - Alaska Wildland Adventures June through October is the best fishing time for Anchorage rockfish. For a complete breakdown of the best time to fish in the Kasilof River, please check out this helpful guide. Lets discuss each Salmon species and the best time to fish for each in Alaska. However, you should apply for and buy your license at the beginning of summer to get it soon without a long waiting period and enjoy fishing for Salmon in Alaskan waters. Dolly varden can be found in Bristol Bay. FILE - A troller fishes in Sitka Sound, Alaska on February 2, 2021. On the other hand, fishing in the morning is not always successful during the cold months. Best Times & Seasons to Fish Alaska (Freshwater & Saltwater) I am an avid angler and outdoorsman. They are mainly found in streams, rivers, and some lakes. This is fishing paradise! Simply put, the best time to fish for Salmon in Alaska is during the summers. Here you will find dozens of Northern Pike on a daily basis and they can reach up to 30 or 35 pounds. The Kasilof River salmon run begins in early June with the silvers and cohos, followed by pink salmon in late July. Not only is this great for locals, but its a hot spot for travelers on their way to Alaska. Mid JUNE JULY early AUGUST Fishery Homer is home to some of the best salmon and halibut fishing in the world. Or, come earlier and participate in the Halibut Tournament which . You have lakes, streams and the Ketchikan Creek to choose fromgo solo, use charters, or stay in a fishing lodge. But there is a catch! The Kenai River has become a popular fishing spot among anglers, who want to target rockfish. The biggest run is July through September. Multi-day charters are the perfect choice for anglers, who want to spend several days fishing in Kenai Peninsula. Also, its important to know how their targeted fish species react to tides in Kenai Peninsula. FreshwaterFishingAdvice is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Shutting down salmon trollers won't save endangered orcas. As for trout, grayling, and char, theyll be available year-round but will surge in the spring as the water warms up. Youll need to park by the road and walk out to the reservoir as there arent any other roads around the reservoir. Salmon fishing is not just something you can do in Alaska, but pretty much anywhere with salmon rivers. During these months, there is a peak in numbers in mid-July on the Kenai River and a peak in early June on the Kasilof River. Enjoying the unspoiled wilderness, exceptional fishing far from the beaten path, and the magnificent scenery that surrounds you on this type of adventure will provide lifelong memories. The charters are also going to be busy during the summer as this is when the weather is the best and more tourists will be in the area than usual. The Kenai River has such prolific runs that it deserves to mention its three distinct sections: Lower Kenai (best during summer), Middle-Kenai river(perfect year-round), and upper or Kasilof branch, which provides excellent flyfishing opportunities throughout all seasons. Large intruder-style flies are effective for swinging. If youre planning to book a trip around this time, its smart to try to book as soon as you know you are going. King salmon are one of the most sought-after species of salmon in the state. This site is owned and operated by Eric Matechak. The captains are knowledgeable, friendly, and are sure to put you on fish. Bright-colored flies with pink, chartreuse, and purple are popular. Anglers should always study the bite times and go fishing when their favorite species are the most active. Other factors to think of are how much sunlight you will be getting. May through September is the peak rainbow trout season in Alaska. Pink Salmon have a two-year life cycle. Full Day Multi-Species Seward Fishing Trips leaves at 7:00am and return at 3:00pm. Salmon Fishing Season. Rockfish are most active from June through October and there is no closed season. The early-run averages about 41,000 fish, and the Russian River Sockeye Salmon Management Plan sets the early-run escapement range at 22,000-42,000 sockeye salmon past the weir. Halibut, lingcod, rockfish, chinook salmon, chum salmon, sockeye salmon as well as pink salmon are the most active during the summertime. They are the most abundant of the five Salmon species, and the best part is that they are also the most delicious. Nothing quite compares to Salmon fishing in Alaska. Another possible downside of a full day is seasickness. Kings headed to other spawning grounds run right through Ketchikan. During these times, there will be much less daylight and the water will be much colder. Discover the best time of day to catch bass, trout, catfish, panfish, walleye, carp, and many more depending on the season, moon phases, and weather. Bag limits for the mainstem of the Kenai are three reds per day and at an average of 8 pounds each it doesnt take long to fill your fish box. The warmer water will make fish become more active in the shallower areas near mud bay. I grew up fishing for anything that swims but really loved fishing for trout, chain pickerel, bass, and bullheads in my teenage years. Vibrax size 5-6 and pink or orange-colored pixies work well for bait in saltwater; salmon roe will get you hooked up when fishing near a body of freshwater too! With clear waters and great views, you can catch rainbow trout and dolly varden here. It is very popular for back trolling for Kings in the early seasons of May, June and July. The best time for Pink Salmon fishing in Alaska is from mid-July to mid-August. Fishermen can also target rockfish during their Kenai Peninsula trips. The best times to fish near Best Times & Seasons to Fish in England (Complete Guide). Full-day fishing trips allow anglers to get more bites and increase their chance to catch a trophy fish. June 22, 2023. March through September is the best time to catch pike in Alaska. Also, anglers are provided with food and drinks during multi-day fishing trips. Since then, I've lived across the country and have continued learning about fishing. However, winter fishing is still possible in the region. If youre up for a drive, Bluff Point can be a great spot to catch fish. The fish like these tides because the moving tides will bring in new food, cleaner water, and current. They have big teeth and the biggest can get up to 50 inches. In addition, the nature around Kenai is truly amazing, so it is worth visiting at least for the picturesque landscapes. From mid-July to mid august. There are over 30 different types of rockfish in Alaska, making them a popular target for anglers traveling to the area. Anglers choice depends on a variety of factors. When Is the Best Time for Salmon Fishing in Alaska? After that, you should study the bite times of your favorite fish species. Sign up below. Ill send you more information about the charters available in September, with videos, guide commentary and special offers. You can still find them out in the ocean all throughout the year. By clicking the links below, you will be taken to the charters respective profile on Fishing Booker where you can read reviews, learn more about the charter, view photos, and book online at the best rate. Another of our popular choices is flying to a remote river to fish for fresh silver salmon entering from the Inlet. Ask the Pro's: What's the best time of year to fish for Silver Salmon Silvers run during the early fall, usually from August to September. Rainbows will generally be in tributaries to lakes and stay there their entire lives. The second run of Sockeye usually hits river-wide around the 19th or so of July. During the fall, the salmon start to run into the rivers, inland fish are starting to bulk up for winter, and offshore fish are still active. If youre looking for a certain species, the best time to book a charter would be that species peak season, but if you are just looking to catch as many fish as possible, fall will be a good option for you. Salmon Fishing in Alaska | When is the Best Time to Go! Silver salmon are more aggressive and will give you more bites compared to kings, so you should try to cover as much water as possible. There are times where the fishing here is a bit like combat fishing, but everyone will usually get fish. Very good rockfish angling continues into October. The Kenai River is known for the best fishing in Alaska. Year-round availability; peak season is February through early December. In Alaska, some areas may seem similar, but each area offers its own unique experiences. The rich waters around Toronto offers some of the best fishing in Canada. Alaska's king salmon are declining at an alarming rate. 2023 Copyright Freshwater Fishing Advice, link to Best Times & Seasons to Fish in Toronto (Complete Guide), link to Best Times & Seasons to Fish in England (Complete Guide), best water temperatures for salmon fishing. In the earlier months of the season, you can find the salmon in nearshore waters, and in the late summer and fall, youll find them in rivers connected to the ocean. This means that fishing during the afternoon is your best option during these times. During May and part of June many of the Ninilchik area captains offer our guests combo trips..a chance to troll for near-shore migrating king salmon during part of the trip and then switch to halibut fishing for the remainder of the day. The second run usually arrives in mid-July and is the larger of the two runs, averaging around 72,000 fish. Cook Inlet is another popular fishing destination in Kenai Peninsula. The fishing here is good all summer but as salmon begin to spawn in this area in late August the action picks up to a heated pace as big rainbows and dollies move in to feed on the abundant loose salmon eggs. Rockfish. August is the best month of the year to target coho salmon. The best times to fish this spot are just before the salmon start going into the rivers and tributaries and the best tide is just before the high tide. Inline spinners are a very productive way to fish here, but fresh bait and fly fishing also work well. Fall-run steelhead are the second most common type of steelhead and run in the streams and rivers from August to October. The weather will also be calmer during this time, making strong winds, storms, and rough water conditions less of an issue. Fishing in the afternoon. We hope you love the products we recommend! Bright inline spinners and jigs are very good artificial baits for salmon. Lets say that you are going to fish for halibut during a Kenai Peninsula fishing trip.